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Elders at Watermark

Our Elder Team

After months of seeking wisdom, prayer, and confirmation from the Lord, we are pleased to announce that Brian Buchek and David Leventhal will be added to our pastoral leadership team as Elders. As we minister to a growing number of people in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Plano, and consider extending our mission into the Frisco area, we are thankful that God has provided the Elders, Campus Shepherds, and other faithful campus leaders necessary to shepherd the flock He has entrusted to us.

Want to know more about the process for adding Elders or the role of Elder at Watermark? Explore our Leadership FAQs below.

Questions, thoughts, or feedback to share with our Leadership Team? Please email elders@watermark.org.

Leadership FAQs

Below you’ll find answers to some of the questions that are frequently asked of the Elders. Did you miss the 2017 Evening with the Elders? Watch here.

Leadership | Our Campuses | Membership | Community
Marriage | Biblical Worldview

LEADERSHIP

What is the process for adding Elders?

When evaluating a potential Elder, we look for the "3Ms:"

  • Maturity: General maturity and spiritual maturity.
  • Marriage: The health of the marriage and the maturity of the spouse. If there is not a ministry at home, then there is not a ministry with others.
  • Margin: Enough available time to fulfill the requirements of being an Elder.

Once a potential Elder is identified, the Elder team will walk through an extensive process with them, including the following:

  • Several personal meetings
  • Spending time with their family, community, and business associates
  • A written and oral "exam:" 36 doctrinal and current event questions
  • Group meetings with other core leaders for multiple weeks
  • Staff feedback
  • Church body feedback

Are you considering adding more Elders?

  • We are always looking for men who are qualified to hold the office of Elder. We continue to seek God’s leading as additions to the Elder team are considered.
  • It is critical for Elders to maintain the spirit of unity and the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3-6). The larger the Elder team grows, the more difficult it is to maintain those relationships.
  • Both the Plano and Fort Worth campuses have Campus Shepherds, who are equipped to disciple and lead others as the pursue full devotion to Christ. We are considering adding Campus Shepherds at the Dallas campus.

To learn more about the role of Elders at Watermark, click here.

What are the Elders most excited about at Watermark?

Why do we have Campus Pastors?

Each of our satellite campuses have a campus pastor that provides leadership and vision to that specific campus. That is Tyler Briggs in Fort Worth, Kyle Kaigler in Plano and Connor Baxter in Frisco. Todd will continue to use his leadership and teaching gifts across all four campuses. Click play on the video below to hear more.

How can the men of our body grow in their relationship with God?

One way we do this is through our men’s Bible study, Summit, where men can join small groups of other men. Additionally, be sure to check out Unashamed, Equipped Disciple, and our Core Classes.

What’s Watermark’s view on women teachers and Elders?

You can find more information regarding our view on this topic on the RTRQ titled, "What Is The Role Of Women In Ministry?"

Has Todd’s book been published?

Yes! "Come & See" is available wherever books are sold.

Todd explains why he wrote "Come & See" here.

OUR CAMPUSES

Why Does Watermark Have Satellite Campuses?

Does Watermark have any plans to start additional campuses?

  • A group of Watermark members from Frisco is meeting to pray and go through pastoral epistles together.
  • Our downtown efforts are slowing for now.
  • We remain open to wherever God leads us.

What are we doing to keep our campuses safe?

  • We’re doing our part; our teams are trained and ready.
  • We’re trusting the Lord to protect us.
  • “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.” (Psalm 127:1)
  • “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.” (Proverbs 21:31)

It’s crowded in Dallas. How are we making room?
Consider attending our evening services as much as you can. There is plenty of room.

MEMBERSHIP

How does someone that goes to Watermark know he or she is a Member?

Learn more about the Membership Process here.

If you have any questions about the Membership process (or your Membership status) please email us.

What are we doing to make our church more diverse?

We’re trying to love Jesus more. If we love Him more, we will love others more, regardless of their race. Diversity is not a goal, it’s a by-product of healthy relationships with Jesus. We recognize DFW’s culture is getting more and more diverse, so we have hired someone to help us lead and be more intentional about reaching our increasingly diverse culture. Please contact Oscar for more information and to get involved.

COMMUNITY

Why does Watermark want Members only in community groups?

Is there any other mechanism for fostering community group formation other than Community Formation events?

Sure! One of the best ways for community groups to form is organically; that is asking others that you know to be a part of your community. Additionally, affinity groups are a great way to meet new people and start community groups (Men's and Women’s Bible Study, re:generation, re|engage, Core Classes, etc.)

How can I find out who the point of contact is for my community group?

If you don’t know who your community’s point of contact is, email community@watermark.org, and we’ll make sure to help.

What are some questions or ways we can increase authenticity in our community group?

Check out this helpful link from our community team full of resources and helpful ideas.

Does Watermark have a list of opportunities to serve that enable community groups to serve together?

Yes! Our External Focus ministry sends an email every month with serving opportunities. You can sign up for that here. You can also jump in with any of our external ministry partners by clicking HERE.

MARRIAGE

Can a marriage destroyed by betrayal be still recovered and redeemed?

Yes! We hear stories like this regularly through our marriage ministry, re|engage. Check out this link to hear some of these stories.

BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW

What is Watermark’s view on same sex marriage?

Watermark's Statement on Same-Sex Marriage

Check out this RTRQ on our thoughts on this topic.

What is your view on counselors and medication?

You can find our view on if a Christian should go to a counselor in this episode of RTRQ and our thoughts on taking medication for depression and anxiety here.

What is Watermark’s view on communion?

You can find our view on communion on this episode of RTRQ.

Is Watermark a cessationist church?

Please also check out the RTRQ titled "Do Miracles Still Happen Like They Did In The Bible?"

What is Watermark’s stance on the “sign gifts” such as tongues, prayer language, prophecy, etc.?

You can learn more about our view on these topics here:

What is the Elders’ view on technology, for example, live streaming at home vs attending Sundays mornings? Watch with my community group at home to make room?

  • God’s plan is for us to experience life together with others.
  • Whatever you do, glorify God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
  • Examine your motives. Are you focused on your own needs or serving others?
  • We gather corporately to encourage each other. (Hebrews 3:13 and 10:24-25)
  • Submit your life to Christ and the leaders He has placed in spiritual authority over you. (Hebrews 13:17)

Check out this RTRQ on why you should go to church if you can watch online.

PAST EVENINGS WITH THE ELDERS

The Elders of Watermark meet periodically with members of the body to listen, answer questions and provide updates on what’s happening across our church. Watch our two most recent events below.

2017 Evenings with the Elders

Additional resources from 2017 Evening with the Elders

Watch the DC Vision Video Below: What We Did in the Beginning.

2016 Evening with the Elders

Click here to download a copy of the slides used during that evening.

Watermark Fort Worth / Elders