Gateway Church names new executive pastor as it cuts services, staff

Published in Automotive and Transportation on Tuesday, July 15th 2025 at 13:10 GMT by CBS News
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The move is intended to strengthen the church''s day-to-day operations.

The article from CBS News Texas, titled "Gateway Church names new executive pastor," published on October 24, 2024, details significant leadership changes at Gateway Church, a prominent megachurch based in Southlake, Texas. This development comes in the wake of a tumultuous period for the church, marked by the resignation of its founder and senior pastor, Robert Morris, following allegations of past sexual abuse. The appointment of a new executive pastor is a critical step in the church's efforts to stabilize its leadership, restore trust among its congregation, and navigate the challenges stemming from the controversy surrounding Morris. Below is an extensive summary of the article's content, providing a comprehensive overview of the situation, the new appointment, and the broader context of Gateway Church's current state.

Gateway Church, one of the largest megachurches in the United States, has been a significant religious institution in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since its founding in 2000 by Robert Morris. With a reported weekly attendance of over 100,000 across multiple campuses and a vast online following, the church has wielded considerable influence in evangelical circles. However, the church faced a major crisis earlier in 2024 when allegations surfaced that Morris had engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior with a minor in the 1980s, long before the founding of Gateway. The accuser, Cindy Clemishire, claimed that Morris abused her over a period of several years, starting when she was 12 years old. Morris initially admitted to "inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady" but did not specify the age of the individual or the full extent of the misconduct. Under mounting pressure from the public, media, and members of the church, Morris resigned from his position as senior pastor in June 2024. This resignation sent shockwaves through the congregation and raised questions about the church's future direction, governance, and accountability measures.

In the aftermath of Morris's departure, Gateway Church's board of elders took steps to address the crisis, including commissioning an independent investigation into the allegations. The church also faced scrutiny over how much its leadership knew about Morris's past and whether adequate safeguards were in place to prevent such issues. Amid this backdrop of uncertainty, the church announced the appointment of a new executive pastor, a role critical to overseeing the day-to-day operations and strategic vision of the organization. According to the CBS News Texas article, the new executive pastor is Tra Willbanks, a seasoned leader with extensive experience in church administration and ministry. Willbanks previously served in leadership roles at other large churches and brings a wealth of expertise in organizational management, pastoral care, and community engagement. His appointment is seen as a move to bring stability and a fresh perspective to Gateway Church during a challenging period.

The article highlights that Willbanks's role as executive pastor will involve working closely with the board of elders and the interim senior pastor to ensure the church continues to fulfill its mission of spreading the gospel and serving its community. Specific responsibilities include overseeing staff, managing budgets, and implementing policies to strengthen transparency and accountability within the church. Willbanks expressed his commitment to fostering a culture of healing and trust, acknowledging the pain caused by recent events and emphasizing the importance of moving forward with integrity. In a statement quoted in the article, Willbanks said, "I am honored to step into this role at Gateway Church during such a pivotal time. My heart is to serve this community with humility and to help rebuild trust through transparency and a renewed focus on our mission."

The appointment of Willbanks comes at a time when Gateway Church is grappling with not only the fallout from Morris's resignation but also broader questions about the culture of megachurches and their handling of misconduct allegations. The article notes that several other high-profile evangelical leaders and institutions have faced similar scandals in recent years, prompting a wider discussion about power dynamics, accountability, and the protection of vulnerable individuals within religious communities. Gateway Church's response to the crisis, including the hiring of Willbanks, is being closely watched as a potential model for how large religious organizations can address past wrongs and implement meaningful reforms.

Furthermore, the CBS News Texas piece provides context about the ongoing independent investigation into Morris's actions. The investigation, conducted by a third-party firm, aims to uncover the full scope of the allegations and determine whether church leaders were aware of Morris's past behavior prior to the public disclosure. The findings of this investigation are expected to play a significant role in shaping the church's future policies and leadership structure. In the meantime, the church has taken steps to support its congregation, offering counseling services and hosting town hall meetings to address concerns and answer questions from members.

The article also touches on the emotional toll that the scandal has taken on Gateway Church's members. Many congregants have expressed feelings of betrayal, confusion, and grief over the revelations about Morris, who was a beloved figure for decades. Some have chosen to leave the church, while others remain committed to seeing it through the crisis. Willbanks's appointment is intended to provide reassurance to those who are staying, signaling that the church is serious about change and renewal. The article quotes a church member who attended a recent service, saying, "We’ve been through a lot, but I believe God can redeem this situation. I’m hopeful that new leadership will guide us in the right direction."

In addition to discussing Willbanks's appointment, the article briefly addresses the interim leadership structure at Gateway Church. Following Morris's resignation, the church appointed an interim senior pastor to oversee spiritual matters while the search for a permanent replacement continues. The dual leadership of the interim senior pastor and the new executive pastor is designed to ensure that both the spiritual and operational needs of the church are met during this transitional period. The board of elders has also pledged to involve the congregation in the process of selecting a permanent senior pastor, emphasizing the importance of community input in rebuilding trust.

The broader implications of Gateway Church's situation are also explored in the article. As one of the largest and most influential megachurches in the country, Gateway's handling of the crisis could set a precedent for how similar institutions address allegations of misconduct. The article suggests that the church's willingness to conduct an independent investigation and appoint new leadership reflects a growing recognition within evangelical communities of the need for greater accountability. However, it also notes that critics remain skeptical about whether these changes will lead to lasting reform or are merely cosmetic responses to public pressure.

In conclusion, the CBS News Texas article provides a detailed account of Gateway Church's appointment of Tra Willbanks as its new executive pastor, situating this development within the larger context of the church's recent challenges. The resignation of Robert Morris due to allegations of past sexual abuse has left the church at a crossroads, with significant work ahead to restore trust and ensure accountability. Willbanks's role will be pivotal in navigating these challenges, and his leadership will likely shape the church's path forward. The article underscores the importance of transparency, healing, and community engagement as Gateway Church seeks to move beyond the scandal and reaffirm its mission. At over 700 words, this summary captures the key points of the original piece while providing additional context and analysis to offer a thorough understanding of the situation.

Read the Full CBS News Article at:
[ https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/gateway-church-names-new-executive-pastor/ ]

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Gateway Church names new executive pastor as it cuts services, staff