Why Are We Called Watermark
Many people have asked why we are called Watermark Community Church. Before you is the thinking which led to our choosing Watermark for our name. First, we wanted a name that would not cause others, especially those outside the community of faith, to assume that they knew what they were going to experience when they visit us. If others are going to reject us, we want them do it based on who we are, not who they think we are based on stereotypes they might associate with our name. This ruled out using any denominational labels or names like St. XXXXX's, XXXXX Bible Church, or XXXXX Fellowship.
Second, we did not want our name to be geographically limiting. We know we will move a lot these first months and we did not want a name that would severely limit our location or the scope of people that we hoped to minister to.
Finally, we wanted a name that was illustrative, a name that would allow us to share our heart when we first shared who we were. When people ask "What is the meaning behind your name?", or "Why are you called Watermark?", we have an opportunity to begin to reveal to them our heart, and often enter into a conversation where we can share how we believe our Lord intends to use us and how we want to live in response to His great love.
Below are the illustrations, and corresponding applications, that we hope will give us many opportunities to share with others our passion and intentions as a community.
A watermark is an impression made on a piece of paper or currency that is visible when it is held up to the light.
It is a symbol of authenticity. It lets people know they are not dealing with something that is counterfeit. Even so, we want to be an authentic people who are known for their transparency, integrity and sincerity of heart. We want to serve Christ together by creating an environment that allows others to be who they are as they are first introduced to and then grow into the image of Jesus Christ. When people know us well, (hold us up to the light of time and intimacy), we want them to say "there is a group of people with a sincere faith and an authentic relationship with each other and Jesus Christ." People are drawn to authenticity.
It is a symbol of quality or excellence. You do not buy cheap paper with a watermark on it. You expect quality and a commitment to excellence when you see a watermark. We want to be known as a body committed to excellence because we believe our Lord, and those He has left us here to serve, are worthy of the best we can offer. Excellence honors God and inspires people.
A watermark is a mark showing the height to which water has risen in a flood or during high / low tide.
The continual presence of water at a certain level leaves a mark long after it is gone. Similarly, it is our passion that long after we are gone evidence that we, God's people, have been here will remain. We hope you will join us as we seek to make a lasting impression for Christ in Dallas and in the world.
