Embattled Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, has named a new executive pastor, Nic Lesmeister, the church announced on Thursday, July 3. Lesmeister previously served as executive director of Gateway Center for Israel and executive pastor of Global Outreach at the megachurch.
“This is an important and joyful moment, as we’re promoting one of our own,” said elder Tra Willbanks, “someone who has already been instrumental over the past year in building a culture of restoration, healing, and unity in our church.”
Gateway Church Promotes Nic Lesmeister
For over a year now, Gateway Church has been dealing with fallout following the resignation of its founding pastor, Robert Morris, over allegations that he sexually abused a woman named Cindy Clemishire in the 1980s when Clemishire was a minor and Morris was in his 20s. While Morris had publicly acknowledged an “inappropriate relationship,” he had not said that this “relationship” was with a minor.
An independent investigation commissioned by the church found that some of Gateway’s leadership and staff knew of the abuse allegations, or knew enough that they should have inquired further, prior to 2024 when Clemishire’s allegations became widely known. Those people were subsequently “removed.”
Morris was indicted in Oklahoma in March on five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child and could face 100 years in prison if convicted on all charges. His next court appearance is scheduled for September.
Clemishire has filed a defamation lawsuit against Morris and Gateway, while Morris has sued Gateway for millions of dollars he claims he is owed as part of a retirement package.
On May 25, Gateway announced it had chosen a new senior pastor. Daniel Floyd and his wife, Tammie, are leaving their roles as senior pastors of Lifepoint Church in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and plan to be fully moved to Texas by this fall.
On June 18, Gateway announced it would be laying off staff due to “a significant drop in giving levels.” Approximately two weeks later, the church announced that it would also be cutting back on some of its weekend services.
RELATED: Gateway Church Founder Robert Morris Makes 1st Court Appearance Following Sexual Abuse Charges
In the announcement about Lesmeister, Willbanks said that last fall Gateway began searching for a new executive pastor with the help of a search firm called Vanderbloemen. “Through that process and in close collaboration with Pastor Daniel Floyd, it became clear that the right person for this role was already here,” said Willbanks.
