the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. I wonder what is considered a humble enough lifestyle to please all the rest of us looking in and offering our opinion about something we probably do not know enough about yes, that is a valid question. Products. If you (as some I bet arent producing fruits but first one to take a shot at his house, cars and family. My soul was touched. While Blake will teach on Sundays as part of his role as Lead Pastor, we will have two Teaching Pastors who will share the primary responsibility of teaching. Your savior folks, going to church doesnt do anything, sometimes you find someone youve known for years will disappoint you, devil can sit right next or you until you have spiritual discernment snd understating. There is no anger, no wrath.. no one was threatening him he deliberately chose to live as the 1%, say yes & accept it, move in and make it his home. . Reminds me exactly like Steven Furtick and many other pastors. "It's lonely at the top. Let me rephrase: Or evasion? Im only surprised it took 15 years. This piece has been updated. My people hath been lost sheep: Shame on you folks. Or, in this case, you live on as Elder Emeritus! Its clear as mud. Submitted by escamp on August 31, 2015 - 3:04pm. I went to a church with a broadly evangelical membership statement coupled with a specifically Calvinistic, and specifically young earth creationist, teaching statement. It was amazing for marriages and community within marriage. I suppose you think you can do better than they? Watermark exists to be and make more fully devoted followers of Christ, looking to God's Word as our only authority, conscience, and guide. Does God want everyone to be broke? Government Bouncers on Your Church's Front Door? On Sunday, April 25 we shared three significant transitions to our leadership team with our church body. Im with Scotty and Andy Wilson. What a strange and often sad world much of American white evangelicalism has become. If I was a member of this church my motivation for remaining or leaving would be almost entirely based upon trying to figure out what happened in an effort to understand if the leadership is healthy or unhealthy. Todd notes that the church is not simply a building or a . Churches that utilize a confession like the Westminster, 1689, or the 39 articles seem comfortable requiring specificity in their doctrine for both members and pastors I think this is more transparent, and thus healthier, than having two statements. I am so tired of the evangelical industrial complex justifying there greed and sexual abuse and bullying. Speculation, in this context, equates to gossip, and at its heart, is pride. Or you perfect? Initiate. Darren, I was thinking about this a little more think about the language you use explaining how elders are held to a higher standard doctrinally speaking. Todd Wagner co-owns various entertainment properties with Mark Cuban and is the creator and chairman of the Charity network. There are more than one people with the name Todd Wagner. I am praying for you in San Diego CA. I know that there are many different types of church governance. Approach with caution but it is OK to approach. For the last two decades, we have experienced a continual sense of awe at what God is doing through His people at Watermark. Reengaging our members in the life and ministry of the church. Im confident Todd wagner has done more to help people than all commenters combined. Maybe because I have not had a negative experience with elder rule I do not see it as a problem. You are probably the person ego roles in Lexuss each day when you pull in the church but if Lord has gifted something you are too quick to put that person under the bus. Please click here to learn how. but unfortunately christian powerbrokers have made christianity about things other than Jesus Christ. Ezk 22:30 - And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none. Thats for God to reveal or conceal. He added that there are just too many layers and that even Friedrich and Thompson land at a different place than (Leventhal and Wagner) regarding why weve arrived here., Both Wagner and Leventhal will remain at Watermark as elders emeritus, though the church said it is proactively pursuing men to add to the Elder team., According to the church website, Wagner and Leventhal will spend time with their families preparing for whatever the Lord has next.. The Roys Report seeks to foster thoughtful and respectful dialogue. Todd Wagner is temporarily stepping down from his role as senior pastor of the Dallas, Texas, church he founded more than 20 years ago. . Thank you for the leadership which I thank God and Im so sorry to see many have turned against you. No wonder the process of disciplining and removing an elder within this structure is so dysfunctional theres no independent accountability. He then applied the words Paul used to describe his apostolic ministry in Acts 20:26-32 to his own tenure at Watermark: With a clear conscience, Im going to say this to you, Wagner said. Elders of Watermark Community Church, Watch the full message from April 25, 2021. I am not sure what is wrong with elder rule since it is biblical. that is perceived as insincere or excessive: The building was