UPDATE FROM ELDERS OF GATEWAY 3pm EST: SOUTHLAKE, Texas, June 18, 2024 - Today, June 18, the Board of Elders of Gateway Church accepted the resignation of Robert Morris, the senior pastor. In addition, the Board has retained the law firm of Haynes & Boone, LLP, to conduct an independent, thorough, and professional review of the report of past abuse to ensure we have a complete understanding of the events from 1982-1987. Regretfully, prior to Friday, June 14, the elders did not have all the facts of the inappropriate relationship between Morris and the victim, including her age at the time and the length of the abuse. The elders" prior undersianding was that Morris's extramarital relationship, which he had discussed many times throughout his ministry, was with "a young lady" and not abuse of a 12-year-old child. Even though it occurred many years before Gateway was established, as leaders of the church, we regret that we did not have the information that we now have. We are heartbroken and appalled by what has come to light over the past few days, and we express our deep sympathy to the victim and her family. For the sake of the victim, we are thankful this situation has been exposed. We know many have been affected by this, we understand that you are hurting, and we are very sorry. It is our prayer that, in time, healing for all those affected can occur.

I have to add a 21 yr old is not attracted to a 12 yr old unless they are psychologically twisted no amount of accountability was going to help that.

What really gets me is that I was in a church related to Gateway and this kind of thing was going on. Pastors were having affairs with their secretaries, worship leaders were having affairs, etc. But I was told I was in sin, had no faith, and was demonized because I had a chronic health issue. I was having an hour a day quiet time and asking God to reveal anything in me and I was told by someone who admitted he didn’t spend 5 minutes in prayer that I was in sin. This is spiritual abuse. I’m doing much better outside the church. My faith is in God, not men.

As I stated on another site - So why is it ok to give the abuser counseling and “restoration” and not the abused? This is what happens every time. Slaughter the sheep. And keep the Wolf. That’s what always happens. This man should be in jail. Instead, injustice is done and the criminal pastor goes free while the victim is left in pieces. Many don’t get to walk so freely in their gifts but the pastor does. When will we, the body of Christ, get it? 😢 These elders should step down too! They are just as guilty covering up a crime.

Thanks for speaking out. I feel really sickened by all of this. Defund it folks. And shut it all down; please shut it down. All of the leadership and any associated who knew or who covered this up needs to be removed.

So glad there is no statute of limitations for sexual abuse in TX.

I was on staff with Robert at SGC during the 80’s. I will be doing a podcast in a few weeks on my personal experience with Robert. He and I butted heads the whole entire time he and I were on staff together. Robert was not out of ministry for 2 years…that is false.

YES, Christina!! He’s a predator! A 20 year old can definitely feel the difference between himself and a 12 year old!! Not just gross but predatory!!

I was at GW for 12yrs! This is sickening and infuriating!! This church was built on lies and coverups!

Churches don’t make it easy. I had a Sunday school teacher stalking me as an adult. When I reported it, I was blamed for being the problem, even through multiple women complained about him. I did leave when I saw no one would help me.

Where is the conviction of sin? Where is the compassion for the Wounded? My heart is grieved by this pastor's choice!

I find it absolutely infuriating that a man with a net worth of 117 million dollars is unwilling to pay for his child abuse victim’s years of counselling. Instead a pitiful offering of 25k hush money is offered and he tries to convince her to sign an NDA so he can rob her of her voice on top of everything else. Then I have to listen to his devotees defend him saying how “candid” he’s been and how “truly repentant” he’s been. This is NOT what true repentance looks like.

What’s troubling to me are the parents of kids who were abused by pastors who help cover up sex crimes by ministers than seek the police. Why protect the offender or church and not your child?

qualifications of an overseer or pastor include: "he MUST NOT BE a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil" (1 Timothy 3:6)

Christina, you are so spot on. I was just thinking that. He wrote a book about why he stepped down which was a lie. And he made money off of the fact that he’s lying. I want to give him grace, but the fact that they wanted to discount how much they gave the victim, and then all the money he made off of the book lying about it. It’s too much.

Hey elders of that church, what did you do to restore THE VICTIM of criminal behavior while you were restoring Robert morris? Huh? Oh that’s right, morris is so much more valuable and used mightily by God.

This is not ministry, This is industry.

God is exposing wolves and ENABLERS of wolves.

So - “ a moral failure “ -- is once - A 12yr old, sexual Abuse for 4. 1/2 yrs - is not a moral failure ! Thats deliberate intentional acts with a minor. RM was married as well and had the nerve to as typical of peadophilic behaviour to swear her to secrecy !! Nope !! Nope ,nope !

Morris net worth is 117 million which is a whole nother scandal

Further research disclosed that Robert Morris was out of ministry for only ONE MONTH before traveling in ministry with James Robison (though he wasn't at Shady Grove for two years). That was NOT sufficient discipline in light of what Scriptures dictate as standards for ministers -- besides the fact that molesting a 12-year-old CHILD is a crime. May righteousness, truth and JUSTICE be established within the Church of Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 -- "I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people- not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler-not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.”

