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Training Leaders

Watermark Institute

Equipping the Next Generation of Church Leaders

Do you feel called to serve in vocational ministry? The Watermark Institute was created to invest in, develop, and deploy the next generation of church leaders. Four distinct tracks combine biblical training, discipleship, and hands-on ministry experience for leaders to be equipped for effective ministry and to grow spiritually in their relationship with Christ.

Opportunities within the Watermark Institute include: The Fellowship, The Residency, the Church Planting Cohort, and the Worship Leader Track.

Applications for the 2021-2022 class will open in November. Join our email list to be notified when the application opens.

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WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE WATERMARK INSTITUTE:

  • First-hand Ministry Experience: Participants are immediately treated like full members of the Watermark team and owners within our ministries. In an environment of professionalism and high trust, participants will be entrusted with meaningful responsibilities and will receive real ministry and leadership experience throughout the year.
  • In-Depth Biblical Training: Participants will develop a comprehensive understanding of God’s word and skills for effective vocational ministry in a classroom environment.
  • Discipleship Focus: Whether participants are serving, working with a ministry team leader, or studying scripture alongside key leaders, every element of the Watermark Institute emphasizes discipleship and spiritual growth for the individual participants and their future ministries.
  • Fellowship and Community: Participants have the opportunity to learn, experience, and grow in community with others who desire a deeper relationship with Christ. Watermark emphasizes the importance of a healthy, biblical community and desires to equip participants to be loving, transparent, and authentic leaders.
  • Seminary Credit: Participants have the option to gain seminary credit in partnership with Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Dallas Theological Seminary.

Hire Our Graduates

Watermark Institute graduates have been entrusted with countless pastoral care opportunities, trained in biblical truth, and immersed in local church leadership.

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Watermark Institute

“The Fellowship deepened my love for the Lord and knowledge of His Word (Matthew 22:37). It is full of people who love the Lord and are learning how to better love and lead others in the context of vocational ministry. Ministry is often ‘caught, not taught’, and this was learning by doing.”
Connor-Baxter

Connor Baxter

Class of ’17

Church Leadership Podcast

Training the Next Generation of Leaders

Listen as Blake Holmes and Todd Wagner discuss the importance of training the next generation of leaders on the Church Leadership Podcast.

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