WHO IS WATERLINE?
Where did Waterline come from?
The concept for Waterline originated at a pool party when several friends began discussing what it would mean to BE the church that would demonstrate love for others. For months, a group of people met for Sunday night parties, working to figure out how to make this happen. After about eight months of dreaming, planning and experimenting, Waterline Church held its first “experience” on Sunday, February 13 at 5:30 PM at the Hamilton County Sports Complex. More than 370 people attended the launch experience.
Where is Waterline going? What does it hope to accomplish?
Simply put, Waterline doesn’t know exactly where it’s going. We know and believe God has a great plan for this community of people. We also know that we want to change our community and change the world by showing God’s love to others. But, we will figure out exactly how we’re going to do that through relationships, relevant living and listening to our community. We aren’t afraid of changing and adapting as we develop and mature. But, one thing will always remain the same: Waterline will always follow God’s word and will always Love God and Love Others (see what this is about below).
What people are saying about Waterline?
Waterline is a place where I feel comfortable and fit in. I never feel judged. I feel like I can be real with other people and not have to pretend to be someone I’m not. – Savanah, 24
Waterline is all about love. I feel loved when I am there, and it is a place where I am learning how to better Love God and Love Others. – Jess, 25
What is “Love God Love Others” (a.k.a. LGLO)?
Love God Love Others is Waterline’s anthem for everyday living. It is the essence of everything we strive to accomplish. In fact, everything we do is run through this vision filter. We love God by the way we live in community, learn to know Him through the scriptures and strive to take action in our world. We love others by serving them in ways both big and small and directing them to a God-centered life where they can grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Love God Love Others guides everything that Waterline does, from “the Experience” (Waterline’s Sunday night gathering) to the ways we serve our community to the personal relationships we create with one another in our Waterline community.
FIRST TIME GUESTS AT WATERLINE:
Where does Waterline meet and why?
If you want to know where Waterline meets for its weekly gatherings known as “the Experience”, the answer is the Hamilton County Sports Complex, located at 9625 E. 150 St., Noblesville, IN (Sunday evenings at 5:30 PM). But, Waterline believes that church “starts on Monday morning”. So the real answer to this question is that Waterline meets wherever its people gather in the community. During any given month, Waterline meets for a variety of reasons: to take part in community events, pray for Noblesville and the surrounding areas, play sports (dodgeball, ultimate frisbee, etc.), discuss books and relevant current events, feed the homeless, and grab coffee as friends.
How do I get connected into the Waterline movement?
To get connected at Waterline, first, attend “the Experience” (the church’s Sunday gathering) at 5:30 PM at the Hamilton County Sports Complex, located at 9625 E. 150 St., Noblesville, IN. Fill out a “Connect Card” so that we know who you are and can contact you to say hi and welcome you. After your visit, we’ll invite you to Waterline United, a casual event, usually held in the comfort of someone’s home, which introduces new people to the church and helps them get involved somehow. If you have any questions or concerns along the way, don’t hesitate to contact Waterline at wtln@WaterlineChurch.com. Someone will respond to your email ASAP.
What should I expect when I visit Waterline for the first time?
Waterline is so new that everyone is new! Because everyone is so new, it is a great time to get involved as everyone is just getting to know each other. Here is what to expect on your first visit. As you arrive, you will be greeted by our first impressions team. They love to help you feel welcome and point you in the right direction. First you will need to get a name tag (see below why this is important). Next, grab a cup of coffee, tea or cold drink. If you have children, check-in your children to the SPLASH Family Ministry. (If you or your children would prefer that they stay with you, no problem.) Then make your way into the “main room”. As you enter, a live band will be playing contemporary music and an usher will help you find a seat. Enjoy the Experience and participate where you feel comfortable or just back and watch. We just want you to be comfortable.
What should I expect for my children when I visit Waterline?
Families love Waterline! The church’s Sunday night “Splash” program is designed to be an entire family experience. Children enjoy an age-appropriate (infancy to sixth grade) program that instills values of faith, family and fun! Our nursery (infants through toddlers) is staffed with highly trained volunteers who offer a safe, clean and interactive environment for your child.
