It is a surprising church shakeup.
Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, has named Pastor Daniel Floyd as its new senior pastor, following a careful selection process that spanned several months. The announcement was made during a Sunday service by elder Tra Willbanks, who emphasized the church’s commitment to finding a spiritually grounded and visionary leader. Floyd, who previously founded and led Lifepoint Church in Fredericksburg, Virginia, was chosen after a nationwide search and extensive consultation with church leaders across the U.S.
Floyd and his wife Tammie, along with their four children, will be relocating to Texas over the summer. Lifepoint Church, which they launched in 2005 with only 50 attendees, has since expanded to five campuses in Virginia and has supported church plants in Kentucky and Arizona. In 2016, they also established Lifepoint College to train future church leaders. Floyd holds advanced degrees in ministry and theology, and both he and his wife are graduates of Liberty University.
In a video shared with the Gateway congregation, the Floyds spoke of their deep sense of calling and the spiritual guidance that led them to accept this new role. They expressed a strong passion for church leadership, outreach, and developing future leaders in ministry. Floyd emphasized their dedication to sharing the message of the Gospel and strengthening the local church.
This leadership transition comes in the wake of serious allegations against Gateway’s founder, Robert Morris, who is facing charges related to child sexual abuse dating back to the 1980s. Morris resigned from his role last year, and the church has since clarified that he no longer has any involvement in its operations. Executive Pastor Nic Lesmeister confirmed in March that Gateway has formally severed ties with Morris and will not provide further updates on his legal proceedings, though the church continues to pray for all those impacted.
The appointment of Daniel Floyd marks a new chapter for Gateway Church as it seeks to move forward from recent challenges. Church leaders believe Floyd’s experience and spiritual leadership will guide the congregation into a season of renewed purpose and growth.