Watermark Community Church

I have been attending Watermark off and on since 2009 and consistently since 2012 and became a member in March 2015. If you like discriminating/​gossiping against people with mental health disorders or being discriminated/​gossiped about and giving Christ and other Christians a bad name then this is the place for you. If you are a woman be sure to ask for Becky Duncan the head of the women’s pastoral care or Liz burley and Jim Wimberly if you are a man for they are the perfect role models and mentors for you. On a positive note I will say that I have always been greeted with a friendly smile at every Sunday service and the sermons are spot on. The members for the most part are very welcoming, supportive, and loving people. Pastor Todd, J.P. And Blake are awesome! Shelter from the storm and Re: gen are both amazing ministries that have provided a ton of healing. If you have been sexually abused or have life issues I highly recommend these ministries. Just don’t be surprised if you find out that leadership has shared your info with other leadership. The confidentiality only applies to participants and non-​leaders outside of the ministry. Needless to say despite the positive aspects of the church I have stopped attending and am no longer a member.

Before reading reviews, consider the length of time the person attended before writing it. Was he/​she a member? Or just visiting? Are they rating the building? Or the ministries? Are they rating Sunday morning? Or the Porch on Tuesday nights? What you believe about Watermark may have something to do with which ministry you were involved.
As for myself, I attended the Porch infrequently for 8 years, then after moving closer, became a member and attended Sunday mornings regularly. Since most messages are aimed at motivating members toward community groups, I joined. While the teaching is sound, and the services are great, the process by which these small groups are formed needs work.
Some leaders at Watermark acknowledge that most community groups fail within the year. By «fail,» I assume they mean that the group is no longer meeting consistently. As a result, staying together quickly becomes the goal. Like many others, Watermark is bent on forming small groups based on gender and age. Since I am single and 40, the cult of youth leadership at Watermark thinks I should be forced into community groups of single men ages 55 – 75 years old (the 40+ group). This happened to me twice.
What is most concerning to me, however, are the methods by which discipleship takes place. Constant phone calls and text messages throughout the week, I found myself surrounded by increasingly emotionally needy people. Add in homework assignments, the push to memorize Bible verses, join more classes, it was clear that getting involved was a full-​time job. Christianity of course is full-​time devotion, but found myself living like a monk in the middle of Dallas. No social life, no friends. Just hanging out with lonely, broken old men. My greatest fear was being realized: that’s exactly what I would become. Old, lonely, broken, single.
If any leader is reading this, I am begging you: DO something with the singles that are members in this church! The Porch is a crowd and a service. There is no better way for a single man to learn to be a married man than being around married men, and learn to have healthy relationships with the opposite sex. Most of these women already assume the men at this church have a porn problem, while no one addresses the fact they are sleeping around, idolizing the idea of a relationship over the value of marriage. If you think you’re so bold, then address the feminist worldview that condemns Biblical gender identity and multiplied the divorce rate since the 70s. Most of these women have gobbled it up, while you say absolutely nothing.
Watermark, you have big services but ingrown community groups that are completely isolated. Instead of doing the obvious, which is train up healthy leaders and add new members to existing groups (based on geography and night of the week), you keep trying to form brand new groups and choose a leader from among them. Some of the people joining these groups have serious issues: major drug addictions, homosexuality, homelessness, convicted felonies, abuse. A couple of leaders and a small group is not enough.
Shockingly enough, for the large number of singles, there are no activities, no events, no retreats. Nothing but a service for a crowd of people that do not call Watermark home. As a result, there’s no meaningful chance to make friends naturally or get to know anyone of the opposite sex. Of course, you can always party in uptown on the weekends and bring your dates or boyfriends to the Porch, or meet someone on
and come together while hoping God will bless your non-​marital relationship. As for me, no thanks. I still believe in the old fashioned way. Serve God, make friends, and maybe, meet your wife. The problem is, Watermark makes that impossible when EVERY ministry does the same thing: men with men, women with women, divide by age, and presto! Do life together. That is NOT biblical community. That’s an arranged marriage.
This is a great place to be part of the crowd, which is ironically, the exact opposite of what Watermark intends to accomplish. Unfortunately, I have found it’s better to stay around the edges. Like most.

