As God is allowing us to minister to and shepherd a growing number of people across Dallas, Fort Worth, Frisco, Plano, and beyond, we are thankful for His abundant provision of shared leadership across our Elders, Elders Emeritus, Campus Pastors, Campus Shepherds, staff leadership, and countless faithful lay leaders.
Elders
Consistent with the exhortation of Scripture, Watermark is led by a team of Elders (Pastors), rather than one man who reports to a "board." This team of Elders (Pastors) governs, corrects, cares for (shepherds), and oversees the spiritual interests of the church. An Elder must be a Member of this church and lead a life that meets the qualifications of Scripture and embodies the calling, convictions, and commitments of Watermark Community Church.
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
- Pastoral care meetings
- 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, read full whitepaper.
Elders Emeritus
Elders Emeritus at Watermark are men who have previously held the office of Elder and continue to play a significant role in the leadership and shepherding of the church. Elders Emeritus serve under the direction of our current Elders, providing prayer, encouragement, support, and overall leadership in critical initiatives all throughout our body.
Campus Shepherds
A Campus Shepherd is an under-shepherd, a pastor and lover of people, who is appointed by the Elders and operates under the Elders’ authority to help “shepherd the flock” at their respective campus and to assist the Campus Pastor in campus ministry and leadership.
Campus Pastors
Campus Pastors lead and care for the staff at each of our individual campuses. Under the direction of the Elders, they implement and oversee campus initiatives and ministries.
A Campus Pastor should exemplify the same qualifications set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9 for Elders/Overseers. He should demonstrate gifting in directional leadership and vision, as well as being a skilled team builder.
A Campus Pastor is tasked with leading staff and shepherds, connecting with Elders and senior Watermark leadership, and providing teaching and/or leadership for various ministry efforts as needed.
Each of our campuses has a Campus Pastor that provides leadership and vision to that specific campus.
