Prestonwood Baptist also made the list (top 20) and its nowhere near a cult.. One question is People are insecure, confused, listen to gossip,Read more . I went to a church with a broadly evangelical membership statement coupled with a specifically Calvinistic, and specifically young earth creationist, teaching statement. Watermark is very good at many things but also very bad at a few. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. And in Ecclesiastes 12:14, For God will bring every deedRead more , I would be curious to know if you are ok with disclosing all of your financial information to your community group and seeking their approval on life decisions? Secondly he says that even Jesus himself said things that might be considered cultish: If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:26. that is, if we keep Jesus Christ as part of the equation, with an understanding that more is incumbent on leaders than on others. Todd uses God to accomplish his goals ofRead more , We briefly visited WM; I quickly told my husband, this place is the cult of Todd and will implode without him. Thats not Todds fault, but no thanks. Theres a lot of talk and a lot of Christianese language, but its still impossible to say exactly what happened or exactly what is and was going on. ingratiating and wheedling in a way Aside from the fact that it was gifted to him (alarming at the very least) it shows poor stewardship and lack of humility on Wagners part. We could look to God's Word for the answers. He first goes into the definition of the word cult which in latin is the word cultus, defined as to inhabit, dwell; to cultivate. Ill also go into more detail about how Watermark Church does resemble a cult, and how some of their teachings are harmful and potentially abusive. Which by the way, most of north Dallas (including Lake Highlands) has experienced the same level of appreciation. The womans story you shared sounded like her personal interpretation of events that has no factual evidence to back it up.. We areRead more . Per Todd Wagner I was not the right person or the right fit or whatever he thought. Wow Andy, you got to do more than just Google the name brother. In the video, Wagner said that the clarity to step down was not hasty, adding that the discernment process had started a year ago. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account. That is only for the married folk. My daughter occasionally attends their weekly singles service, The Porch, which she enjoys. -, You write about the website, No Eden Elsewhere. Poor Todd. Why wouldnt they just tell the church what happened? Izael, Thank you for your comment. He walked with an air of superiority that was disgusting. In January, Wagner returned from leave to preach his first sermon and received a standing ovation from the congregation. But it still feels like something is off. Todd gave me support and comfort during a rough time in my life, and I will be FOREVER grateful. He said at the time that he was not guilty of disqualifying sin like sexual immorality, financial misconduct, or foul languagesomething Wagner reiterated when he announced his resignation. In response to a tweet by a critic questioning Wagners seeming humility when he announced he was taking a leave of absence in September, Wagner tweeted: Mission accomplished. Wagner later deleted that tweet. My people hath been lost sheep: The announcement was captured on video and posted online with a statement from the elders. I think you need to expand on the 4B Spiritual Assessment forms. They refuse to be honest so they can make a come back in a year or two. The twin resignations come after months of turmoil at the church. Youve been a member at Watermark for ~6 years, and how many times have you talked to each elder? He can be only the center ofRead more . Its not a cult. It was amazing for marriages and community within marriage. Oh, I wouldnt be so sure of that. This church sounds exhausting and prideful. Leventhal doesnt seem very interested in this whole thing Wagner appears attentive during Leventhals speech but Leventhal seems stand-offish toward Wagner. One person complained that her husband was forced to tell his community group how much he made and to account for how he spent his money. This piece has been updated. These resources are found in Appendix V and Appendix VI at the end of this case study and in the clarifications given by Watermark in the section Watermark's Response to the Nation. I keep coming back to this because something just doesnt seem right. No one is perfect including Todd.. he is not God. The church also produces a popular marriage curriculum called re|engage that is used in more than 370 churches nationwide. Shame on you folks. Its almost as if Mr. Wagner is concerned that more detailed information will come out. Evangelical Church. Izael who are you to judge someone elses experience? I am not sure what is wrong with elder rule since it is biblical. Sure, lets not address anything that is rumored to be strange about Watermark and say that Jesus sounded cultish. I started to plan how to move near Plano so I could attend Watermark Plano. What a strange and often sad world much