used for free to us (but not them). We have two updates to share as you continue to pray with us as we seek to serve God and one another faithfully in this season. What a bizarre statement. Hope youll give us another try and check out some other articles. In the video, an emotional Leventhal said that he had resigned on March 26 because of a loss of trust in Todds ability to lead in the role of pastoral elder/senior pastor, which was the direction the elders were wanting to move to.. Official announcement from the elders: "Waterm. Really miss your sermons and spirit led preaching. How much do Watermark Community Church employees make? Also I probably would be off my depression meds. In the online video, Leventhal described the process of discernment with Wagner as heart-breaking, exhausting, and expensive for Leventhal, his wife, the elder team, and the campus pastor team. To donate, click here. Regardless Lords will be done Prov 16:9 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. $36,766 / yr. Mind Games The Bizarre & Controling Culture of Official announcement from the elders: "Wa. i dont believe a word he says. Stay informed with the latest from CBN News delivered to your inbox. In the video, Wagner said that the clarity to step down was not hasty, adding that the discernment process had started a year ago. "We are fully convinced that today, in the interest of Christ, for me and for my family . Blake will be responsible for leading the staff and church body in carrying out the purpose and values of the church and overseeing the church's ministries. Another $ maker? So I canceled my move. All white and all men has nothing to do with anything. I came to watermark on a visit with my sons family. Their countenances in the video departure statements appear to be quite different. Thanks for giving up the last word. https://www.wadeburleson.org/2015/05/five-reasons-to-say-no-to-church.html, Jer 50:6 . Copyright 2008-2023, Glassdoor, Inc. "Glassdoor" and logo are registered trademarks of Glassdoor, Inc. Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone by making a one-time donation today. the Rev. Hate apathy. I know him on a first name basis, as I do some of those elders on the stage. Try it free today! Our mission remains the same to love God and love others (Matthew 22:37-39). These overly dramatic talks tend to make me feel like Im not spiritual enough or theyre covering up something. Church elders Kyle Thompson and Mickey Friedrich noted in a statement that Wagners resignation was submitted and accepted by the elder team on April 17, three weeks after longtime Watermark Community Church Elder David Leventhal resigned on March 26. For much of Wagners speech in the video, Leventhal did not look at Wagner, but stared straight ahead. like hes a programmed automaton. Give a gift of $30 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you will receive a copy of "Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse" by Dr. Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys. Kind of smarmy too. Sort of as God told him and his wife that it was time to move on to the next thing God has planned. obey your leaders? Watermark is unique in that they not only require every member of their congregation to serve as a requirement for membership, but Pastor Wagner also encourages members to be educated, active voters . Paul, thanks for the response. Pray snd ask the Lord for that, sure many here are upset, but not many know what has taken place fully, you judgmental hypocrites. The church's pastor, Todd Wagner has talked about homosexuality in sermons. Wagner has always surrounded himself with yes men. Who aint very happy. I was wrong and truly apologize. Demands full disclosure of finances in church groups, but having a hard time finding his. Your tax-deductible gift helps our journalists report the truth and hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable. There is clearly some issues, but isnt Lord bug enough to handle it, even at the worst of Todd missed the boat? Embattled Dallas megachurch Senior Pastor Todd Wagner has resigned from his position after accusations of spiritual abuse led elders to question his leadership of Watermark Community Church. God is everywhereeven in the news. R.w. I know I often do. After leading the Watermark Community Church in Dallas, Texas for more than 20 years, Todd Wagner, the church's senior pastor and co-founder has officially resigned. Wow. That is one huge cult. seems to me median, or less, is reasonable (relative to the community where the church exists). (Ezekiel 22:30 ESV) 2 Sam 10:7,12 - And when David heard of it, he sent Joab and all the host of the mighty men. Childcare was free. Its gotten popular which makes me suspect. So don't be looking for some scandal. That church is huge and has 2 campuses (at least) so I find it hard to believe you even know these elders yourself. I also know of churches that do not use this model that are both healthy and unhealthy. A statement from the elder team at Watermark Community Church stated that senior pastor and elder Todd Wagner, who has served the church for 22 years . At the same time, we land at a different place than David and Todd regarding why we have arrived here. Mickey makes it sound like the decision for Todd to resign was something weve arrived at due to events. 