Wagner went on to thank the close friends who have held him responsible in recent months.

“I would call what I’ve heard my friends describing and telling me pride,” he said. “That’s the sin. And it’s really interesting, because, you know, I don’t think of myself—or I fool myself into thinking I’m not a prideful person, because I never look in the mirror and clap.”

Pastor Todd Wagner highlighted that he has been discussing the issue with church elders since June. The group reached a decision regarding Wagner’s temporary leave Sept. 6.