Watermark Residency Program
August 2013-May 2014
We are no longer accepting applications for the 2013-2014 Resident class. Please check back in January 2014 for the new application.
Hear from Our 2012 Residents
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Watermark Residency Program is to provide biblical training with real life ministry experience for gifted leaders who desire to serve in vocational ministry.
- Biblical - We believe the Bible is the Word of God and our conscience, guide and authority for everything.
- Training - Our goal is to train residents by allowing them to observe, participate and then own various ministry responsibilities.
- Real Life - Our training provides an immensely practical, hands-on approach through daily mentoring opportunities & real life case studies.
- Ministry - We evaluate the effectiveness of our ministry by our ability to be and make disciples.
- Experience - We believe the best learning comes from real life experience and that ministry is better "caught than taught."
- Gifted Leaders - Our desire is to invest in gifted leaders who will, in turn, invest in others.
- Vocational Ministry - The residency is specifically designed for those who feel led to serve in vocational ministry within a local church context.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR CANDIDACY
- Character – A life of integrity and the moral authority to call others to follow you as you follow Christ
- Chemistry – Emotionally healthy and able to work well within a team
- Competency – Theologically discerning and proven leadership gifts
- Calling – A clear sense of the Lord’s calling
CANDIDACY PROCESS
- Application
- Resume (Please include picture & references)
- Phone Interview
- In-Person Interview
- Director Approval
MINISTRY SPECIALTIES
Each resident will have the opportunity to “specialize” in one of the following ministries:
- Children
- College
- Community
- Equipping
- External Focus
- Marriage
- Pastoral Care & re:generation
- Students (Jr. & Sr. High)
- Worship & Arts
- Young Adults
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
- Watermark staff meeting– This is a time in which we gather to share what the Lord is doing in our midst, what we are learning from God’s Word and pray with one another.
- Resident meeting– This time will give you the opportunity to share what you are learning with the other residents, debrief from the previous week and ask questions.
- Ministry team meeting– You will meet weekly with the Director and team within your ministry specialty.
- Resident courses– Over the course of the year, you will learn how to study the Bible, read it from cover to cover, develop a biblical theology and learn how to answer the most commonly asked questions about the Christian faith.
- Ministry event & responsibilities in your area of specialty– You will be required to prepare for and help lead the weekly ministry event within your ministry specialty (e.g., Shoreline, re:generation, Summit, Re|Engage, The Porch, etc.).
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
- Sunday Responsibility – Every resident will be given the opportunity to serve on Sundays in one of the following areas: Frontlines, Children’s or Burden Bearer.
- Raise the Mark - Raise the Mark is a time when we gather as church family for the purpose of prayer.
- Retreats – You will be given the opportunity to attend three retreats throughout the year (fall/spring resident retreats and the staff retreat in January).
- Staff “Play Days” – A couple of times a year, the staff has a “play day” when we take the time to invest in one another, laugh and have fun.
- Shadowing Opportunities – Although you will primarily serve within your ministry specialty, there will be multiple opportunities to shadow other ministry directors and participate within other areas of the church.
RESIDENCY COURSES
- Bible Study (Old & New Testament Surveys) - You will learn how to read, interpret, apply and communicate the truths of the Bible while studying it from cover to cover.
- Theology & Apologetics – Building upon the Old and New Testament Surveys, you will learn a biblical worldview and be prepared to answer the most commonly asked questions about the Christian faith.
- Leadership – You will learn from different Ministry Directors on various leadership topics: conflict resolution, team building, crisis care, communication for life change, etc.
EVALUATIONS
In addition to real time feedback, each resident will be formally evaluated on a quarterly basis. The evaluations will highlight areas of strength and the need for improvement. The evaluations serve as tools for encouragement and self-awareness.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Each resident will be given a salary. Furthermore, in order to make ends meet, residents will be afforded the opportunity to work in the Watermark Coffee Shop, with the Facility Team or on the Security Team. Residents are certainly not limited to these options if they are able to find outside employment that does not conflict with their residency requirements.
Should I Go To Seminary?
We are often asked various questions about Seminary:
Should I go to Seminary?
Our answer to this question can be found at:
http://wordsfromwags.com/seminary-to-go-or-not-to-go-that-might-be-your-question/
AND
http://wordsfromwags.com/seminary-to-go-or-not-to-go-that-may-be-your-question-part-2/
Does someone need a Seminary degree before applying to the Residency Program?
In short, no! A degree is not a prerequisite for admission.
Can I attend Seminary while participating in the Residency Program?
Due to the time requirements of the Residency Program, we strongly recommend residents not to attend Seminary while participating in the program.
Is Seminary a good option following the Residency Program?
The answer to this question all depends on each person's individual goals and reasons for wanting to attend Seminary. Be sure to read our answer to the question "Should I go to Seminary?"
APPLYING FOR THE RESIDENCY PROGRAM
If you would like to apply for the program, please send your resume as well as your application to Leah Vick at lvick@watermark.org.
NEXT STEPS
Completion of the Watermark Residency Program does not mean residents will be offered a position on Watermark’s staff. However, based on a resident’s experience, the Ministry Director of his/her chosen specialty may serve as a reference and help network with other like-minded churches.
