Struggling with addictions, anxiety, anger, or past hurts that keep you stuck? Re:generation is a year-long, 12-step discipleship and recovery ministry created by Watermark Community Church in Dallas, Texas, designed to help anyone find lasting freedom through Scripture, authentic community, and daily connection with God.^1
Participants begin with a "Groundwork" group before moving into closed small groups of men or women, working through daily curriculum packed with nearly 900 Scripture passages covering topics like identity in Christ, repentance, forgiveness, and making amends.^2 The workbooks guide 30 minutes of daily personal reflection, and weekly gatherings include large-group teaching and testimony followed by honest small-group discussion.^3
What makes Re:generation stand out among Christian recovery programs is its insistence that this isn't just recovery — it's discipleship. Developed by Nathan Graybill in 2013, the curriculum evolved from Watermark's earlier Celebrate Recovery ministry with a deeper goal: not merely sustainable recovery, but full devotion to Christ in all areas of life.^9 The ministry addresses over 100 different struggles, from substance abuse and pornography to codependency, fear, people-pleasing, and past trauma.^10 As one church leader put it: "Sobriety from addiction or behaviors is not the goal; it's just a road marker on the journey toward full devotion to Christ."^4 A 12-week student version for grades 9–12, first piloted in 2019, brings the same biblical principles to teens in a lighter, semester-based format.^11
In 2025, 351 people completed the full program at Watermark's Dallas campus — walking through every biblical step of recovery and finding freedom in Christ.^5 The ministry is now active at 215 locations across the United States, including both in-person and virtual options, hosted by partner churches nationwide. A training conference is scheduled for September 14, 2026 in Dallas for churches looking to launch their own Re:generation ministry.^6 Curriculum is available in English, Polish, Albanian, and Romanian, with Spanish-language offerings now expanding beyond the initial pilot to multiple church locations.^4
John Elmore (ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary) serves as senior director of pastoral care and director of re:generation at Watermark, leading what has been described as the world's largest weekly recovery ministry.^13
Why Christians Love It"Re:generation radically changed my discipleship strategy and has given me a more effective pathway for people to receive healing and freedom in Christ." — Mark Davis, Care & Connections Pastor, CityView Bible Church^4
"I see re:generation blessing not just this generation but generations to come in our congregation. People are taking next steps with Jesus that will influence their children and their grandchildren. We've seen marriages restored, purity pursued, and the chains of painful addictions broken." — Sean, Pastor and Ministry Leader^2
"More people recommended re:generation to me than I ever thought was possible. It has changed the lives of thousands — and will surely do the same for you." — Garrett Wikle^3
Notable- Born out of Watermark Community Church's recovery ministry (est. 2002); new curriculum launched 2013, began expanding to other churches in 2014^1
- Active at 215 locations across the U.S. with in-person and virtual options, used by partner churches nationwide^4
- 351 people completed the full program at Watermark in 2025^5
- Free to attend — curriculum costs approximately $55 total over the year-long journey (varies by location)^1
- Re:generation for Students: a 12-week study for grades 9–12, piloted in 2019^11
- Curriculum available in English, Polish, Albanian, and Romanian; Spanish expanding to multiple U.S. locations^7
- Developed by Nathan Graybill; directed by John Elmore (ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary)^9
- Watermark hosts training conferences for church leaders looking to adopt the program^12
- Offers a StruggleFinder survey and 100+ common struggles list to help participants identify their specific areas of need^1
- Daily curriculum includes Scripture memory, prayer, and spiritual formation elements like repentance plans^9
Platforms: In-person (215 locations nationwide) + Virtual (online)^6 Pricing: Free to attend (curriculum ~$55, varies by location)
