Watermark Students Podcast: Recent Episodes
Watermark Community Church, Dallas, TX
A podcast for students, featuring students, where we discuss the everyday issues of teenage life from a Christian perspective.
Join us as we kick off this semester with our brand new series "The Fight for your Mind"
It's Season 8, and we are so excited to kick things off with our lead pastor Blake Holmes and two of our very own students to talk about how Christians should respond to mass shootings.
We had a Very special Senior Shoreline this month and we are excited to share with you the testimonies of some of our seniors. We hope you are encouraged by the testimonies of: Emmy McGee, Andrew Bush, Mercedes Cobb, Vaness Robles, Charlie Ratliff, Catherine Dixon, Caroline Liable, Paige Dzina, Kelly Maha, Biak Sang, Kelly Maha, Bryn Bradley.
What is the concept of heaven and what does it mean for believers? Ruthie Grant joins us as we seek to understand the biblical hope of heaven and how it impacts our daily lives. Join us as we dive deeper into this eternal promise and discover the significance of our heavenly future.
On this episode we explore the teachings of the Bible on expressing our frustrations and processing our emotions in a healthy way. While the Bible cautions against complaining and negativity, it also encourages us to share our burdens with others and seek godly counsel. Jump in with us as we sit down with Merrill Pollard to discuss her thoughts on Venting!
Social media has become a ubiquitous presence in modern life, but it can also have a negative impact on our walk with the Lord. In this podcast, we talked with Charlie Silva and explore how social media can drain us of energy, creativity, and motivation. We'll discuss how the constant need for likes, comments, and followers can become an addiction that leaves us feeling empty and unfulfilled.
Welcome to the Watermark Students podcast where we explore the biblical perspective on speaking the truth in love. In this episode, we discuss with Gabby Parker the importance of honest communication with others while also demonstrating compassion and respect. We delve into the biblical foundation of this concept, based on Ephesians 4:15, which encourages believers to "speak the truth in love." We explore the practical implications of this idea, including being truthful with others in a kind and gentle manner that seeks to build up rather than tear down.
Let's tackle the age old question. Why are we here? What is my purpose? Sometimes without this direction in our lives we can feel lost or stranded. Join us in the studio as we sit down with Bo Richardson and listen to what the bible tells us is our Purpose for this life?
Let's tackle the age old question. Why are we here? What is my purpose? Sometimes without this direction in our lives we can feel lost or stranded. Join us in the studio as we sit down with Bo Richardson and listen to what the bible tells us is our Purpose for this life?
Talk the talk and walk the walk? Sometimes in the world today there can be a temptation to talk about our faith and not always walk it out. Join us today as we sit down with Caroline Laible to talk about the importance of walking out our faith in our lives everyday.
Sports are a huge part of our world today. Blake Broekemeier joined our team today to talk about how competing in sports and honoring God can go hand in hand.
Pride seems to be the root of a lot of the sin in the lives of young Christians. We sat down with Will Baker to take a deeper look at the pride in our hearts.
Many of us know that comparison is the thief of joy, we can still struggle to compare ourselves to others around us. Jump in with us today as we are joined by Biak Sang to talk about Comparison and how to Battle it.
A saying you hear Christians say is "Guard Your Heart." It comes up often, but what does it actually mean and how do we do it? Join us today as we talk with Emerson Campion and discuss why we believe it is so important for us all to practice guarding our hearts. Season 7! Let's Go!!!
Join us in this Bonus episode as we tune into our monthly gathering at Shoreline Dallas. for more information on watermark students check out watermark.org/students
Often times we can feel like our parents are over bearing or rules and advice can feel too strict. How does knowing our parents want us to live in freedom rather than bondage effect our view of rules or advice. Join us today as we talk with Easton Brown and apply God's word to our relationship with our parents.
In this world we will face trials and hard times. How do we walk through the difficulty of this broken world with an eternal mindset? Tune in today as we discus with Hattie Scott how tough seasons push us closer to the truth of the gospel and the comfort of our savior.
It is not natural for anyone to be eager about confessing mistakes from our past or sin we are struggling with. In fact, it is often really hard to confess. So why should we do it? What freedom does confession bring? Who should I confess to and how do I find the courage to do it? These are some questions we answer in today’s episode with Jackson Howell.
At some point in our lives we all experience loss. It may be a loved one, an opportunity or even a desire we have for our lives that seems to be out of reach. The emotion and grief that comes with loss can be difficult to walk through. Listen in as we sit down with Allie Sisco and discuss how to walk through grief in our lives.
