Re:generation
Re:generation FAQ
Check out these answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
- When did Re:generation start?
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Re:generation recovery grew out of the vision of Watermark Community Church that life change happens best in an authentic community of people helping one another live out God's plan for life by working through biblical principles together. Watermark began its recovery ministry in 2002 as one way (of many) to fulfill this vision. In the following years the ministry grew to serve several hundred participants weekly with many lives being transformed by God. After much prayer, in 2011, Watermark's recovery ministry set out to develop new curriculum that would provide daily, structured opportunities for people to heal and grow in their relationships with God and others. In 2016, we began making Re:generation available to other churches.
- What's the meaning behind the name?
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The word regeneration means "new birth." The colon in our name, Re:generation creates double-meaning for the word: "regarding" or "concerning" a generation. At Re:generation, we are people who have been given new life by God and long to share the freedom, love and joy we have received from Him with this generation.
"For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life."
(Titus 3:3-7) - How is Re:generation different from other recovery ministries?
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If we could describe the Re:generation difference in one word, that word would be discipleship. Re:generation is spiritual formation through the vehicle of recovery. Our goal for participants is full-devotion to Christ in all areas of life.
With this as our foundation, some of the main differences between re:generation and other recovery ministries include: a discipleship focus, daily lessons, emphasis on scripture memory and prayer, integration and participation with the church, real time leadership training, no separation based on struggle, and lastly, extended curriculum for victims of abuse.
For a more in-depth explanation of these differences, see the Re:generation Difference Page.
For an additional resource read our How re:generation Is Different Than Celebrate Recovery article.
- How is Re:generation structured?
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Re:generation is structured within the context of small groups. The first two months are spent in a Groundwork group. Once the participant completes the Groundwork curriculum, demonstrates a willingness to participate, and decides they want to move forward, they are placed into a step-group to go through the 12 steps. Step-groups have a set number of participants and leaders. Once a step-group is launched, no new members are added. For the next 8 to 10 months participants progress through the steps using daily curriculum alongside other step-group members.
- How long does Re:generation take?
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The entire Re:generation process takes about a year. Groundwork groups take about 2 months; step-groups take 8 to 10 months. The Groundwork curriculum lessons take participants roughly 15 minutes per day and step-group curriculum takes about 30 minutes per day. Spending 30 minutes a day with God for one year while working on your recovery can change your life.
GET TO KNOW re:generation:
What is the flow of a Re:generation ministry night?
Most Re:generation groups begin the meeting with everyone gathered together worshiping and hearing testimonies or a teaching. The large gathering then breaks into smaller groups. Newcomer groups, groundwork groups and step-groups all meet separately for the remainder of the evening. The gathering lasts about 2 hours for participants and 3 hours for leaders if there is a leader dinner meeting beforehand.
A typical ministry night schedule often looks like this:
5:30PM: Leader dinner meeting (teaching, training, fellowship, encouragement, prayer).
6:30PM: Big group meeting for all participants and leaders (worship, welcome, teaching or testimony, announcements).
7:30PM: Small group meetings for participants and leader trainings. The evening includes: first-time guests groups, Groundwork groups (first 7+ weeks of recovery), step groups, new leader training, mentor training, inventory training, and commencement celebrations.
8:30PM: Fellowship time.
How do I start Re:generation at my church?
First, fill out a Church Interest Form and we will schedule a time to speak with you. We provide training conferences throughout the year with detailed launch plans and ministry leader support.
What are the costs and requirements to bring Re:generation to my church?
There are no licensing fees to bring Re:generation to your church. Any costs incurred by a church would be the same as launching any new ministry. A church will purchase books from Watermark Resources and usually resell them to participants. A church may incur some expenses for travel and conference fees.
How are groups structured?
All small groups are split by gender, but not by presenting struggle. Groups with mixed struggles help participants to focus more on the spiritual brokenness behind their struggles (heart transformation). Mixed-struggle groups also help equip leaders to provide biblical counsel across multiple struggles, making them more effective ministers of the gospel in all spheres of influence.
Groundwork groups (first 7+ weeks of recovery) Groundwork groups are always open to new participants. Participants can come as infrequently as they desire. To advance to a step group, participants must show consistency in attendance and complete Groundwork curriculum.
Step groups often have an eight-participant to one-leader ratio. Step groups are closed to new participants once launched. Participants have small group leader support, accountability with other group participants, and a mentor outside of the group. A step group typically takes about 9 months to complete the 12-step curriculum.
What does implementation of Re:generation look like?
We encourage implementation of Re:generation through three development phases.
What kind of support do you offer?
Once the use agreement is signed, extensive support is available for ministry leaders, small group leaders, and participants. More information can be found at the Re:generation Support Page.
Where can my church be trained?
At the Re:generation Training Conference: Watermark Community Church hosts an annual two-day re:generation training conference for all church leaders who are partnering or interested in partnering with Re:generation. At the conference, you will connect with other ministry leaders and walk away with the vision, resources and tools needed to build and sustain a healthy recovery ministry. Contact us with questions at resources@watermark.org.
At the Church Leaders Conference: Our annual Church Leaders Conference (CLC) is a chance for church leaders, ministers and pastors from across the globe to witness what God is doing, be encouraged by His people, and challenged because He still has more to do through us. We will also host a re:generation pre-conference workshop before the CLC, where you can hear our recovery ministry's vision, strategy, and methods as we discuss principles for reaching people and challenging them to live out their purpose in Christ as they experience healing. For a schedule and registration visit the CLC web page. Contact us if you have any questions at clc@watermark.org.
At the Regional Re:generation Conferences: Look out for the regional Re:generation training conferences occuring throughout the year at locations outside of the DFW area. Be sure to indicate your interest in our regional conferences in the Contact Form below.
At a Dallas Re:generation Site Visit: Can’t make it to any of our conferences? Jump in one of our Open Houses. Held periodically throughout the year, open houses give an overview of the ministry and allow for you to see the ministry in action. Contact us with questions at resources@watermark.org.
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