1 Pet 2:25 There are way more people that will speak well about Todd versus these handful of comments. Todd Wagner. Wagner said he is excited about what God is going to do at the church in its next season and urged the congregation to obey their leaders. Appreciate your response! $38,049 / yr. Pastor salaries - 2 salaries reported. Sounds like something Whoopie Goldburg would say. that the elder board was ready to go in Todds leadership direction. When he stepped into an executive pastor role a few years back he didnt like that his replacement (JP) was more poly than he was so he didnt allow him to pastor/lead. Todd Wagner. Could just be their abilities to appear a certain way up in front of a crowd. Remember how CJ wrote a book on humility and then some of the staff said he was anything but and instead was quite controlling. -. Jesus is the head of our church, and we exist for His glory alone (Colossians 1:18). In this murky situation, however, the two men dont need honorary titles. Im invalidating at times. How many times have you actually talked to Todd? If you call Christ a savior then learn to make Him Give a gift of $30 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you will receive Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse by Dr. Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys. Todd Wagner, the embattled pastor of Watermark Church, a Dallas multisite megachurch with a congregation around 11,000 people, is resigning. Unlock the power of your documents with DocHub. Religious double talk. It was one of the many things I thought they did well. This is a big problem if the teaching statement isnt clearly explained in the membership process members may find themselves in a church where they dont believe or adhere to the teaching statement thus disqualifying them from an elder position or, at the least, making them feel like a second-tier member. "We are fully convinced that today . Call (800) 700-7000 or request prayer. Dont need the large meetings with rock music and parking headaches and entertainers with impulse control issues claiming its the Holy Spirit in them. Thats not true. the equity in a $million+ home can be invested to provide hot meals, warm beds, jobs, training, and more for years. Leventhal, his wife, and his family had been a part of the Watermark church since its launch. I was a member for nearly 14 years, sure bunch of us saw some challenges (as some churches may face) not doubt. Theres a lot of talk and a lot of Christianese language, but its still impossible to say exactly what happened or exactly what is and was going on. what is lavish? To enjoy our website, you'll need to enable JavaScript in your web browser. even if 100% true (zero exaggeration or embroidery), it almost makes it sound like Todd was an unwitting victim of disproportionate generosity and was utterly helpless. Please allow up to 3 business days for a response. He stated initially that he felt it was the duty of Watermark Church to go outside the church to notify Jane Roe's employer of the affair. So Leventhal resigned several weeks before Wagner, but theyre announcing this together, on the same day? CBN News. And Elder Kyle Thompson tearfully described how God had used Wagner to disciple and grow and to model for me what faithfulness looks like more than anybody else, period., Elder Mickey Friedrich then urged the church not to try and judge whose version of events is right or wrong. To donate, Pastor of Dallas Megachurch Dogged by Allegations of Spiritual Abuse Announces Hes Taking a Break, https://www.wadeburleson.org/2015/05/five-reasons-to-say-no-to-church.html, Eden Village Ministry Aims to End Homelessness Through Tiny Home Communities, Gateway Seminary to Fund Short-Term Mission Trips for All Students, Vineyard Pastor Resigns, Wont Cooperate With Probe Into Sons Alleged Misconduct, Why Businessman Peter Chung Matters for the Future of The Kings College. 17 and shared the news in a video posted to the church's website last month, according to the Christian Post. Give a gift of $30 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you will receive Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse by Dr. Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys. Fournet is now listed as an elder emeritus, but Bucheck no longer appears on Watermarks leadership page. JP ended up leaving because of it. And thanks for the word smarmy. Dialogue and questions concerning todd wagner and watermark community church. Thats a new one on me. I went back several times others preached but werent as good holding an audiences attention as Todd Wagner and the full content with historical and life referces and quoting scripture just wasnt there like Todd Wagner.. then they said Watermark Plano was becoming its own church. **THEIR shepherds** Last night on TV Glenn interviewed Pastor Todd Wagner, who recently did a sermon series called 'Declaration' at his church in Dallas, Texas. He is waiting on us and saying Go but lost ones are here judging because of some issue no matter how big it is (Lord has it) That house was indeed given to Todd Wagner by a member of his early congregation, whose name has not been disclosed.