Megachurch ‘Elder Emeritus’ Todd Wagner Removed from Church Site Despite Statement to Congregants
A Dallas-based megachurch pastor that temporarily stepped down from the 11,000 member church he pastored for 20 years over the allegation he was being too prideful, then resigned with the understanding that he would remain an “Elder Emeritus” within the congregation, has been wiped clean from the Elder Emeritus team.
Pastor Todd Wagner took a leave of absence due to his elders calling out the sin of pride in his life and telling him he needs a break and time to deal with it so he can better serve his flock in the future. Shortly thereafter he resigned from his church, along with one of the pastors who was instrumental in seeing him leave, David Levanethol. At the time Wagner explained, “We are fully convinced that today, in the interest of Christ, for me and for my family, and for Watermark in this next season, it would be best served by me ending my season in serving as pastoral elder of Watermark Community Church.”
In a public letter to the church, the elder team explained that while both Levanthal and Wagner were resigning, they would both continue to serve the church as members of the body and Elders Emeritus.
Despite a challenging season, David and Todd are at peace with one another and will serve together on the Elder Emeritus team. We are currently processing how each person can best serve the mission in the days ahead.
Now, it looks like that is not the case. Leventhal is shown, but not Wagner.
In fact, on the staff directory page, there are 220 people mentioned, along with job descriptions and titles within the church. Todd Wagner is apparently persona non-grata, as he is the only one whose position is unlisted and blank.
For the time being, his sermons have not been taken down and all 877 are still there.
We have reached out to Watermark Church for comment on whether this is accidental, or intentional, and will update this post accordingly.
h/t to @EdenElsewhereNo for the story.
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Most mega-churches are nothing but glorified Star-Bucks coffee shops.