Gateway Church has announced that it will scale back its slate of weekend services in light of decreased attendance following the scandal surrounding former Pastor Robert Morris.
Morris, who founded the Texas multisite megachurch in 2000, resigned in June 2024 after allegations came to light that he sexually abused a 12-year-old in the 1980s. Morris was in his early 20s at the time of the alleged abuse.
Morris had for years been open about the fact that he had engaged in “inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady.” But last year, Cindy Clemishire came forward to allege that she was the “young lady” in question and was a child at the time.
Following Morris’ resignation, leaders of Gateway Church commissioned a third-party investigation to uncover which staff and board members had prior knowledge of Clemishire’s age at the time of Morris’ alleged abuse of her, resulting in a wave of firings and resignations.
The church is also involved in several legal battles.
In June of this year, the church announced that Daniel Floyd, founding pastor of Virginia megachurch Lifepoint Church, would become Gateway Church’s new senior pastor.
Floyd will transition from Lifepoint to Gateway over the summer. He plans to be fully moved from Virginia to Texas by the fall when his children are set to be enrolled in school.
In the meantime, Gateway Church is adjusting its worship service schedule to reflect its reduced weekend attendance, eliminating Saturday services at most of its campuses.
“As we continue to strengthen our relationship with the Gateway Church family and community, we’re making a shift at several of our DFW campuses by hosting our church services on Sundays only,” a church spokesperson said, according to WFAA.
RELATED: Gateway Church Founder Robert Morris Makes 1st Court Appearance Following Sexual Abuse Charges
“This adjustment will allow us to minister to and love our congregation well while prioritizing the needs of our individual campus communities,” the statement continued. “Throughout all our locations, our commitment to loving God and loving people remains unchanged.”
