Training Leaders

Watermark Institute

Preparing Tomorrow’s Church Leaders

Do you feel called to work in ministry? We can help you take the next step.

The Watermark Institute is designed to strengthen churches by investing in their future leaders—people like you. The Institute allows you to gain hands-on ministry experience while receiving in-depth biblical instruction.

Applications Closed

Institute applications have closed for the class of 2025–26.

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"My year in the Watermark Institute showed me more about the everyday practicalities of church leadership than any other formative influence in my life. To lead without relying on what I learned there would be impossible!"

Garrett Raburn

Watermark Institute classmates are sharing fellowship time at Pine Cove campgrounds.

What Makes the Watermark Institute Different?

We take a holistic approach: One that is focused not only on head knowledge, but on the condition of your heart, the work of your hands, and the overall health of the church.
It’s more than just a Bible study. You will be trained in theology, doctrine, and apologetics while learning the Bible cover-to-cover (and learning how to teach it to others).
It’s more than just an internship. You will take on meaningful responsibility within your ministry alongside church leaders who have been doing it for years. The goal is to help you deploy your gifts and get real ministry experience.
It’s more than just training. We want you to fall more in love with Jesus and His people. Experience what authentic Christ-centered community is like and gain a healthy vision for what the local church can and should be.
Cost: Because it is an investment in the church, we provide the Institute at no cost to you, and even help cover some of your living expenses during the 10-month program.

To hear an in-depth overview of the Institute, listen to Blake Holmes (Elder and Lead Pastor) on an episode of the Church Leadership Podcast:

Training the Next Generation of Leaders

Getting on the Right Track

The Watermark Institute offers two different tracks based on experience:

	Residency	Fellowship
Age/Experience	Typically 22-24 year old college graduates or those with several years of work experience in place of a degree.	Proven leaders with work experience, typically age 25+.
Time Commitment	One full day of class each week, two additional class days per month, 10 hours working in ministry	One full day of class each week, Two additional class days per month, 20 hours working in ministry
Compensation	Provided with housing (or a housing allowance on a case by case basis) and have the ability to work part-time	Provided with housing (or a housing allowance on a case by case basis) and receive a monthly stipend

Focus Areas

Ministry	Vision
Kids	Infants – 5th grade ministry; A place where kids are seen and welcomed, taught about Jesus, while safe and secure.
Students	Together, we are guiding future generations to follow Jesus and be the church. Shoreline is a group where every 9th – 12th grade student is known and accepted, taught about Jesus, and challenged to grow. Wake is a group where every 6th – 8th grade student is known and accepted, taught about Jesus, and challenged to grow.
College	Helping every college student find their people, their place, and their purpose in being a fully devoted follower of Christ.
Young Adults	Young adults in their 20s and 30s living out their purpose instead of living for the weekend.
Community	Watermark Community seeks to guide every member to be known and loved, rooted in God’s Word, and committed to God’s Mission.
Connecting	The Connecting Team desires to help each individual take their best next step towards being transformed by Christ, to love like Christ by focusing on connections starting with Sunday morning experience up through Watermark Membership.
Equipping	Equipping our body to take their next step in their relationship with the Lord.
Marriage	Watermark’s Marriage Ministry offers opportunities to prepare nearlyweds, establish newlyweds, and enrich and restore all marriages through spiritual encouragement and biblical counsel in the context of community.
Worship	We exist to perform music that is rich in Truth for the edification and discipleship of our church.
Communications	Creating content that reflects Jesus and builds up our church through communications strategy, project management, graphic design, film, writing, photography, environmental design, social media, and digital strategy.
Production and Tech Arts	Provide an environment where the message is augmented, distractions are removed, and the Lord is glorified.
Watermark Health	We exist to serve the community by awakening and empowering the local church to care for the physical healthcare needs and engage souls with the love and power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Watermark CDC	Watermark CDC seeks to Transform Economic Welfare as we further the name of Jesus by deploying His people and resources to meet the most strategic and transformational economic needs in our community.
External Focus	Locally, we seek the welfare of our city through impact areas such as the Life Initiative, Anti Sex Trafficking, Prison Ministry and Poverty Alleviation. Internationally, we seek to understand God’s heart for the nations and His call for us to bring the Good News to people from around the world.
Pastoral Care	The Pastoral Care Team aims to bring comfort to those who are in any affliction (2 Cor 1:3-4) through the provision of specialized care ministries, creating opportunities for the gospel to radically transform hearts and lives amid trial, trauma, and change.
Re:generation	Find freedom from all struggles through re:generation, Watermark’s 12-step Christ-centered recovery program.
Resources	Watermark Resources serves churches around the world by sharing Watermark-developed ministries, hosting training conferences, and providing leadership resources like podcasts and blogs to support church leadership development.
Single Adults	Gather is a movement of single adults (30s, 40s and 50s) who believe God is good and living for Him is wise.

"I came into the Watermark Institute worn out and close to giving up on the church. God used my year in the Institute to instruct my head in the truths of Christ, refresh my heart for a greater love of Christ, and re-energize my hands for service to Christ. I now have a greater love for Christ than ever before and that has led to a greater impact for Christ."

Derek Mathews

A classroom at the Watermark Institute is filled with students learning theological lessons, featuring Blake Holmes as the teacher.

How do I apply?: To begin the process, please complete the Institute application at the link above. Applications are open November 1 through February 1 and the Institute begins the following August.
When can I apply?: Applications are open from November 1st to February 1st, and the Institute begins the following August. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so applicants are encouraged to apply early as spots may be filled before the deadline.
How many people are accepted into the Watermark Institute?: It varies depending on the year. In a typical year, we receive hundreds of applications and accept between 40-50 people into the Institute.
How long is the program?: Each Watermark Institute class meets for about 10 months, from August through May.
Do I have to move to Dallas?: Yes. The Watermark Institute is an in-person program located in Dallas, TX.
Where will I live?: If you are single, we will provide an apartment for you to live in with other Institute participants. If you are married, a stipend will be provided based on your Institute track (Resident or Fellow).
How much does The Institute cost?: $0. We see the Institute as an investment into the future of churches around the world and a way that we can serve the overall body of Christ.
Can I get Seminary credit for The Institute?: We partner with multiple seminaries to provide credit for those who complete the Watermark Institute in good standing. Credit varies based on the Seminary you choose to attend.
Will I just be fetching coffee and lunch?: Institute participants are seen as valuable members of the Watermark Community Church staff and are treated as such. All Residents and Fellows are treated as a part of our staff, and jump into serving with meaningful responsibility on their ministry teams immediately.