Watermark Community Church is truly an incredible church. It is full of vibrant, loving and sweet members who greet you from the moment you get there! I feel like even if I don’t necessarily have a smile on my face, as soon as I see someone it appears!
I normally go to Watermark Community Church on Tuesdays for The Porch. The Porch is a Tuesday night service for Young Adults (generally 20’s-30’s). The service is truly amazing and there is normally a HUGE turnout! Who knew so many people want to come to church on a Tuesday?! The word there is so relevant and relatable to their members of that age group. I see the services continuously growing! I love how diverse the church is! You truly see people of every ethnicity and walk of life!
I do recommend heading to Watermark Community Church early! There is definitely traffic to get parking! Try getting there at least 20 – 30 minutes early. The pastor is always urging its members to carpool because of this issue.
The only reason why it is not my home church is because it is a bit too large for me. I enjoy more of an intimate environment. They do have a lot of activities and ways to get plugged in, which is great! I do occasionally go to their Sunday night services. Their Sunday services are phenomenal.
The building is gorgeous! I do feel like I am at a Colorado resort when I am there. They have a great coffee shop inside, which serves great drinks! The church is very involved in the community and has many events all over Dallas. They have great mission trip to Haiti and Ethiopia. They truly care about making this world a better place.
If you are looking for a church, definitely check out Watermark Community Church!

I’ve been going here for about a year now with my dad and I love it here! A lady stop by and greeted me the other day before the service started and was very sweet and just wanted to reach out to me and mentioned the porch and how wonderful it is. I will definitely have to check it out! I love when JP preaches!

I have visited this wonderful church several times. It is a non-​denominational Christian church. My daughter is a member and is active in several programs that the church offers. I would recommend it to anyone. They preach and teach authentic Christianity, offer wonderful seminars, have great preaching/​teaching, great children’s classes and play area, wonderful music, and activities for all ages. My church is closer to my home, but if I were looking for a new one I’d put it at the top of my list.

I’ve been here a few times and it has been nothing but great experiences.
The people are super nice and staff very welcoming.
The location is easy to get in and out.
A lot of people come here, but it doesn’t feel ‘packed.‘
I would recommend this church to others, and plan on going back.

I’ve been attending Watermark for about a year and a half now. Before coming to Watermark I was lost and I was on a path leading nowhere good. I could feel God pulling at my heart, telling me I needed to make a change, and God led me here. Although Watermark is huge, it’s so easy to get plugged in, and meet others. Everyone is friendly, and eager to know and serve the Lord.
Parking is not the best. I usually try to arrive 30 minutes before the service begins, so I can hopefully get a good spot.
For young adults, I highly highly recommend The Porch on Tuesday nights at 7:00. It’s amazing. JP and the entire staff are amazing! Tuesday’s will become your favorite night of the week.
If you ever need a buddy to attend service with or just have questions, please reach out to me!

They teach a conservative view of the Bible… which means, they don’t really deviate from the true contents. That is good. The parking situation isn’t the greatest, but that is not a reason not to attend.

I only gave four stars because i need to go a few more times to give a full review I’ve only been once. I didnt see anything in their program where they talked about Tuesdays service like some reviewers spoke about. I went to the Sunday evening service which lasted about an hour and a half. Be prepared to walk a litrle after parking if you dont find a spot on the streets near the church. They have a bar where they sell coffee drinks but i believe certain coffees and water and something else maybe lemonade is free. They have lots of seating outside the sanctuary for you to sit and talk while for the doors to open to the sanctuary. The people were friendly greeters are every where service started at 5:00 with singing man those were some long songs but yet still good. Thet let out at 6:30. The santuary is huge i mean really huge and i was suprised to see so many people out on a Sunday night i will go back this Sunday

This is a phenomenal place of worship. Genuine people, doctrinal teaching strait from the Word.

I was a member of Watermark for about ten years. I really loved being in community here, its all about the people you meet. Its a big place and not everyone is a Christian or at a deep place in their walk. So grow and meet lots of people, best way to meet people is to serve. We served in crossroads w Bobby, he is a great leader and we loved our time there. There are a lot of great churches in the area and if you don’t fit here, then find community somewhere that is what is important! keep in mind that all churches have some problems and if you are looking for the perfect church and perfect people you won’t find that. This place is about admitting we are all sinners and working toward being authentic Christians.

Can’t express how happy that a friend referred me to Watermark Community Church and I officially have a new church home. The facility is beautiful. I’ve been to large churches before, but this one takes the cake. Stadium seating so there is no bad seat in the house. Great community as well. Plenty of friendly faces coming together to praise God. The sermons are great as well. I admire the fact that Pastor is does not shy away from many topics that others are not comfortable addressing. I look forward to getting more involved and making new friends.

Review is for the Tree Fort.
A friend of mine attends Watermark and told me about this epic Tree Fort, so we decided to meet there for our weekly catch up. My little man (1yr old) is not quite walking, but there was still plenty for him to do.
An extremely welcoming environment for kids of all ages. I felt very comfortable leaving my stroller, with baby bag, parked to the side while we followed him all over the place. Even up at the top I felt very safe with him crawling around.
After he had worn himself out, I put him in the stroller and my friend and I grabbed a coffee at Watermark’s very own coffee shop and then headed outside to sit by the water while my little man napped.
I am so excited to go back!

