Watershed Ministry

Dear friends-

As you all are aware, we've been praying about the future of the Watershed ministry for several months. We held a "Town Hall" meeting on May 6, and the leadership team has compiled and analyzed the results. God has spoken clearly through this survey and conversations that we've had with those of you that are still a regular part of this ministry.

The vision for Watershed started back in 2002. The young adult (18-25ish) environment was much different eight years ago. There was an entire demographic of people between high school and middle-adult age that was practically being ignored. We were seeing young adults leave their churches and go to other churches that fit their needs. Watershed stepped in to become a place where young adults in this community could "immerse" together in worship, scripture, and fellowship, with the goal of "dispersing" back into their churches and community as Christ's servants.

That brings us to where Watershed is today. Whereas we had a healthy rotation of young adults in 2003-2006 as people moved on in life and new folks came in, the influx of new people at the lower end of the age range has all but ceased. Some interesting demographics from the May 6 survey: - The average age of a Watershed attendee (even when eliminating everyone over 35) is 27 years old.

- The average attendee has been with us for 4.6 years.

- 96% of respondants say they are plugged into a local church body and serving/giving there.

- 89% say they meet regularly with other believers for the express purpose of studying scripture or accountability.

- 57% are regularly serving at Watershed. The majority that aren't say it's because they are serving in their own churches instead.


Over the past few years, it seems that many churches have finally realized that the young adult demographic was being missed, and we've seen positive changes to address that. There are several other ministries now in place that are seeking to reach these individuals. As a result, we have been praying (and I know many of you have been doing the same) about what to do next.

From the start, Watershed's vision has been to help young adults go deeper in their relationships with Jesus Christ. Looking at the strength and maturity of our current group, it has been made clear to us that most Watershedders are being called to different areas of ministry. Watershed has fulfilled its purpose in the Cedar Rapids area, and it is time for us to bring Watershed to a close so that we may serve God in the ways he is calling each of us individually.

Saying goodbye to something that I've been doing for almost 1/4 of my life is difficult, but I am at complete peace. I've been feeling this call for several months now, but have pushed back on God and said, "not yet." He finally confirmed to me and the leadership team through many of you that it is time. This chapter of God's bigger ministry on Earth is finished, making way for the new chapters that God is writing through you.

Next Thursday, May 20, I will be sharing this information with the group as part of our gathering, followed by another open dialogue. The leadership team members will be present and happy to answer any questions you may have. We will hold our last worship gathering the following Thursday, May 27. This will be a service to celebrate what Watershed has done and to commission all of you. We pray that each of you will seek God's leading in your next area of service to Him.

It's been a pleasure serving with you for so many years. I know God has great plans for each of us, and I cannot wait to see what He will do next.

In Him and on behalf of the Watershed ministry,
-Steve