Robert Morris Pleads Guilty in Decades-Old Abuse Case
Former Gateway Church pastor Robert Morris pleads guilty to decades-old child abuse charges in Oklahoma, prompting accountability calls.
Gateway Church is a prominent **Bible-based, evangelistic, Spirit-empowered megachurch** founded in 2000 by Pastor Robert Morris and headquartered in Southlake, Texas[1][3]. It has grown into one of the largest churches in the United States, attracting over **100,000 attendees each weekend** across nine campuses in Texas, with additional locations in Missouri and Wyoming[1][7]. The church’s core mission centers on the simple yet profound principle: **love God, love people**, emphasizing spiritual connection through worship, biblical teaching, and community outreach[2][6]. Gateway Church operates a broad range of ministries tailored for different age groups, marriage enrichment, prison ministries, and global local gatherings, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to fostering Christian community and spiritual growth[1][2]. It is known for its dynamic worship services and a leadership style that promotes submission to and empowerment by the Holy Spirit[2]. Financially, Gateway Church reported revenues of approximately **$48.1 million** and employs over 700 staff members, reflecting its scale and operational complexity[3]. However, its rapid expansion and significant resource management have not been without controversy. The church has faced scrutiny regarding **financial transparency, leadership power dynamics**, and governance practices, prompting calls for greater accountability within the megachurch culture[4][5]. Despite these challenges, its influence remains substantial, with Pastor Morris being a nationally recognized figure who has engaged in political and evangelical advisory roles, including participation in former President Donald Trump’s Evangelical Executive Advisory Board[1][5]. On the technological front, Gateway Church actively invests in cybersecurity to protect its vast congregation and staff from sophisticated email attacks, employing advanced security solutions that have successfully blocked over 112,000 attacks, showcasing the church’s commitment to safeguarding its digital infrastructure and trust with its members[7]. In summary, Gateway Church stands out as a large, influential Christian organization blending expansive community service, modern organizational management, and technology-driven security
Former Gateway Church pastor Robert Morris pleads guilty to decades-old child abuse charges in Oklahoma, prompting accountability calls.