How and Why to Pre-Register Children?
Because so many families and children attend the Waterline Experience, we ask that you please take a moment to pre-register your child on our web site. This will make the check-in process easier for you on your first visit. It will also allow us to prepare a nametag for your child before he or she arrives.
When you arrive to the Waterline Experience, we will ask you finish the registration process in person. This is where you will designate a “family number code” for you and your child. The number code will be our way of keeping track of children and who can check them in and out. With this code we are able to keep our children safe and allow for them to have fun.
WATERLINE’S VIEWPOINTS
What does it mean to “be Waterline”?
To “be Waterline” is to live out the church’s conviction, vision and values in your daily life. This means that you Love God Love Others whether you are at the Experience on Sunday evening, at work on Monday morning or encounter someone who needs a helping hand on Thursday afternoon. We believe that being a Christian isn’t limited to your time at church, but it is the way you approach people and circumstances every day of your life. To “be Waterline” means that you are helping us change our community and change the world.
What does Waterline believe?
Waterline believes in real, authentic relationships both with God and with each other. Waterline people desire to understand who God is, who He wants to be in our life, and how we can live for Him! We want to know who you truly are and where you are in life. We want to be honest with you about who we are, too. We try not to “judge a book by its cover.” If you have a tattoo, we won’t assume that you had a rough life and were in the Navy. If you carry a thick Bible, we won’t assume that you are a good Christian and have read it cover to cover. At Waterline, there is no reason to be fake, because we’ll love you for who you are when you’re real, despite your past (everyone has one). We believe in loving you!
Statement of Faith:
- There is one God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- Jesus Christ, the Son of God is the source of salvation, the Savior of all persons who put their faith in Him alone for eternal life.
- Those who receive new life in Christ are called to be holy in character and conduct and can live this way only by being filled with the Lord’s Spirit.
- The Bible is God’s inspired Word and it is the standard for our faith and actions.
- God wants everyone to know Him as Savior and Lord.
- The purpose of the church is to tell the world about Christ through worship, witness and loving deeds.
The Conviction of Waterline Church:
We are driven to see people experience a thriving relationship with Jesus Christ so that the Gospel may be reflected in their life.
We will seek to express the Gospel in tangible ways, both corporately and individually, through relevant and relational environments.
Because of this…
We will be the church that seeks to expand the Gospel in a movement that is relevant to the next generation.
The Vision (Anthem) of Waterline Church:
“Love God Love Others”
The Values of Waterline Church:
- Movement – Life Change!
Evangelism - Discipleship – like a person walking…each foot moves us forward.
We express the good news of Jesus in authentic ways so that we may see movement in people’s lives.
We also, live out gospel in tangible ways so that we can experience life transformation in our own lives.
- Momentum – Power!
Worship – giving God our all! Creates a sense of desperation, allowing God to give power and reveal His glory!
Fellowship - community, that is authentic, real and relevant creates power for movement in our lives.
Tools: Waterline Experience, Small Groups, Student Ministries, Family Ministry
- Mobilization – Influence
Serving with love and acceptance gives Waterline the right to introduce other to Jesus and share His power through love.
Leadership development of each person in the family of Waterline. In hopes to advance their abilities to see the movement progress in new areas of influence.
- Multiplication – Community Transformation
Reproducing the power, transformation and influence in the people around us. In hopes that the movement of Waterline progresses to all areas of our community.
What makes Waterline different than normal churches?
Several things make Waterline different. Here are a few of them:
1. Waterline currently meets at the Hamilton County Sports Complex in Noblesville rather than a typical church building. The church is less concerned a building/venue but more concerned with loving God and loving others. The room that we hold the Experience in is set up less like a formal church with pews and altars and more like a coffee house. Waterline isn’t a place but is a group of people who live their lives for Jesus Christ. The place we meet just helps enable us to hang out together.
2. Waterline does not meet on Sunday mornings. We understand that it’s often difficult for people to wake up early on Sunday to make it to church. Perhaps, someone who wants to go to church isn’t able to because he or she works the midnight shift or was up late visiting with friends on one of the only nights they don’t have to worry about working the next morning. We want people to be well rested and focused so that they can experience God in a new way. We gather for “the Experience” on Sunday nights at 5:30 PM in an effort to better accommodate the modern family’s schedule.