of American white evangelicalism has become. Watermark Church is a popular, non-denominational church in the Dallas area which has about 11,000 members. For much of Wagners speech in the video, Leventhal did not look at Wagner, but stared straight ahead. Does God want everyone to be broke? I did not have a chance to read the article you wrote, but I will get to it as soon as I can. If youre short on time, start at 27 minutes when the speakers starts explaining why people think Watermark is a cult. I am a former Watermark member. This drum beat often is driven by pride, immature leaders thats been placed to seven themselves. What Happens Now? to verify your name calling., Which of the victims of Most people in the U.S. have a lavish lifestyle compared to most believers around the world. When I was 17, I started attending church regularly with my boyfriend (now husband) in high school, and we would go to Sunday School. agreed. Im also a bit a sad with respond of David (elder) who is in the leadership role to show the love with staring at the congregation (may be because of challenges). For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God., Wagner also warned the congregation with words from the passage, stating that after my departure savage wolves will come among you, and from your own selves men will (rise up), speaking perverse things. Then, modifying Pauls description of his three years spent in Ephesus to Wagners 22 years at Watermark, Wagner added, Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of 22 years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears., The congregation at Watermark responded to Wagner with a standing ovation. so what. . A major focus of the Community Groups at Watermark and many other churches is to foster the development of deep connection with a small group of fellow believers that enables true Christian accountability. In the online video, Leventhal described the process of discernment with Wagner as heart-breaking, exhausting, and expensive for Leventhal, his wife, the elder team, and the campus pastor team. Watermark exists to be and make more fully devoted followers of Christ, looking to God's Word as our only authority, conscience and guide. I received some emails from former Watermark Church members who wanted to tell their stories, but were hesitant to share too much online, for fear of repercussions, or as I refer to it, fair game. If not? Considering thatRead more , Dave It is disingenuous to minimize someone elses experience just because you did not witness it yourself. Third, Todd said Christians should live their lives in a way that looks radical or extreme to other people, and Watermark is the best at it, because most churches arent very radical! God has allowed the clarity and conviction that I need to not leave a snarky comment, to dry up.. Keep in touch with Julie and get updates in your inbox! Watermarks issues IMO are people issues more that content or material issues. Photo taken March 7, 2014. yes, things do not add up. Sounds like the perfect target for attack, I was looking at Watermarks governance section on its website and two things stuck out to me: 1) they have 2 doctrinal statements, one for members and one for elders and 2) they are Elder-Rule, Elder-Led. Wagner has always surrounded himself with yes men. Even through this challenges we can be so judgements these day. 4774 sq ft house. Demands full disclosure of finances in church groups, but having a hard time finding his. He could have thanked his friend for his generosity, and politely declined the gift, suggesting he would love for the proceeds from the resale of the house be donated to a local homeless charity instead. It is mentioned in this article. In the end, I do think it is a matter of opinion, but I think churches should lean toward transparency. Its inappropriate and wrong for a pastor serving the church to live an opulent lifestyle. I have first hand experience with a senior pastor doing exactly this and teaching younger families how to properly budget and cost of having kids. But please make sure your referencing the right guy. Yet it turns out they are getting people toRead more , Hi to all, Ive been a member of Watermark for over three years, went through Re:Generation and now co-lead a community group. I have shepherded groups at Re|EngageI do not trust the leadership at WM Re|Engage. that would be a better fit. The Equipping Podcast 10M ago Sharpen your thinking on issues that matter. Gateway Church. Wagner blatantly blasphemed Holy Scripture, hence your whitewash of content and material issues. Several weeks after Leventhals resignation, Wagner separately decided to step down as senior pastor and elder, the churchs statement said.. the family in a 1970s 2,100 sf home of their own in the suburbs may feel they have the short end of the stick, and see the family in the newer 3,400 sf home as having amazing luxuries. Its a huge red flag to me about Todds character and understanding of God. 25 years ago, I found myself getting angry atRead more , I was a WM member until I realized that if you fail their morality assessment and they decide you have a pride issue, not a desperate, destitute, homeless