Making Room At
Watermark Fort Worth
Update – September 2023
We are so thankful for the space that the Lord has given us and we want to utilize it in a way that’s honoring to Him and helpful to His people. Since moving to this building in 2018, we have been maximizing our spatial capacity every week, Sunday through Thursday. While this is a great thing, it does mean that we regularly turn away a dozen kids every Sunday as there is no more space. Our kids ministry has grown by 32% since last year! During the 9AM service, our adult attendance has increased by 18% in the last year, making it hard for first time guests to find a seat as we regularly run over reasonable capacity. Then, during the week, our ministry schedule utilizes every room on campus, making it difficult for the campus to be used for any spontaneous gatherings or ministries. We celebrate that God is allowing us to be a part of His work in Fort Worth, but we are asking Him how to best steward what He has entrusted to us.
Our Progress
2013
On March 3, 2013, Watermark Fort Worth held its first corporate worship service at the Ridglea Theatre in Fort Worth, launching ministries like re|engage, re:generation, Women’s Bible Study, and Summit Men’s Bible Study shortly thereafter.
2018
Watermark Fort Worth saw amazing growth and discipleship occur over the next five years. We saw the Lord move mightily in and through this local body, drawing faithful followers of Christ, and raising up healthy leaders for the local mission. We relocated to our permanent campus at 8000 Western Hills Blvd. on September 23, 2018.
2021
After two years without staff offices, we were able to complete the offices in the metal building on the Hill in April of 2021. This has allowed our staff to work with greater effectiveness in ministry and collaboration with one another.
What’s Next?
Over the past few years, our body has generously given $3,000,000 to allow us to make additional room. Praise the Lord! We will use these funds to first build a multipurpose building, next to our main building, that will allow for additional classrooms for kid’s ministry on Sunday mornings. In addition, we will use this space for adult ministry each day, Sunday through Thursday. Second, we will finish renovations on the office building, creating a large meeting space for staff, community group, and other ministry gatherings. This room will be a large open space, which will include multiple seating areas. We are so excited to execute these plans to meet needs of our church family!
We have worked with our new architects, Visioneering Studios, and created a Master Plan as well as a plan to phase our construction. We are currently deep into the details of planning for these two projects and how to best design the layout. Our goal is to have sufficient drawings by December of 2023 to send out to obtain construction bids. While we have estimated the costs of these projects, we will have a more accurate number once we receive bids.
While we continue to work on our designs, please continue to prayerfully consider how the Lord would have you partner with us financially as we work towards making more room at Watermark Fort Worth. Our hope is to begin construction right away, so your financial support is greatly needed!
building project faq
Are the general needs of the church being met?
While we have met our annual budget needs for the past 3 years, we have seen a recent decline in monthly giving. Right now, we are averaging 9% less per month than we were in previous years. 2 months into our budget year, we are over 20% behind budgeted giving. We are so thankful for those who are currently supporting our church financially and would encourage all of our members to contribute to the financial needs of the church.
What is taking so long to get started?
Now that we have a vision for our campus, we have been waiting for the Lord to provide the funds to move forward with the next step. Through the generosity of our body, we were able to hire our architect to begin drawing plans that meet our needs. We are working weekly to make sure we have sufficient funds for the project and will begin as soon as that is confirmed.
Why is it so hard to find space for mid-week ministries?
We have over 20 ministries that utilize this campus throughout the year! This past spring semester alone, we had over 1,000 people participate in our multi-week equipping classes. With only 3 primary meetings spaces, and 10 adult classrooms, the building is quickly filled up on any given night. We have now expanded to using the staff offices and warehouse in the evenings for student ministry and equipping classes. We currently schedule our ministry calendar on an annual basis to make sure we are best utilizing the space, giving every ministry a home.
What is our position on utilizing debt for building projects?
Due to scripture’s warning about debt (Proverbs 22:7), Watermark Fort Worth has chosen to operate with zero debt and has always been debt free. This prevents us from having to presume on future giving and avoid a monthly burden on our budget and on the body.
How do I respond?
1) Pray for the Lord to give us wisdom and favor in planning and construction.
2) Evaluate how God might have you give generously.
3) Discuss with your community group and/or spouse.
4) Give!
– Online: pushpay.com/fortworthwatermark
– Check: Designate “Building Fund” on the memo line and drop it in our giving boxes near the back of the auditorium. You can also mail any gifts to 8000 Western Hills Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76108
– Wire or Stock Transfers: For instructions, e-mail [email protected].
Who should I contact if I have more questions?
We love hearing from members of the body regarding finances and building questions! Feel free to email our Operation’s Director, Tyler Kelly ([email protected]) and he would be happy to setup a phone call or in person meeting to answer any questions.