For 25 years, we’ve had a front-row seat to God’s faithfulness, creativity, and steadfast love. This fall, we’ll be reliving some of the most pivotal and awe-inspiring moments from Watermark’s history as part of “Celebrate 25.”
Watermark Community Church 25th Anniversary
WHAT IS CELEBRATE 25?
As Watermark approaches our 25th anniversary, we are looking back and celebrating 25 stories of God’s faithfulness in and through our church family. These are stories of lives changed, ministries launched, communities forged, and the fun memories we’ve made together along the way.
We are also coming together in November for “Celebrate 25: The Party” a huge church-wide anniversary celebration that our members won’t want to miss.
May these stories fill you with awe of God’s transforming power and put wind in your sails as the Lord carries our church ahead into the next 25 years.
Let’s go, church!
25 STORIES CELEBRATING 25 YEARS
New stories revealed every week
1
Let’s Celebrate 25
This fall, we’ll relive the most pivotal moments from Watermark’s twenty-five-year history. Follow along with us.
2
Baptisms at Watermark
From SMU to the Watermark Pond, review memorable moments surrounding baptisms at Watermark.
Baptisms at Watermark
Lake Highlands
Our first baptism took place at Lake Highlands Recreation Center on May 21, 2000.
Lake Highlands
Our first baptism took place at Lake Highlands Recreation Center on May 21, 2000.
Parks and Ponds
As more and more people came to Christ, we hosted baptism celebrations at various parks and ponds across Dallas.
Parks and Ponds
As more and more people came to Christ, we hosted baptism celebrations at various parks and ponds across Dallas.
SMU
One year when the weather didn’t cooperate, we relocated our baptism celebration to the SMU Natatorium.
SMU
One year when the weather didn’t cooperate, we relocated our baptism celebration to the SMU Natatorium.
Watermark
Today, we have weekly baptisms right here at Watermark where people can proclaim their new life in Christ with their church family.
Watermark
Today, we have weekly baptisms right here at Watermark where people can proclaim their new life in Christ with their church family.
3
Founding Families
Watermark's Founding Families
In 1999, a group of families prayerfully asked God what he wanted to do through them. The rest is history.
4
re:generation
Nate Graybill
It started with a single confession, and God grew it into Watermark’s recovery ministry. Watch how it happened.
5
Watermark News
For 25 years, we’ve told a story of life change in our weekly bulletin. Read the history of the Watermark News.
6
Unsung Heroes
Countless volunteers work faithfully behind the scenes at Watermark. Meet a few of our unsung heroes.
7
25 Thank You Notes
We invited 25 people to say “thank you” to other members who impacted their lives. Read the notes.
8
History of re|engage
John McGee
How re|engage got started and spread to hundreds of churches is a story only God could write. Listen to the story.
9
History of Watermark Kids
Blake & Katie McJunkin
We believe kids are capable of understanding the full story of scripture. Learn more about Kids ministry.
10
Watermark Students
Matt Galvin
Watch one incredible story about the generational impact of our student ministry.
11
Watermark Resources
Robert Green
Watermark Resources shares our ministries with hundreds of churches globally. See how it all started.
12
Campuses: Where Are They Now?
Kyle Kaigler
Catch up with our current and former campuses and be inspired by all God is doing around the metroplex.
13
Ministry Origin Stories
Read how some of our most impactful ministries were born from the testimonies of Watermark members.
14
Join The Journey
Emma Dotter
At Watermark, we’ve always loved reading the Bible together. Hear how Join The Journey started.
15
Did You Know? Fun Moments From Our History
David Penuel
Watermark did what?! Look back at incredible (but true) moments from Watermark’s first 25 years.
16
Community Groups
Pat Dunne
Listen to stories from community groups and be reminded why “community” is our middle name.
17
Watermark Global
Elam Ministries
Learn about all the places Watermark has gone to share the gospel with the nations.
18
All The Places Watermark Has Met
From a high school to a hotel ballroom, Watermark met in several locations over the years. See them all.
All The Places Watermark Has Met
Before we landed at our current property, Watermark's location changed often. From hotel ballrooms to high schools, here are some of the Sunday meeting locations from Watermark's early years.
Biblical Arts Center
February 2000
Lake Highlands Junior High
March 2000
Radisson Hotel
April 2000
SMU Hughes-Trigg Center
June 2000
Lake Highlands High School
September 2000
Criswell College
June 2001
7540 LBJ Freeway
September 2007
19
The Envelope Moment
Malcolm Holland
In 2003, God allowed us to purchase the property for our Dallas campus debt-free. Listen to the unconventional story.
20
Watermark Music
Jon Abel
Music has always ministered to, comforted, inspired, instructed, and united God’s people. See Watermark Music through the years.
21
Watermark Health and CDC
Christy Chermak • Carson Smith
See how Watermark’s two non-profits started and spread to serve the city of Dallas.
22
Watermark Institute
Institute Alumni
Catch up with a few of the more than 300 leaders who have graduated from the Watermark Institute.
23
The Porch
Porch Leaders
It started as a gathering of 50 and grew to be one of the largest young adult gatherings in the world. See the story.
24
A Story of Grace
Fiona-Lise Olmstead
Every Sunday since 2003, we've shared stories of life change in the Watermark News handout. Read this week's story.
25
Carried Ahead
Abiding in Jesus, we are making disciples together.” Be inspired about what’s next at Watermark.
Celebrate 25: The Party
Looking back, carried ahead. On November 9, 2024 we celebrated Watermark’s 25th anniversary with our members. The party kicked off as we praised God with worship leaders from Watermark’s past, listened to heartfelt messages from Blake Holmes and Timothy Ateek, and laughed through a sing-along with two special guest performers.