Lead Pastor of Teaching and Vision

Non-Denominational

WEEKLY ATTENDANCE: 1,100

Meet Watermark Fort Worth

Watermark Fort Worth was planted in March 2013 as a satellite campus of Watermark Community Church in Dallas. The idea for this plant started in 2012 when a group of Fort Worth families and single adults began praying about being the church on the west side of Fort Worth. Many were driving to Watermark Dallas each week and were inspired to reach family and friends in their own neighborhoods for Christ under the church model of Watermark Dallas. 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.

Watermark Fort Worth saw amazing growth and discipleship occur over the next seven years as we functioned as a satellite campus. 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 also relocated to our permanent campus at 8000 Western Hills Blvd. on September 23, 2018.

In the fall of 2019, the Elders of Watermark Dallas had a growing conviction that the next step for the health of the Fort Worth campus and the advancement of God’s Kingdom in Tarrant and Parker Counties was for the Fort Worth campus to become an independent, local church. As conversations between the Elders and Fort Worth Campus Shepherds continued, the Elders determined that the Fort Worth campus leadership would be fully prepared to operate as an independent, local church, beginning July 1, 2020. 

Since becoming an independent church in 2020, Watermark Fort Worth has experienced remarkable growth and transformation. What has remained constant through it all is the heart of our people—a community that is excited, hungry, and deeply desires more of God in our lives and in our city. We’ve seen God’s faithfulness as our young adults ministry thrives, our kids ministry bursts at the seams, and our recovery ministries continue to change lives in powerful ways. This is a church filled with energy and expectancy, where people are eager to take their next step in faith and discipleship, with over 1000 active members. 

At the same time, Watermark Fort Worth stands on a strong foundation of community and transparency—values that are no longer aspirational but are part of our DNA. There’s no need to rebuild that; it’s already who we are. Yet within that strength lies incredible opportunity for creativity and vision as we seek to love and serve the lost in our neighborhoods, across our city, and around the world. We believe the best days of ministry are still ahead, and we are trusting God to lead us boldly into an exciting new season of growth, unity, and impact.

About the Lead Pastor of Teaching and Vision

The Lead Pastor of Teaching & Vision serves as the primary theological voice and visionary leader of Watermark Fort Worth, stewarding the preaching ministry, shaping the church’s spiritual direction, and leading the congregation toward faithful obedience to Christ. This pastor bears primary responsibility for proclaiming God’s Word, articulating and guarding doctrinal clarity, and helping the church discern where the Lord is leading in the next season. He serves as an Elder, shepherding the body alongside the other Lead Pastors and fellow elders. As the primary steward of the preaching ministry and the church’s vision, he leads with humble conviction and decisive clarity, always laboring within a biblical plurality of elders.

The Lead Pastor of Teaching and Vision’s responsibilities include:

Preaching and Teaching Leadership

• Serve as the primary pulpit voice, preaching approximately 25-30 Sundays per year.
• Faithfully preach and teach the Scriptures with theological depth, pastoral wisdom, cultural awareness, and clear application.
• Set the annual and multi-year preaching vision, including series themes, books of the Bible, and theological emphases in alignment with Watermark Fort Worth’s mission and values.
• Develop and oversee the Sermon Prep Team, which provides Sunday teachers with feedback, insight, and guidance during weekly sermon preparation.
• Establish and maintain clear sermon preparation standards rooted in sound exegesis and doctrinal faithfulness.

Vision and Direction

• Help articulate and steward a clear, compelling vision for the church’s future that flows from Scripture and reflects the mission of making disciples.
• Regularly discern, articulate, and communicate what he is sensing regarding the spiritual health, needs, and direction of the church to fellow elders and staff.
• Partner with Staff leadership to translate vision into executable ministry priorities and rhythms.
• Serve as a primary guardian of doctrinal clarity and theological unity across all ministries.

Eldering and Shepherding

• Serve as a biblically qualified Elder, modeling godly character, humility, and faithfulness in life and doctrine.
• Participate fully in elder meetings, prayer, discernment, care, and governance of the church.
• Shepherd members through teaching, presence, prayer, counsel, and availability.
• Help equip and care for staff and key leaders, cultivating a healthy culture of trust, accountability, and spiritual maturity.

