The Shocking Resignation of Gateway Church's Founder: A Reckoning for Faith and Finances

As Katherine Leach drove to her Saturday worship at Gateway Church this past summer, a feeling of unease washed over her. Having attended this North Texas congregation for three years and regularly tithing—a practice of donating a tenth of one’s income—Leach found herself at a crossroads. Little did she know, her faith would soon be tested in ways she never imagined.

The Catalyst for Change

On June 18, the church's founder and senior pastor, Robert Morris, abruptly resigned amid serious allegations. Cindy Clemishire, a woman from Oklahoma, accused Morris of sexually abusing her multiple times during the 1980s, starting when she was just 12 years old. This revelation sent shockwaves through the community, raising profound questions about trust, leadership, and accountability within one of the largest megachurches in the United States.

• Founded in 2000, Gateway Church boasts around 100,000 active attendees.
• It has expanded to nine campuses across Texas, with additional locations in Missouri and Wyoming.

A Community in Turmoil

The church elders acknowledged the pain and confusion felt by the congregation, stating, “This is an unthinkable and painful time in our church. Our church congregation is hurt and shaken, and we know that you have many important questions.” They promptly hired an independent law firm to investigate the allegations thoroughly.

During a service following Morris’s resignation, Leach arrived to find a group of protesters outside the church, holding signs that read “She was only 12” and “Millstones not cover-ups!” The atmosphere inside was disheartening for Leach, who expected a communal sense of grief but instead found a business-as-usual approach from church leadership.

The Exodus Begins

Since the scandal broke, approximately 25% of congregants have left Gateway Church. While Leach has not officially severed ties, she has been proactive in seeking answers. She has requested access to the church’s bylaws, financial statements, and an explanation of how her tithes have been utilized.

In 2022, Morris had made a bold promise to his congregation: if they were not satisfied after a year of tithing, he would refund their contributions. Now, in light of recent events, Leach and other congregants are attempting to take him up on that offer. On September 9, she submitted a request for her tithes back, joining a lawsuit alleging financial fraud against Gateway Church.

The Allegations of Financial Mismanagement

The lawsuit claims that Morris and church leaders misrepresented how congregants' tithes would be allocated, specifically stating that 15% would be directed toward foreign missionary work. Leach and others are now left in the dark about where the funds—potentially exceeding $15 million annually—have actually gone.

Gateway Church’s spokesperson, Lawrence Swicegood, said the church would not comment on pending litigation but emphasized the seriousness of the allegations and their commitment to ethical stewardship of donated funds.

Broader Implications for Faith Communities

This situation raises significant questions about transparency and accountability in religious organizations. As Leach herself put it, “This is not about money in our pockets. This is about biblical stewardship. Members have the right to know where their tithes are going.”

While some churches, like Life.Church, have implemented money-back guarantees to instill trust, critics argue that such practices undermine the spiritual nature of giving, which is traditionally seen as a gift to God rather than a transaction.

What’s Next for Gateway Church?

In response to the mounting scrutiny, Gateway Church is taking steps toward greater financial transparency, including joining the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, which requires independent audits and annual financial reviews.

As the church navigates this turbulent period, the path forward will undoubtedly require rebuilding trust and integrity within its community.

What do you think?

• Should churches be held to the same financial accountability standards as other nonprofits?
• Is it ethical for churches to offer money-back guarantees on tithes?
• How can congregations ensure their contributions are being used responsibly?
• What role should congregants play in church governance and financial oversight?
• Can a church recover from a scandal of this magnitude, or is the damage irreparable?