FOMO can be a very real fear in our lives. Do you ever feel like following Christ means you have to miss out on what everyone else is doing? Don't miss out on this conversation with Cole Farley as we discuss the feelings of missing out and what God has in store for us!
Do you ever feel a heart sparkle and start to wonder if you are in a good place to start dating? What's the purpose of dating and how should you approach it. Jump in as we sit down with Blaine Law and talk about dating. Our goal is to help equip you with scripture as we tackle what can sometimes be confusing topics.
What comes to mind when you think about counseling? Is the idea of Counseling a comfort or a fear? Embarrassment? Anxiety? Listen in with Matthew McKinney as we discuss counseling and how to navigate and deliberate thoughts of seeing a counselor. We hope you are encouraged and you don't want to miss this!
What is Contentment? What is Discontentment? How does an eternal mindset help us to battle both? In today's episode, Rylee Banks joins the crew as we discuss how our hearts can be effected by the definitions of success by the world's standards and how a Christian worldview helps us have a eternal perspective and purpose. If you have ever felt discontent with your life or fallen into the trap of contentment this is an episode for you!
Every relationship will end in two scenarios: You will either get married or break up. In today's episode, Colin Keaton comes on and we discuss how you can know when it is time to break up. So, if you are in a relationship or hope to be in a relationship someday, we encourage you to give this episode a listen!
Have you ever had moments where you have felt distant from the Lord? Maybe you no longer feel as close to the Lord as you used to or are not as passionate about God as you should be. This feeling is often defined as being spiritually apathetic. Many of us feel this way so what do we do to fight apathy? How can I become "on fire" for the Lord again? We answer these questions and more on this episode. Enjoy!
Shoreline is our ministry for students in grades 9-12, but why do we call it “Shoreline”? The truth is, throughout His years on earth, Jesus often taught by the shoreline. In those moments at the shoreline, many miracles, lessons, and stories were shared between Jesus and the people. This series aims to look at the life change that occurred as people encountered Jesus at the Shoreline during His life on earth and invite students to experience the life change that is taking place with Jesus at Shoreline right now.
So join us as Jermaine starts this series off by asking, "What is one thing, that if changed, would change your life right now?" We hope you enjoy the episode!
Lately, we have seen cancel culture become a common theme throughout society. We could all likely name several celebrities, companies, or friends who have recently been "canceled." As cancel culture continues to spread we wanted to raise a few questions. Is cancel culture Biblical? How do Christians seek justice? How do I not live in fear of being "canceled?" We talk about these questions and more on this episode!
In the last 20 years, suicide deaths have more than doubled and its the second leading cause of death in teenagers. We live in a broken and fallen world, and sometimes the challenges we face can feel overwhelming. We pray this podcast is helpful for two people. First, our hope is to assist teenagers in knowing how to respond when someone shares with you they've been thinking about taking their own life. Second, to the listener who is struggling. If the thought of taking your own life has crossed your mind, know that you're not alone, you are seen and loved by God. If you're considering suicide, please seek help now, share with someone you trust or call (214) 828-1000.
This is one of the most common questions asked by students today. As followers of Christ, we are called to live differently, to pursue things of God, not of this world. We are relational beings and parties can be fun, so the temptation to go to them is very real, but should we? While nothing in the Bible explicitly answers this question, there are many truths from it that can help teenagers live wisely in a party culture.
As believers, we are called to share the good news of the gospel- this is a spiritual discipline known as evangelism. However, we often get in our heads about how to start a gospel conversation, don’t know exactly what to say, or don’t have any Scripture to reference. On this episode, we talk specifically about what the gospel message is, and how we can share it with others.
Whether you’re a senior or not, you’ve probably thought about what college you want to go to. While the Bible doesn’t speak specifically to your college decision, it is important to consider the non-negotiables and preferences as you apply and pick a school. In this episode we talk about how committing to a college is also about committing to be the person God wants you to be, we hope this episode is helpful for you!
When we step into High School, it suddenly feels like we’re our own brand manager, like we need to build a resume so people like us and accept us. For many teenagers, this is crippling because we care deeply about what other people think of us. In this episode we wrestle through the tension of performance and how it is possible to work hard and perform well in life without stealing glory from God in the process.
Spring Break is upon us, which means summer is near and it can be challenging to focus on finishing a school year strong. Whether it's laziness, apathy, or senioritis, those feelings can easily overflow into our spiritual life. What does the Bible have to say about fighting apathy both spiritually and mentally amidst the end of a school year? How can teenagers work to finish the year strong and pursue God wholeheartedly?
We all face missed expectations and dreams that don’t become reality. The truth is, we live in a broken and fallen world full of disappointment and difficult life circumstances. So, how can teenagers find hope, joy, and continue to trust God when it seems as though things are not going as well as you thought they would?