Team Leadership and Collaboration

• Lead with ownership while joyfully serving within a plurality of elders and staff, including the other Lead Pastors who also serve as Elders.
• Work closely with Worship, Communications, and Ministry leaders to ensure Sunday gatherings and teaching environments are theologically sound, pastorally sensitive, and mission-aligned.
• Develop leaders and teachers across the church, ensuring alignment with Watermark Fort Worth’s doctrine and values.

Reporting and Accountability

• Serves as a Pastor and Elder, accountable to the Elders.
• Leads and develops the teaching ministry in partnership with fellow pastors and staff.
• This position will oversee select staff members, as determined in collaboration with the Staff Leadership Team.

What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Lead Pastor of Teaching and Vision:

Education and Experience

• An undergraduate degree is required.
• A seminary degree is not required, but preferred.
• At least 10 years of church experience with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Marketplace experience is a bonus.

Personal Characteristics and Qualifications

• Meets biblical qualifications for an Elder (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9).
• Demonstrates a deep love for Christ, Scripture, and the local church.
• A gifted communicator who can engage believers and seekers with clarity, conviction, and humility.
• A strong, humble leader who is willing to take responsibility, provide direction, and work collaboratively within a team.
• Theologically grounded and aligned with Watermark Fort Worth’s beliefs and governance.
• Emotionally mature, relationally wise, and pastorally accessible.

What it’s like to live in Fort Worth, Texas

Fort Worth, TX, often dubbed “Cowtown,” offers an appealing blend of economic opportunity and accessible living, making it a top choice for new residents. The job market is robust and diverse, featuring major industries like manufacturing, aviation, aerospace, and energy, with corporate headquarters for Fortune 500 companies such as American Airlines and BNSF Railway. Crucially, the city provides a more affordable cost of living compared to other major Texas metropolises. Housing costs are notably lower than the national average, and combined with Texas’s lack of state income tax, residents often find more money staying in their pockets, offering a high quality of life for families and professionals alike.

Living in Fort Worth, Texas, offers the perfect blend of big-city opportunity and small-town charm. Home to TCU, the city hums with the energy of college students who bring life, curiosity, and engagement to the community. Families and individuals alike benefit from a wide variety of educational options—public, charter, and private schools—ensuring there’s a place for everyone. The food scene continues to grow and impress, celebrating Fort Worth’s Tex-Mex and Western roots while introducing new flavors and creative local restaurants that reflect the city’s diversity and spirit. Whether you prefer the historic charm of Fairmount and Magnolia, the family-friendly neighborhoods of Ridglea or Benbrook, or the suburban comfort of Aledo, there’s a community that feels like home.

Fort Worth offers all the conveniences of urban life without the hassles that often come with it. You can easily access great stores, restaurants, and entertainment without paying for parking or sitting in Dallas-style traffic. Most of your friends, work, and activities are just 15 to 20 minutes away. The weather stays warm for much of the year, with just enough cool days—and the occasional snow day—to enjoy a change of pace. The culture here is relaxed and welcoming—less flashy than Dallas but every bit as vibrant. And with Fort Worth ranking as one of the fastest-growing cities in the country (the fastest percentage-wise from 2020–2024), it’s clear that God is bringing people right here for a purpose. These are exciting times to live, work, and serve in Fort Worth.

Beyond its economic stability, Fort Worth is a vibrant cultural hub that successfully balances its Western heritage with world-class arts. The historic Stockyards National Historic District is a must-see, offering a daily cattle drive, rodeos, and the world’s largest honky-tonk, Billy Bob’s Texas, providing an authentic taste of the “Wild West.” Contrastingly, the Cultural District is home to an impressive collection of museums, including the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, solidifying the city’s commitment to arts and intellectual life. This unique duality ensures there is always a variety of entertainment, from a night out at the rodeo to an afternoon spent enjoying masterpieces.

The city offers residents numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation and a welcoming community atmosphere. Expansive green spaces like the Fort Worth Botanic Garden and the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge provide beautiful escapes and numerous hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The Trinity Trails system, running along the Trinity River, offers miles of multi-use paths for fitness and leisure, integrating nature into the urban landscape. This dedication to parks and public spaces, coupled with the city’s friendly and unhurried Texan hospitality, creates a community-focused environment that is both engaging and comfortable, making Fort Worth an excellent place to call home.