2. The Watermark Institute Training Leaders Beyond the Walls of Seminary
–SESSION 1–
The Watermark Institute Training Leaders Beyond the Walls of Seminary
Blake Holmes, Braun Brown, and Melissa Miller

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4. Residencies are Growing in Popularity
Candidates are looking outside of the seminary for practical, hands-on experience.
Churches are hiring from within or looking to other like-minded churches.
Seminary costs a lot of time and money.
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5. 10 Questions to Ask Before You Start
Are you healthy?
What is your purpose?
Is everyone fully bought into the idea?
What will distinguish your program?
What qualifications will you look for in candidates?
What will your candidacy process look like?
How will you train them?
How will you care for them?
What’s next for the them?
Will you be able to deliver on what you promise?
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6. Are You Healthy?
The quality of your program will be completely dependent upon the health of your church.
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7. What is Your Purpose?
The purpose of The Watermark Institute is to provide biblical training & discipleship combined with real life ministry experience for gifted leaders who desire to serve in vocational ministry.
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8. Not an Internship INTERNSHIP WATERMARK INSTITUTE
Inexperienced Candidate
Experienced Candidate
Not sure of what’s next
Strong sense of the Lord’s Calling
Exposure to Ministry - Watch
Leadership in Ministry - Do
Directing
Coaching
Clerical
Meaningful
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9. Is Everyone Fully Bought into the Idea?
Not just another program
Ownership and meaningful responsibilities
Access to leadership & staff
Investment of time and financial resources
Dedicated Staff Roles
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10. What Will Distinguish Your Program?
Highly selective admissions process
Demanding course work
Multiple ministry specialties
Hands-on practical experience
Coaching & candid feedback
Personal discipleship & transparency
Strong sense of community
Camp culture
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11. What Will Your Candidacy Process Look Like?
Application, Resume & References (A, B, C, PC)
Phone Interview
In-Person Interview
Director Approvals
Background Check
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12. What Qualifications Will You Look for in Candidates?
Spiritual Vitality: When was the last time you had a significant conversation with someone who is far from God? Tell me about that conversation.
Depth of Character: Is there anything in your life that if it came to light would be an embarrassment to you, a detriment to your ministry or a surprise to us?
Emotional Intelligence: Think about the last time you worked with a team. What do you think your team members liked about working with you? What did they find challenging?
Proven Leadership Experience: Describe a significant position of leadership you have held. What did you learn about yourself?
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13. What Qualifications Will You Look for in Candidates?
Strong Sense of the Lord’s Calling: If it doesn’t work out for you to be a part of this program, what do you hope to do?
Chemistry & Culture Fit: On any given weekend, what do you like to do for fun?
Financial Freedom: Are you currently in debt (consumer, school loans)? How do you plan to pay it off?
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14. How Will You Train Them? Ministry Specialties
Staff Meetings/Events & “Ride Along” Opportunities
Class Time (Bible, Theology, Apologetics, Spiritual Life & Leadership)
*The 70/20/10 Leadership Principle: 70% of leadership is gained through hands-on experience, 20% through observation and 10% through formal training
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15. How Will You Train Them? Monday 8:00 – 9:15 Spiritual Formation
9:30 – 12:30 Bible, Theology & Apologetics
12:30 – 1:30 Lunch
1:30 – 3:30 Ministry Topics
Tuesday
8:30 – 10:30 Staff Meeting
10:30 – 12:30 Team Meeting
Wednesday thru Sunday
Work Within Ministry Specialties
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16. How Will You Care For Them?
Relationally
Spiritually
Physically
Emotionally
Financially
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17. What is Next for Them?
Hire
Network
Reference
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18. Will You be Able to Deliver on What You Promise?
To the fellows & residents
To your staff
To other churches
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19. Contact Information:
Blake Holmes – Director of the Watermark Institute
Braun Brown – Men’s Director of Discipleship
Melissa Miller – Women’s Director of Discipleship
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