Being alone and being lonely are two different things. One can be alone without being lonely, and one can be lonely in a crowded room. As Christians, we are always reminded that God is with us, that we're never alone, but practically speaking, how can a teenager battle loneliness?
If the Gospel is good news, then why does it feel awkward to talk about? Why is it challenging to share your faith with others? How can teenagers feel more equipped to have spiritual conversations with my friends?
There are a lot of activities & opportunities competing for a teenager’s time. Whether it’s sports, academics, friendships, social media, college, work, or family, there is a lot to balance. The pressure of holding it all together can be overwhelming, so how does a teenager decide when to say yes, and when to say no when presented with many activities & opportunities at the same time?
While it may seem small and insignificant compared to the body as a whole, the tongue “boasts of great things” (James 3:5). Research shows the average person speaks about 16,000 words per day. More specifically, gossip can easily become a daily part of our conversations. Most of us know that gossip is an unhealthy habit and yet we can’t seem to get our tongues under control. So, what does the Bible say about gossip and how can a Christian appropriately respond to this struggle?
Nearly every student uses social media daily. Social media is a wonderful resource for positive change, fun, and encouragement. However, it can also be a catalyst for comparison, hate, and insecurity. Many students are asking wondering how to appropriately use social media. Well, it starts with what you post. How can you know if your post glorifies God?
Pornography is a staple in our culture. Entire businesses are built on it. Most teenagers have at least seen some form of pornography. Is it really all that bad? Does it have a negative impact on our culture and relationships? The truth is that there is a real cost to being exposed to pornography in your teenage years.
No matter who you are, we all have different hurts and struggles that affect the way we view life and view God. Too often, we don’t deal with them in a healthy way, which can lead to unhealthy patterns in our lives. We believe that healing and freedom can be found for anyone, no matter their age. Today, we get to hear from a senior in high school and the steps she’s taken to find this freedom in Christ. You can register at watermark.org/regenforstudents
A lot of the time, the last thing we want to feel as human beings is vulnerable, weak or exposed. We would much rather tough it out, push through a challenging time, or seem like we have it all together. But the truth is that there is healing and hope found in letting others in. Confessing where you are in life & what you’re struggling with could be the most life transforming thing you do today!
Many teenagers will hold a part time job at some point in their teen years. The main reason for having a part time job is to make & save money, but what if there’s even more to be gained from the experience?
You may have heard before that memorizing scripture is an important discipline for Christians to follow. If you’re like most teenagers, having something to memorize can just feel like more homework. While this is understandable, God wants us to store up His Word in our hearts and minds in order to live a more joyful life. How do we memorize scripture and how does this bring us closer to Jesus?
Many teenagers battle with various forms of anxiety. There are various ways anxiety affects lives which can be crippling and overwhelming. So, what does the Bible say about anxiety and how can a Christian appropriately respond to this struggle?
Many teenagers spend their high school years seeking popularity, recognition, and acceptance. Yet, during this search, they are left feeling empty. Is there a better way to live the high school years?
If you’re human, you’ve experienced the tension of caring about what other people think about you. But far too often, pleasing other people becomes the driving force behind how teenagers live their lives. This emphasis can lead to an unhealthy lifestyle, and unwise choices. How can teenagers resist the temptation to let what others think about them be a driving influence in their lives?
Teenage life can get really busy. From school work to extracurricular activities, to homework, to social life, to sports, etc. There’s often less focus on being intentional to rest, and not “work” as a teenager, but the habits that develop in your teenage years will likely continue on into adulthood. So, how can a teenager navigate the tension between the busyness our culture celebrates, and the fight for rest & margin that is sometimes overlooked?
Christian camps are an incredible resource for teenagers. They offer memorable experiences, new friendships, and an ideal environment to spark or grow a relationship with Jesus. But for many students, the spark that begins at camp, quickly fades away when they come back to their regular lives. But it doesn’t have to be that way! On this episode, we discuss How a teenager can turn their walk with Jesus from a seasonal event to a daily activity!
Great academic performance can open doorways to college admission, scholarships, and future employment opportunities for teenagers. When you combine that reality with the fact that many teenagers anticipate attending college one day, the result is that teenagers face an enormous amount of pressure to perform at an extremely high level academically that can threaten to affect so many aspects of their lives. How should a teenager navigate the tension of seeking to do well academically, without allowing the pressure to negatively affect the rest of life?
There is so much cultural & social pressure on teenagers to do everything they can to look a certain way and have a certain body type. A common result of all this pressure is teenagers with low self-worth, an addiction to working out, or pride & idolatry in how their body looks. How can a teenager step away from the scale and move towards truth on this issue?
