Elders
Elders
Watermark is led by a team of biblically qualified elders, not by a single leader accountable to a board. Together, these men shepherd the church by leading, feeding, protecting, and caring for its members. Active elders are Watermark members who meet the qualifications of Scripture and embody the calling, convictions, and commitments of Watermark Community Church. Read Watermark’s full governance.
Elders Emeritus
An Elder Emeritus is a former Watermark elder who has stepped out of the active office in good standing and continues as a participating member of the church. By invitation of the active elder team, he continues to serve Watermark in a meaningful way by investing in future leaders, offering counsel, and sharing the wisdom and experience gained through years of faithful service.
While an Elder Emeritus does not hold formal positional authority, his influence is substantive, rooted in trusted relationships and a continued commitment to the health of the church.
FAQ
Active elders are raised up by God and appointed by the existing elder team to serve the church. The process begins with prayerful consideration of men who demonstrate biblical character, sound doctrine, a life of discipleship, and the ability and willingness to serve actively as an elder.
Elder candidates are carefully examined, including their qualifications, convictions, lives, relationships, and Christian witness. After this process, they are presented to the congregation for comment regarding their character, qualifications, or any matter that may affect their suitability to serve. The existing elders retain responsibility for appointing qualified men to the office.
Yes. We will continue to prayerfully identify, develop, and appoint qualified men to the active elder team as the Lord leads. Watermark’s governance provides for a team of three to ten active elders. Our desire is to have the number of elders the Lord raises up while preserving the deep trust, accountability, and relational closeness required for faithful biblical leadership.
Yes. An Elder Emeritus may return to active eldership as the needs of the church require and as the Lord leads. Because he has previously been examined, appointed, and known by the body, he would be reinstalled rather than go through the full elder-selection process again. Any return to active eldership requires agreement among the active elder team.