Our Name and History

The Meaning Behind Our Name

A watermark represents…

Authenticity. Higher denominations of currency are watermarked to prove they are genuine. In the same way, we want to be people whose lives and relationships are marked by authenticity, integrity, and truth.

"But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." (1 Timothy 1:5)

Excellence. Fine paper often features a watermark as evidence of its quality. We strive for excellence, without compromise, in all areas of our ministry and lives, believing that excellence honors God and inspires people.

"Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men." (Colossians 3:23)

A lasting impression. The continual presence of water at a certain level leaves a mark long after it is gone. It is our hope, because we have lived faithfully as God's people, that long after we have gone we would make an impact for His Kingdom that would be seen for generations to come.

"You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men." (2 Corinthians 3:2)

Our Founding

The major events leading up to the founding of Watermark Community Church are as follows:

• In the summer of 1998, a group of friends began to meet and consider what it would look like if they prayerfully pursued a life of faithfulness to Scriptures as they devoted their lives to Christ together in Dallas.
• As they prayed and studied God’s Word, it became increasingly clear that the best way to accomplish God’s purposes for them was through the formation of a new local gathering of God’s people.
• After months of prayer, planning and agreement on purpose and values, the core group grew from eight families to dozens more. On October 30, 1999, 150 prayerful, passionate people covenanted together to serve Christ and His purposes in Dallas as Watermark Community Church. They spent their first evening together discussing, praying over, and agreeing that the beliefs, purposes, and values in the following pages would guide them to be faithful servants of Christ’s purposes in their city.
• Watermark was founded on November 7, 1999, and has since grown to an average weekly attendance of 9,000.

Campuses and Church Planting

Watermark is based in Dallas, but we have been given opportunities to serve people throughout DFW by planting communities in other cities. To date, three Watermark campuses have been launched as fully independent churches. By initially starting as remote campuses, these local bodies of believers were able to get established and acquire permanent facilities before becoming self-supporting churches with their own Elders and leadership teams.

• The Fort Worth campus started meeting in March 2013, and launched as the independent Watermark Fort Worth church in July 2020.
• The Plano campus started meeting in January 2015, and launched as CityBridge Community Church in January 2021.
• The Frisco campus started meeting in October 2018, and joined with Centennial Church to launch as Onward Community Church in September 2021.
• The South Dallas campus started meeting in June 2021. Learn more about the South Dallas campus.