After three long years… and being faithful in Gods time and not my own… God finally led me to my new Church Home. God has a sense of Humor. HE invented laughter and smiles and every breath I take. Unilocal is a new passion so he used it to LEAD me to Watermark.
WOW! Did Frank Lloyd Wright design this church? Futuristic yet nurturing with with warm woods and plenty of comfortable places to gather as groups or just a few friends. The lakes, bubbling fountains and gardens are God-​deigned. I did not want to leave… and I almost didn’t!
But it’s just a building.
My new church home was everything and a million times more than I had asked for. Meaty, stick to your ribs services. Stand up and SING praises to God!
I felt welcomed and at HOME the second my car hit the driveway and to the dedicated visitor parking.
No one is a stranger here. I sat down with one new epic friend and in fifteen minutes there were five of us holding hands and praying to Our Father! This is even better than my new job which also took Christ Jesus My Lord And Savior to find. I asked for a cold french fry on that. God gave me the keys to the Bellagio Buffet.
I LOVE BEING SPIRITUAL FED!
Join us at this banquet of joy and salvation and feel God’s loving and enduring mercy and abundant joy.
Mark 10:27 Jesus looked at them and said, «With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.»

The community and the way message is shared here really sets The Porch apart from many churches that I’ve gotten the privilege to visit in North Texas.
If you really want a biblically sound message and service then this is the place you’ll want to be at on Tuesday nights; JP and the other leaders really dig deep in The Word, and they do it with conviction and love allowing yourself freedom from judgment.
It’s my home away from home on Tuesday nights!

Its hard to find a new church that is super welcoming, especially one of Watermark’s size. Despite this, I really enjoy the warm feeling and welcome you receive from the congregation. And, the music is absolutely phenomenal. Pastor Wagner is an excellent speaker and keeps his audience engaged by his powerful messages each Sunday.
Perhaps my favorite part of this church is their children’s ministry. Every church I’ve ever been to has always had a children’s area, which has always been more of a «keep your kids busy while you in worship» style area. But at Watermark, my daughter is actually learning (and remembering!!) scripture and she LOVES it here. Moreso than any church we’ve ever attend. I really love this church, and I’m super happy that they have so much to offer for the entire family! :)

Always a solid message and they have volunteers at the front door are always so friendly.
I attend about every Tuesday and its phenomenal.
If you are not comfortable in large churches the size may intimidate you but I love The Porch Tuesday nights!

If you want to hear a biblically based sermon this is a good choice.
Pros: Todd Wagner does not sugar coat Gods word. Everything is backed up by scripture. The classes, groups and events are outstanding. You get out of it, what you put into it. Woman’s bible study.
Cons: large congregation that you can feel lost in at first. The community groups are not very well initiated. The process can be painfully awkward at times.

I’ve seen mixed reviews on this, so this review is going to be a little different. I’m just going to share my experience and let you make your own assumptions.
I moved to Dallas on a Saturday and visited Watermark with a friend the very next day. As soon as I went, I was sold. (I feel like that’s a weird term? …regardless, I knew that’s where I wanted to be!)
Over the next two years, God used Watermark to shape and grow my relationship with Christ exponentially. The people there are the most incredibly loving, embracing, and caring people I’ve ever met. Trust me on this one– I’m a mess.
Then, I moved to NYC for work. Even though I found a great church here, I still really missed Watermark.
Fast forward two years: I get really, really sick and go back to Dallas for treatment for six months. And get this: the Watermark community pursued like no time had passed.
When I was too sick to make dinner, they brought me Chipotle or had me over for dinner. To encourage me after treatments, they brought movies and treats to my house. They really were the tangible hands & feet of Christ to me in my darkest hour.
I know this type of Biblical community is a rare and beautiful thing, but it’s honestly the norm at WM. So, there you have it!
Also, one very important thing to note:
If there’s one thing that you get from this, I’d recommend to visit and see for yourself. Watermark is not the end-​all be-​all: Jesus is. So, if you find another church that teaches Truth and helps you grow in your relationship with Christ, I say go for it!

How do you really review a church without sounding like you’re preaching or being overbearing… Here goes nothing… I come here every Sunday for the 11am service. I love hearing JP speak. Talk about an uptown party boy turned 360. I love hearing his stories and all of his sermons. You can relate to each one without feeling that weight of judgement. I’ll still visit the church I grew up in for formal holidays but I’ll continue to go to watermark every Sunday that I can.