Being a student in 2021 is challenging enough. Being a Christian teenager who is genuinely seeking to live out their Christian faith adds a whole other layer of challenges. Here is one student’s take on how he manages that tension, and seeks to influence people around him for Christ!
Being a student at a private school comes with awesome benefits as well as unique challenges. What is the private school experience like for a teenager in 2021? What are the best ways to survive and thrive while attending a private school?
Being a student that’s home schooled comes with awesome benefits as well as unique challenges. What is the home school experience like for a teenager in 2021? What are the best ways to survive and thrive while being home schooled?
Being a student at a public school comes with awesome benefits as well as unique challenges. What is the public school experience like for a teenager in 2021? What are the best ways to survive and thrive while attending a public school?
Most teenagers will go on to continue their education in college. There are so many unknowns looking ahead to college, and to some teenagers, it seems so far away. However, there are habits you can build in this season, and opportunities you can take that will help set you up for success in the next season. Spending intentional time deepening faith and friendships is one of them!
The holiday season is almost upon us, and teenagers have an incredible opportunity to love, lead, and serve within their families. But it can be so much easier to check out, compare your family to others, or to allow discouragement regarding your family situation to take root. How can a teenager fight off these temptations, and contribute to a memorable holiday season?
The Bible is the central text to the Christian faith. We’ve all heard time and time again how important it is to spend consistent time reading the Bible. What should I do if I don’t feel like reading my Bible?
Social media is an incredible resource for good, fun, and positive change in our world. It can also be a place for insecurity, comparison, and rebellion against God to run free. How should teenagers navigate this tension, and appropriately use this resource?
2020 election day is almost upon us, and many political races are still up in the air. While only some seniors in high school can vote, it is still valuable for all teenagers to begin shaping their perspective on how they should view politics, and what principles should guide them in future elections.
The pressure to consume alcohol as a teenager is high. It may seem like the norm in your circles of friends or acquaintances. But while the pressure might be high, and underage drinking might seem normal, how should you respond to underage drinking you observe around you?
Whether you’re on a road trip, running errands, or hanging out at home, the odds are that you commonly listen to music. Music is an essential part of our culture that gives color to our experiences, and are tied to lasting memories. With music playing such an integral role in our lives and culture, it’s very important that we have a lens through which we choose our music.
If I know it’s time to find a new group of friends, how do I do that carefully, and wisely?
While making friends can be difficult, there is the longer road ahead of maintaining the friendships you’ve made. If a teenager already has a good group of friends, how do they keep those friendships healthy and strong?
There’s nothing like old friends, but creating and cultivating those kinds of friendships can be a challenge. Between changing schools, moving, leaving a friend, being left behind by a friend group etc., some students find themselves at square one looking for friends. So, where and how do they start if they want to make some new friends?
Nobody wants to be lonely, and everyone wants to be, and feel loved. The dating scene during your teenage years can be tough to navigate. Social pressure, personal desire, and parental consent or dissent all contribute to making teenage dating a sometimes confusing issue. How do teenagers know if or when they’re ready to date?
Nobody wants to be lonely, and everyone wants to be, and feel loved. The dating scene during your teenage years can be tough to navigate. Social pressure, personal desire, and parental consent or dissent all contribute to making teenage dating a sometimes confusing issue. How do teenagers know if or when they’re ready to date?
Have you ever felt like your life isn’t working the way it’s supposed to? Maybe you have a bad habit that you just can’t stop. Maybe you have been hurt somehow and you can’t seem to shake the painful feelings. How should teenagers respond when something feels broken?
The killing of several unarmed black individuals at the hands of police officers sparked protest & unrest across America and the world in 2020. People are seeking to understand, significant changes are being made to deal with the issue of racism. How should teenagers contribute to this effort?
With summer looking very different than anyone anticipated including lots of cancelled plans, many teenagers are having to battle the experience of boredom in a new way. How should teenagers view and handle boredom this summer?
Regular conversations among teenagers and some of what teenagers regularly post on social media falls into the category of “here’s what I’m doing right now and who I’m with”. But what if your friends are doing something together, without you? How should a teenager navigate not being invited?
With summer looking very different than anyone anticipated including lots of cancelled plans, many teenagers are spending a lot more time with siblings and parents which has resulted in more conflict and annoyance. How should a teenager navigate family tensions and conflicts?
In 2020, the coronavirus came out of nowhere and seriously affected spring semester and summer plans for most teenagers. How should teenagers deal with the surprising and unexpected changes in plans?