3. Waterline is a brand new church in the Noblesville area. We are a simple group of people that LOVE the north side of Indy! We are always thinking about how to make the movement of Waterline relevant to normal, everyday people in our community. Waterline is full of normal, everyday people who have found out that Jesus loves us. This love shapes the way we now operate and interact. When you have found love like this, it’s life changing!
Why does Waterline love name tags?
Waterline wants to know you…and that relationship begins with a name. Have you ever forgotten someone’s name or called someone by the wrong name? Do you remember how awkward and embarrassing that felt? Or, maybe someone that you’ve met once (or several times) has forgotten your name or called you by the wrong name. Maybe you felt slightly offended or embarrassed to correct them. At Waterline, we don’t need those embarrassing moments. (Let’s face it – sometimes going to church is awkward on its own, without name confusion.) That’s why we provide nametags for everyone. It’s simple – when you arrive at the Experience, whether you attend each week or it’s your first service, write your name on a nametag and stick it on yourself in a visible place.
WATERLINE’S INFLUENCE
Where is Waterline making an impact?
Each month at Waterline you can expect to meet missionaries from Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and other parts of the globe visiting to share what God has been doing in these places. Waterline partners with global missional organizations such as Global Partners and OMS.
Waterline also has local “missionaries” who are serving in Student Venture, Campus Crusade, World Impact, World Hope and other organizations that are changing the world! Some of these missionaries even attend Waterline on a weekly basis. Already, Waterline has sent out one of it’s own to the Czech Republic to be a missionary for 3 months!
Many of our events are partnered with local non-profit organizations that also want to make an impact. Some of our partners have included World Hope International, Promising Futures and the City of Noblesville. We hope to partner with many other organizations, as well, to join in the effort of changing our world!
Waterline hopes to also partner with for-profit organizations who have a heart to impact the community. Hare Chevrolet and other local businesses have been a major supporter of initiatives to support our community. We love to partner with groups to offer awesome events where people can find love and support.
What has Waterline learned in its first year?
In its first year, Waterline has learned that lives can be changed and that people can be moved by love. We have learned that families and friends want to grow in love together and want to be part of a community that cares about one another. People want to be accepted and included. People want to have fun and enjoy life together!
In the past 12 months of our journey, we have learned that God loves to use the small efforts we attempt to make huge impacts! We may think they are just small acts of kindness or love, but God some how transforms them, expands them, guides them to make major impact in people’s lives! Over the past 12 months we have heard countless stories of how God has used a simple idea like Waterline to change lives!
THE WATERLNE TEAM AND LEADERSHIP
What is the Waterline Team Covenant?
The Waterline Team Covenant is a simple commitment to be on the Waterline team. This is not a formal membership, nor any type of contract. It’s just a simple commitment someone gives that they are walking this life journey with the community who calls themselves Waterline. Here are the areas of commitment:
- I agree to Waterline Church Statement of Faith
- I am willing to commit to the “Core Convictions” and “Values” of Waterline Church and understand that these convictions and values are what unite and guide everything we do as a church.
- I am willing to follow the leadership of Waterline Church and will wholeheartedly serve and support the mission of Waterline Church.
- I am willing to give generously of my creativity, time, abilities and a percentage of my income in order to fulfill the vision of Waterline Church.
Who is the “Lead Team”?
The Lead Team is a group of men and women with diverse backgrounds and walks of life. These folks are extremely creative, with great faith in what God can do through our small actions! They are constantly looking for new ways our community can Love God and Love Others in new ways. They operate in a fashion that is highly relational, highly relevant and highly creative. This group of people spends a lot of time thinking through the direction that Waterline is taking. Together through prayer, study and experimental events they work to make Waterline awesome!
Who are John and Danielle Freed?
You can tell a lot about people by who they love, what they love, and how they love. John and Danielle Freed love Jesus, Dean (their 2 yr. old son), family, Indiana, Noblesville, Waterline Church, their Street Family on Fawn Hollow Lane, coffee, Zoe (their yellow lab), and summer vacations to Naples, Florida! They are simple people who love to have fun, laugh and live a life of adventure!
