Attendance to the church is also falling.
Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, announced the departure of founding elder Steve Dulin amid an independent investigation into child sex abuse allegations against the church’s founder, Robert Morris. Cindy Clemishire accused Morris of abusing her starting when she was 12 years old, with the abuse continuing for over four years. Morris has admitted to inappropriate sexual behavior with a young girl in his early 20s but did not name Clemishire or reveal her age at the time. He resigned from Gateway Church on June 18.
The church’s statement, cited by WFAA, mentioned that Dulin’s exit follows the allegations and recommendations from the law firm conducting the investigation, Haynes & Boone, LLP. This decision also came shortly after Morris’ son, James, and his wife, Bridgette, agreed to step down from their leadership positions. Both Dulin and James Morris, along with two other elders, were asked to take a leave of absence to facilitate the investigation.
Gateway Church expressed gratitude for Dulin’s years of service and contributions, highlighting his role as the executive pastor leading the Gateway Kingdom Business Leaders ministry. After a recent meeting with Dulin, church leaders decided to part ways, though no specific details were provided. The church emphasized their appreciation for Dulin and his family’s dedication to the congregation and the community.
Kam Hunt, a former youth pastor at Gateway Church, noted a significant drop in attendance following the scandal, estimating a 50% decrease over a recent weekend. Despite this, Hunt and his wife remain members of the church. Hunt stressed the importance of a leadership overhaul and urged the church to avoid repeating past mistakes. He emphasized that pastors should not become celebrities and that the focus should remain on faith and worship, rather than on the individuals leading the church.
In summary, Gateway Church is undergoing significant leadership changes and facing a decline in attendance due to the ongoing investigation into serious allegations against its founder. The church community is grappling with these revelations, calling for a renewed focus on faith and proper leadership.