Minister Earl S. Wagner

Minister Earl S. Wagner is a dedicated servant-leader whose life’s work reflects a deep commitment to faith, service, and community empowerment. Born and raised in Elizabethton, Tennessee, he began his journey of service by enlisting in the United States Air Force immediately after high school.

Over the course of his military career, Min. Wagner rose from enlisted ranks to become a commissioned officer, serving in leadership roles across the United States and abroad. His assignments included key positions in logistics, security operations, and information management, where he led high-performing teams recognized for excellence and professionalism. He later served as Director of Information Management at Goodfellow Air Force Base, where his division was honored as the best in Air Training Command. He retired honorably at the rank of Captain following a service-connected injury.

In 1991, Min. Wagner answered his call to ministry and was ordained in 1992. Since then, he has faithfully served in various leadership roles including assistant pastor, youth pastor, interim pastor, and Director of Christian Education. He currently serves as Associate Pastor at Montgomery City of Refuge, where his ministry centers on compassion, outreach, and transformative service.

Min. Wagner is the Founder of Community Partners of Alabama (COPA), an organization dedicated to strengthening communities and expanding opportunities for youth and families. His commitment to service extends through initiatives such as the Wagner Family St. Jude Educational Institute Scholarship and his leadership with The Ordinary People’s Society (TOPS). He has also demonstrated entrepreneurial leadership as Owner and President of Campbell-Thomas-Wagner, LLC.

His philosophy of ministry is rooted in Matthew 25:34–40, emphasizing service to “the least of these” through acts of compassion, justice, and love. This guiding principle continues to shape his work in both ministry and community development.

Min. Wagner holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Cum Laude) from Saint Leo University and has completed graduate studies in Public Administration at the University of Maryland and Christian Education at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia.

Through a lifetime of service, leadership, and faith, Min. Wagner remains committed to uplifting individuals, strengthening families, and building resilient communities.