News Summary
Legacy Church Global in Greenville, South Carolina is under scrutiny following accusations from senior pastor Mark Wagnon Jr. against worship leader Chad Buckland for alleged infidelity. Wagnon claimed Buckland had a sexual relationship with a 20-year-old woman, leading to his removal from church leadership. The situation has prompted an investigation and raised concerns about trust and integrity within the church community. As the congregation awaits further developments, Wagnon indicated possible further consequences for Buckland depending on the outcome of the investigation.
Greenville, South Carolina – Legacy Church Global is at the center of a scandal following accusations from senior pastor Mark Wagnon Jr. against worship leader Chad Buckland regarding an alleged extramarital affair. Wagnon claimed on social media that Buckland engaged in a sexual relationship with a 20-year-old woman for two months, leading to Buckland’s removal from church leadership on July 18, 2025.
Wagnon’s allegations were made in a now-deleted social media post, where he characterized Buckland’s behavior as leading a “double life” while serving the congregation. He emphasized that Buckland’s actions constituted a “willful sin” and a serious breach of trust towards his wife and the church community. Following the removal, congregants were made aware of the situation during church services on July 20, 2025.
In light of the ongoing investigation into these serious allegations, Wagnon has suggested that Buckland may face further consequences, including potential removal from church fellowship entirely, depending on the outcome of forthcoming developments. In the months leading up to this scandal, Wagnon had already expressed concerns over Buckland’s interactions, urging him to maintain emotional and spiritual boundaries. Although it was noted that no physical line had initially been crossed, Wagnon reported that the relationship grew too personal, prompting his intervention.
Wagnon asserted that evidence and testimonies would support his claims against Buckland, who allegedly continued the affair despite earlier assurances that it was over. Buckland is accused of maintaining a “prolonged, intentional pattern of deception,” having mislead both church leadership and his wife regarding the nature of his relationship.
The social media post made by Wagnon quickly gained attention prior to its deletion on July 21, 2025, as it was frequently shared and screen-captured by community members. Sources close to the congregation suggest that Buckland’s activities may hint at a more extensive set of issues within Legacy Church, prompting interest from both media and law enforcement for potential further investigations.
Wagnon and his wife Jennifer co-lead Legacy Church, which has increasingly become a focal point for scrutiny due to this scandal. The church community is currently awaiting additional information as the situation develops, marking a concerning chapter in the church’s history.
Legacy Church Global serves as a gathering place for many in the Greenville area, and the unfolding drama appears to be more than just a personal crisis for Buckland. The implications of this situation extend into the very fabric of trust and integrity within the church community. With many congregants concerned about the potential ramifications, the church leadership is under pressure to handle the fallout responsibly.
The community holds its breath as updates regarding the situation are anticipated, with citizens increasingly interested in the broader issues that may emerge from investigations initiated by sources close to the matter. As the days progress, all eyes will remain on Legacy Church and its leadership as they navigate these serious allegations and mend the trust within their community.
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Additional Resources
- FitsNews: SC Church in Uproar Over Alleged Worship Leader’s Affair
- Julie Roys: Megachurch Pastor John Gray Apologizes
- Fox Carolina: Warrants for Upstate Pastor and Wife
- Greenville Online: John Gray’s Relentless Church Accusations
- Newsweek: Megachurch Hope Carpenter’s Knife Incident
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
