05/09/2026
This is spot on. As pastor of Mt Vernon my greatest concern is growth of those who are there over just filling seats. https://www.facebook.com/share/1KkE8J36mB/?mibextid=wwXIfr
What if one of the greatest challenges facing today’s Church isn’t outside the walls, but inside them?
Former megachurch pastor Todd Wagner is stirring important conversations after saying many churches are struggling with a deep “spiritual leadership problem,” arguing that too many pastors focus more on attendance than transformation.
In a recent interview, Wagner, former senior pastor and co-founder of Watermark Community Church in Dallas, said the mission of the local church was never meant to be simply filling seats or maintaining programs. Instead, he believes churches should be producing disciples fully committed to Christ.
“Before I blame the ground, I blame the farmer,” Wagner said, explaining that while personal responsibility matters, many believers are not spiritually growing because pastors are not consistently calling them to biblical obedience and radical discipleship.
His words are direct and likely uncomfortable for many church leaders.
“Most pastors don’t care if people grow,” he said, clarifying that too often the greater concern is whether people return, keep attending services, and continue supporting ministry activities.
Wagner believes this mindset misses the heart of the Gospel.
Church, he says, is not merely a weekly gathering but a mission, one meant to equip believers to live boldly for Christ in every sphere of life.
He warned against reducing Christianity to outward decency or minimal moral standards, saying God calls believers to far more than politeness or cultural civility.
“He wants more for you than civility,” Wagner said. “He wants you to be His ambassadors.”
For many Christians, this message hits close to home.
In an era where church success is often measured by numbers, budgets, and influence, Wagner’s comments raise a sobering question: Are we making disciples, or simply maintaining religious routines?
His perspective carries added weight given his own public journey. In 2020, Wagner stepped away from leadership at Watermark after confessing to pride, later making his departure permanent in what he described as a decision made in the best interest of Christ, his family, and the church’s future.
Perhaps that history is part of why his words now carry a different kind of urgency.
The Church does not need celebrity culture, comfortable Christianity, or polished performance more than it needs faithful shepherds and surrendered believers.
Following Jesus was never presented as casual.
It was always a call to die to self, carry the cross, and follow wholeheartedly.
Maybe the real question is not whether churches are growing in size, but whether believers are growing in Christ.
What do you think? Is the modern Church truly equipping believers for discipleship, or has something essential been lost along the way?
