Having trusted in Jesus Christ alone as my Savior and Lord and agreeing with the Core Beliefs and Governance of Watermark Community Church, I commit myself to following Jesus and joining with the other members of this local church in pursuit of Watermark’s vision and 10 markers as defined below.
1. A Gospel-Saturated Church
Through faith in Jesus, my sins are forgiven, and I have a new life in Christ. I believe the gospel is the central message of the Bible and every ministry of our church. I desire to be marked by the transformational truth of the gospel in every aspect of my heart and life (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
2. A Praying Church
I believe that prayer is the pathway to greater intimacy with and enjoyment of God. Conversing with God in prayer is how I worship, confess sin, express gratitude, and seek divine help and guidance for myself and others. I desire to be marked by a passion for and enjoyment of prayer as a means to connect with God (Acts 1:14).
3. A Spirit-Led Church
I believe that, without the ministry of the Holy Spirit, there would be no Church. I believe the Spirit calls, convicts, seals, comforts, guides, helps, distributes spiritual gifts, sanctifies, and intercedes for believers. I believe that, with the Spirit, I have the power to accomplish God’s purposes. I desire to be marked by a sensitivity to the leadership and guidance of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14; Acts 1:8).
4. A Bible-Revering Church
I believe the Bible is the inspired, infallible, authoritative, and sufficient Word of God, and it serves as our authority and guide. I am committed to receiving faithful, expository preaching and to being equipped to handle Scripture rightly. I desire to be marked by consistent growth in understanding and faithful application of God’s Word (Matthew 4:4; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
5. A Missional Church
I believe I am called to live as God’s witness, actively participating in his mission to reconcile the world to himself. I pray for those who do not know Jesus, prepare myself to share the good news, practice hospitality, and seek opportunities to share the gospel with those who do not yet have a relationship with him. I will also promote the well-being of others and the renewal of our city by caring for the vulnerable in Jesus’ name. I desire to be marked by a consistent advancement of the gospel in both word and deed throughout our community (2 Corinthians 5:20; Matthew 28:19-20).
6. A Maturing Church
I believe following Jesus results in a lifetime of becoming more like him as I forsake sin, practice spiritual disciplines, grow in spiritual wisdom and godliness, minister to others, and make disciples. I desire to be marked by consistent growth toward Christlikeness, and a commitment to raising up the next generation of disciples of Jesus (Colossians 1:28).
7. A Sending Church
I believe Jesus calls his followers to make disciples of all nations. I will pray for unreached people groups, give financially to support international ministries and church planting efforts, and heed the call to “go.” I desire to be marked by consistent efforts to advance the gospel to the nations (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8).
8. A Shepherding Church
I believe the Bible describes church leaders as shepherds watching over a local flock of church members. Those occupying the office of an elder have the God-given responsibility to know, lead, feed, care for, correct, and protect the people of this church. I believe church membership represents a meaningful identification with our flock and glad submission to our elders’ spiritual guidance, care, and correction. I desire to be marked by a joyful submission to our elders as they are joyfully submitted to Christ (Hebrews 13:17).
9. A Community Church
Community is our middle name. I will welcome, love, build up, sharpen, honor, and serve other Watermark members according to God’s design for the body of Christ. I will strive to help other members abide in Jesus, make disciples, and enjoy life with others. I desire to be marked by a commitment to know and be known by other members (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Romans 12:4-5).
10. A Unifying Church
I believe the gospel is bearing fruit in countless churches and ministries in Dallas-Fort Worth and throughout the world. I will celebrate, collaborate with, pray for, share with, and pursue peace and the common good with other gospel-centric and Bible-believing churches and ministries. I desire to be marked by our love for and encouragement of God’s broader Church (Ephesians 4:1-6).