or depression issue.. eSignature; My soul was touched. But, a money maker? he was reprimanded for not giving more to the church. This podcast is a production of Watermark Community Church in Dallas, Texas, USA. Another requirement for membership is that you find an area in which to serve in the church. Better to have one doctrinal statement that unites both members and elders in my opinion. As the CG leader, I went first. Watermark Community Church review: fraud. Why wouldnt the devil try to tempt and discredit a Christian leader whos been respected by so many and positively influenced so many? In this murky situation, however, the two men dont need honorary titles. (How many of you have actually prayed for Todd)? There is so much judgement on here it has to hurt the heart of God. on The Aftermath: Stories from Former Watermark Church Members, Youth Volunteer at The Village Church Confesses to Sexual Abuse of Minors. The building and nine acres of land located in an area of Dallas that has a predominant minority population were purchased by the evangelical church for $211,000, according to a government document. It definitely wasnt the first thing that we did (nor was sharing our life maps, as *Susan* said was her experience). I would be ok disclosing financial information to my community group. The author writes in an article titled According to Watermark Church, I guess we werent doing it right. Prestonwood Baptist also made the list (top 20) and its nowhere near a cult. Watermark Churchs membership process first requires that you sign themembership covenant, which oddly enough, you can do online. * For What? i watched the video dont know how i got as far as i did i had to turn it off. Several weeks after Leventhals resignation, Wagner separately decided to step down as senior pastor and elder, the churchs statement said. Wagner should have sold the home and elected to live a less extravagant neighborhood (Highland Park). Those who love control and achievement thrive very well there = works. Reminds me exactly like Steven Furtick and many other pastors. What does being your authentic self really mean, in the context of community groups? He didnt even buy the house, it was gifted by a member years ago. In some ways this reminds me of the CJ Mahaney and Sovereign Grace debacle. They were not giving Him a standing ovation. We are talking about a CHURCH here, not the mafia. They did create it. Spiritual authority has nothing to do with title, education, or rhetorical ability (2 Cor 10-13). Please would you please explain a bit more about this take on Christs death. They gave you a false fraudulent form of love, because it was ConditionalRead more , I dont want to make light of this, but I do want to say that this is beyond misleading. This was the same concept as we moved on to adult Sunday school. Im heart broke and still excited to see what Lord and how He is going to carry out this. Embattled Dallas megachurch Senior Pastor Todd Wagner has resigned from his position after accusations of spiritual abuse led elders to question his leadership of Watermark Community Church. A lower court has already ruled that the church is free to release private information about its members. Todd Wagner, the embattled pastor of Watermark Church, a Dallas multisite megachurch with a pre-pandemic congregation of 20,000 people, has resigned his position as senior pastor and elder. One of His Disciples who signed a church membership contract?, Five Reasons to Say No to a Church Covenant A man and a woman who sued Watermark Community Church over threats to disclose an alleged affair have dropped the suit, both sides said Tuesday. Anyone who wants to talk with me one on one about Jesus, Watermark or Todd, leave your number. Maybe because I have not had a negative experience with elder rule I do not see it as a problem. It is not as simple as walking away. I first visited Watermark in 2005 when they were still meeting at a high school in Dallas. The Christian Post's Leonardo Blair wrote an eyeopening post titled Dallas megachurch pastor who confessed to sin of pride resigns. Thats why people leave churches snd are constantly hurt. AGAIN, I have absolutely NO proof and its pure speculation. No longer fulfill the requirements of membership. Would you consider making a tax-deductible donation to help our journalists continue to report the truth and restore the church? Kind of smarmy too. If you dont fill out the form you can leave easy if your just quiet. Spiritual authority influences others toward Gods purposes. I am 63. And thanks for the word smarmy. Toward that end, the site requires that people use their full name when commenting. Confession, of course! A former member of Shekinah Church, who lost a lawsuit against Shinn in which she alleged he swindled her out of $4 million, has issued a dire warning for those who have been lured into the. Really miss your sermons and spirit led preaching. Products. Plan Your Visit Discover Watermark Membership Events Watermark News Articles Watermark en Espaol. Thats not true. Todd had 6 children living at home at the time he was gifted the home.. 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