While the name change comes amid scandal at Gateway Houston’s parent church in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Fisher said that the church had been considering ways to create “a distinct localized identity” for the past year and a half.
RELATED: Gateway Church Launches Formal Search for New Senior Pastor, Apologizes to Cindy Clemishire
“We believe the Lord has given us a new name,” Fisher said. “In Scripture, when God changed a name, he was speaking prophetically to who that person was to become. I believe today God is speaking to us to look forward to who we are to become.”
Fisher said that he is “full of hope and expectation that God has amazing things in store for you, your family, and our church. And I believe the best is yet to come.”
While the church’s social media channels have been updated to reflect its new name, the website has not been changed.
RELATED: ‘In the Midst of Navigating Robert Morris’ Resignation,’ Gateway Church Cancels Annual Conference
ChurchLeaders has reached out to Gateway Church Houston/Newlands Church for comment and will update this article in the event of a reply.