John Freed is the founding and lead pastor at Waterline Church. John has a B.S. and M.A. from Indiana Wesleyan University where he studied Christian Ministries and Leadership with a concentration in learning the art of communication with Generation Y. John is an energetic, engaging pastor who is excited about seeing lives changed as they are introduced to Jesus!
John is a Midwest boy. He has lived in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin and Indiana. At the age of 15, while at a summer camp, John gave his life to Jesus. A year later, at that same summer camp, Jesus called John to give his life to serve Him as a Pastor. John accepted, and God has been opening doors for John ever since. Today, John loves playing dodgeball, playing with his son Dean and taking Danielle to King Chef on 96th Street for romantic dates.
Danielle Freed is the founder and Pastor of Ministry Development at Waterline Church. She has a B.S. from Indiana Wesleyan University with a concentration in Youth Ministry, Children with Special Needs and Missions. While Danielle is not providing direction and support for the Lead Team, she is chasing her son Dean.
Danielle is an Indiana Hoosier. She grew up in the cornfields of central Indiana in a small town called Lapel. She loves people and parties! Danielle has the unique ability to make every event fun and full or laughs! She is extremely gifted in working with families, children and youth! At a very young age, Danielle gave her life to Jesus! Yet it was not until college that Danielle realized God had been calling her to serve Him with her gifts, abilities, passions and dreams! Today, Danielle is an awesome mother to Dean. She loves to find amazing deals at garage sales and spend quality time with John and Dean at Conner Prairie.
What do others say about John and Danielle Freed?
John and Danielle are real people just like you and me. Sometimes it’s hard to remember that they are the Pastors because they are young, down to Earth and easy to talk to. They blend in because they look like other members of the church. John wears jeans and Colts jerseys on Sundays to preach. Oh, and Danielle has the best. laugh. ever. – Courtney, 28
John and Danielle are very easy to get to know, fun to be around and are great to share life with. Their love for Christ’s church shows in everything they do for Waterline Church and the people that visit the church. –Travis, 24
WATERLINE’S CONNECTIONS
What is Waterline’s relationship with Heartland Church?
If there were no Heartland Church, there would be no Waterline Church. Heartland Church in Fishers, Indiana is Waterline’s sister church. The two churches share the same mission and goals and are located in the same community. The churches provide support to each other and help each other make an impact on the north side of Indianapolis. Heartland Church provides advice, counsel and mentoring to the leadership of Waterline Church as it matures and grows. While each church is independent of one another, we share in events and efforts to change our community.
Is Waterline a non-denominational church or a part of a denomination?
Waterline Church is a part of “The Wesleyan Church”. Waterline Church is proud of her historical Wesleyan heritage and theology. This relationship means that while Waterline operates as an independent local church community, our finances, pastors, and theology are all held accountable to The Wesleyan Church. We appreciate this relationship because it allows Waterline to be unique in its style and journey, yet it holds us accountable to a large network of church communities. Waterline’s weekly sermons, programs, events and environments are all unique to Waterline and planned and organized by the church’s Lead Team.
What are others saying about the Wesleyan Church?
The Wesleyan Church is very much like the Methodist Church. The church believes that the way to Heaven is through Jesus. It’s also like a big family; everybody knows everybody. So no matter what you are going through you know that there is always somebody praying for you! – Josh, 30
The Wesleyan church is the body of Christ reaching across nations, creating a network of familial relationships. – Heidi, 26
Where does Waterline’s money go?
Every dollar that Waterline receives from the weekly giving is used to make a local and global impact. Waterline is a mission effort in the Noblesville and northern Indianapolis communities. All of our funds are used to support our vision to Love God Love Others. Waterline does this here in our local community where God has placed us and around the world where God is sending others.
Waterline’s staff is not currently paid through its giving; each staff person fundraises to support his or her salary. The Lead Team is comprised primarily of fundraised or bi-vocational staff or volunteers. All church income is used directly to support the operations of the church. As the church continues to mature and become self-supporting, the local congregation will begin to adopt the expenses of staff benefits and salaries.