PARENT FAQs

What weekly meetings are offered for 6-8th and 9-12th graders?
Grades 6-8 meet weekly for "Wake" on Sundays at 11am on the 4th floor of the Watermark tower. Grades 9-12 meet weekly for "Shoreline" on Sundays at 5:30pm on the 4th Floor of the Watermark tower. Grade and gender specific Small Groups meet in various homes at various times throughout the week.

How does drop-off and pick-up work?
For this age group, we allow parents and students to coordinate whatever plan works best for their family. Most parents allow their students to make their way up to the 4th floor on their own and set up a specified meeting place to reconnect after the service. Some parents bring their students up to the 4th floor and return to pick them up. There is no official check-in/check-out system for grades 6-12th.

How do Small Groups work?
There are several Small Groups for each grade that are broken down by gender and location. Groups remain with the same members and leaders year after year. Groups typically meet during the school year and rotate meeting in the various homes of the students in the group.

When do Small Groups meet?
Meeting times vary depending on the group. We encourage groups to meet mid-week on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday evening. Some also meet on Sunday afternoon or evening.

How do Small Groups start?
Most of our Small Groups are launched at the beginning of 6th grade with the aim of staying together through high school graduation. They are formed based on several factors including geography, schools, and friendships. When we launch new Small Groups, we try to leave space for each group to add members along the way. Students sign up for Small Groups by filling out an Info Form online or at Wake/Shoreline.

How do students get connected mid-year?
Students can sign up for Small Groups by filling out an Info Form online or at Wake/Shoreline. If there is space, we will immediately add newcomers to the Small Group that makes the most sense based on geography, schools, and friendships. Volunteer leaders will connect via phone or email with new students/parents with information about meeting times and locations.

Because many of our junior high Small Groups are completely packed, new students at Wake have the opportunity to connect in an "open group" called Wake "On Deck".

What is Wake "On Deck" for junior high (6-8th) students?
Wake “On Deck” is our short-term Small Group that is open to anyone who isn’t already in one. At Wake “On Deck”, students meet with volunteer leaders and other students for a bible study based on the message from Wake. Participants will get to dig deeper into the lesson while connecting in a more personal setting. Building on relationships formed at Wake “On Deck”, we either launch new Small Groups or investigate the possibility of finding a good fit in one of our pre-existing groups. Wake “On Deck” meets during the school year on Sunday nights from 7:00-8:00pm at the Watermark Coffee Shop (by the fireplace).

What is the curriculum for 6-12th graders?
Click here to see a PDF version of our complete curriculum.

What role do parents play in Watermark Student Ministries?
We firmly believe that the parent(s) is the primary discipler of their children, the home is the primary place to make disciples, and a biblically based home is the most important component of a healthy society. Parents lay the foundation. We believe our job is support and affirm that foundation with a team of non-parental, committed adults (staff and volunteer leaders) who will be voices of truth and encouragement working "in stereo" with the efforts of parents.

The best things parents can do is to connect with and invest in their student's leaders. Invite them into your family and include them as a trusted partner in your parenting adventure.

Who are the volunteers that are leading Small Groups?
Our team is comprised of more than 100 individuals who are committed to investing in the lives of students for a number of years. All of our leaders are young adults or young marrieds in their 20's or 30's who are members or in the process of becoming members at Watermark Community Church. To ensure the well-being of our students, each leader has completed an application, interview, and background check. They have answered questions about their testimony, family, personality, and current relationship with the Lord as well as any history of exposure to abuse, alcohol, or drugs. Applicants are also required to submit at least two references with their application.

Why types of retreats and events are offered for 6-12th graders?
We have several events and retreats throughout the year meant to bond the group and help kids grow in their relationship with Christ. Typically these include separate fall retreats to Pine Cove for both junior high and high school students, a winter Ski Trip for high school students, a combined spring in-town retreat for all ages (called "DTown"), and summer service trips to various locations.

Information and registration forms for what’s coming up are available at Wake/Shoreline on Sundays or you can find those things on "Home/Events" page of the Watermark Student Ministries website at www.watermarkstudents.com.

Who do I contact if I have more questions about Watermark Student Ministries?
SarahBeth Jaqua is the Administrative Assistant for Watermark Student Ministries. She can be reached at (214)239-8820 or sjaqua@watermark.org. Other staff contact information can be found by clicking here.