What is Year of the Word?

In 2025, Watermark Community Church in Dallas, Texas is embarking on Year of the Word to help our church family abide deeply in Jesus together. Our church will read the whole Bible together in a year through Watermark’s year-long Bible reading plan, Join The Journey. Additionally, for the first time ever, we will also teach a passage from the reading plan during our Sunday messages. Other mid-week ministries will also journey with us in unique ways throughout the year.

We can’t wait to see what God has in store for Year of the Word as our church unites around God’s Word!

How do I participate in Year of the Word?

  • Join Watermark Community Church on Sundays as we dive into a passage from the previous week’s reading plan.

  • Follow along with the daily Bible reading plan and devotionals on our website, or download the Join The Journey app. To make the daily reading assignments more attainable, we are expanding the Join The Journey reading plan to six days a week.

  • Listen to the Join The Journey daily podcast, which takes a deeper look at the passages from the daily reading plan in 10 minutes or less. Stream on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

  • Discuss the weekly reading assignments with your community group, serving team, or as a family. New for 2025, the Join The Journey app can help community groups read and discuss each day’s passage.

Why is Watermark doing Year of the Word?

Throughout church history, God’s people have gathered around Scripture together. While reading God’s Word individually helps you personally grow in your devotion, there is something powerful and special about reading it together. Year of the Word will be a tool for community groups, families, serving groups, ministries, and friends at Watermark to experience deeper unity as everyone reads and shares from the same passages throughout the year.

Not part of Watermark? You are welcome to join us and use all the resources to help you and your church community or friends read the Bible together.

How can kids participate in Year of the Word?

We want to encourage families to read the Bible together with Journey Junior resources.

  • The Journey Junior reading plan contains shortened passages designed to make it realistic for kids in grades 2-5 to read the whole Bible in a year. Download the plan today.

  • Every Monday, we post an episode of The Journey Junior podcast that brings a passage from the reading plan to life in an entertaining way. Find The Journey Junior podcast on your preferred streaming platform. Stream podcast on Apple or Spotify.

  • This year, Watermark is introducing a new “Bible Passport” tool from Watermark Kids. Every time a child finishes a book, they can bring their Bible Passport on Sunday morning to receive a stamp. Bible Passports will be distributed on the first Sunday in January and throughout the year at the Watermark Kids Welcome Desk.

  • Family Conversation Cards feature age-appropriate questions tailored to different developmental stages, from Pre-K to grade 12, and are designed to help families engage in meaningful conversations around the Journey Junior reading plan. View the online version of the Family Conversation Cards.

How can my older child or student participate in Year of the Word?

We have created a special reading plan for students in grades 6-12 that is a lite version of the adult reading plan. Download the student’s reading plan. Teenagers are welcome to use the adult plan as well.

What are some practical ways to stay consistent with the year-long Bible reading plan?

Staying consistent with the year-long Bible reading plan will involve time and planning. Always start by praying for God to lead and transform you through this journey. Watch this video for tips on how to stay consistent.

I am behind on the reading plan. How to get caught up?

We get it, life happens. So, if you get behind, don’t worry. Participants should always feel the freedom to jump in today. Start fresh and move forward faithfully.

Where can I watch the sermons associated with Year of the Word?

You can find all Sunday messages on Watermark Community Church’s website.

Do I need to sign up?

You don’t need to sign up for Join The Journey, but you can get notified when new content is available!

  • Website – At the bottom of any page on this site, you can sign up with your email address to receive a reminder each weekday.
  • Podcast - You can jump in by listening to the podcast at any time. To receive daily notifications subscribe ("follow") on Apple Podcasts or hit the bell and follow on Spotify.
  • App – Tap the settings wheel in the upper-right corner of the Join The Journey app to set a reminder on your phone.

I'm not receiving the emails anymore. Help!

The most common reason is that your email provider is classifying our email as spam, so check your spam folder. It might help to include our email address in your address book: jointhejourney@watermark.org. If you still think something is wrong, reach out to us on the contact page. We'll make sure that you're still subscribed to our mailer.

Do I need to subscribe again if I participated last year?

You don’t!

If you know you subscribed previously but you’re not receiving the emails anymore, our emails may be going to your spam folder. It might help to include our email address in your address book (jointhejourney@watermark.org). If you still think something is wrong, reach out to us on the contact page. We'll make sure that you're still subscribed to our mailer.