There are more abused by him that need to come forward. He can still 'pastor' in prison.

All of these cases of clergy abuse and the elders hiding it makes me wonder has there ever been a church leadership board that has had integrity and done the right thing?!

he should be in prison, period, the same with anyone who covered this up

Even IF the young girl was being provocative, the older person, the adult AND MINISTER should properly manage the situation.

"The love of money is the root of all evil".... that sums up the issues that so many of these million dollar preachers have

Does anyone else find it weirdly ironic that the church was called Shady Grove ? S H A D Y - you can not make this stuff up

It will be shocking if this was the only minor he was involved with.

Gives a whole new meaning to “shady” grove

BTW WAY GUYS, HE RECOUNTED HOW LONG HE WAS OUT OF MINISTRY, IT WASNT 2 YEARS HE SAID IT WAS 1 MONTH

I am so glad to hear your thoughts about this horror story. It is exactly what I have been thinking about this wolf in sheep’s clothing ! People need to hear sound people addressing this as your are. I am sick of hearing others dismiss the severity of his behavior saying he repented, had counseling etc etc and has had a fruitful ministry. Ugh! Someone who calls himself a pastor does not blame his criminal behavior on the 12 year old victim he defiled, nor does he cover over the details of that behavior to minimize it. Where is the brokenness for what he did to a 12 year old girl who was the daughter of a friend whose home he was invited into in order to help him move forward in ministry? The brazenness of this creep to do this under the roof of friends that believed in him and trusted him! As you said, if he was truly a man of God and repentant, he would jump at the chance to do anything to make restitution to this woman! And then wanting an NDA on top of it! Sickening ! The few times I watched this wolf on TV I never felt good about him and his message- too focused on money most of the time and just did not give me a good feeling. Those pastors involved in this cover up should be held to account as well! They are guilty for aiding and abetting this unrepentant predator ! I can’t believe how deluded people are in their comments supporting this guy. The Biblical references they use are so skewed. It doesn’t seem they are very Biblically literate let alone have common sense in seeing the reality of this situation.

This is so common in church. To be blindly loyal to the pastor or leaders. I’ve been greatly harmed by several pastors, not sexual abuse, but abuse non the less and when I sought help for what had happened I was made out the the bad guy. No one believed me, supported me because they see these pastors as gods that can do no wrong. So the sheep are left to fend for themselves and eventually lose the “family” They have because most will stay loyal to the pastor.

You all need to watch Justin Peter's interview with a former employee of Robert Morris at his church. The story he had told his church about the "young lady" was horrific. He made himself the victim in the situation. The former employer was outraged at what he had been told vs what the press is saying and the elders are saying. And this implicates James Robison in coverup, given what this former employee said.

Thank you Blaise & Christina The focus on how the abuser is feeling and what they need is a large part of the silence in girls & women They are led into guilt and confusion that they are hurting everyone by speaking up

You need to watch the interview with a former elder of Robert Morris over at Justin Peters Ministries that just came out. It is groundbreaking! You 2 are wonderful, thank you❤ God bless you and all here

That’s a crime against a child how gross he needs to go to prison

It’s all about the love of money it’s about celebrity status. It is not about being a servant and serving those at your ministering to. That’s just the starting point.

What in the world were parents thinking letting their young girls be alone with older men back then? I have 12/14 year old girls and, while we have youth pastors we trust, we would NEVER leave them alone together. Ever! For everyone’s safety. This is not meant as defense for the deplorable behavior of Morris/Bickle, but where in the world were the parents who did not protect their kids.

Jimmy Swaggert is another preacher who was "restored" , the scripture never speaks of restoring a disqualified pastor ... also it is NOT the function of the Church to prosecute the LAWS of the STATE !!! STATE LAWS and STATE PURVIEW !!!

Lots of good insights. Thank you. If you had read further in the book, you would have learned that after a month of working nights as a security guard, Morris decided he had dealt with his pride sufficiently and rejoined the evangelist he had worked for before, so he lied about the two years out of ministry. Justin Peters interviewed a man who had worked with Morris, and he had a lot to say that throws even more light on the lack of authenticity of Morris’ repentance.

Robert Morris net worth…. $114 MILLION and the guy couldn’t give her $50k for her mental health. Doesn’t sound like repentance to me.

"Let go of the exaltation of man..." 💯 The secret of showing honor where honor is due, but not giving in to a hierarchical mindset.

I agree that he is apostate. You do not write a book LYING about past sins if you are changed by Christ. I am so glad that these wolves are all being exposed by God and the tares are being exposed as a result. Far too many people losing their souls trying to gain worldly wealth! Run Christians!! If your whole congregation cannot approach your Pastor comfortably...RUN!! He (or She) is a wolf, not a shepherd!!

Youth ministry in the 80's and 90's was disgusting! Just look at the sexualized games and objectification of young teens. The idea was that we were to "fish" for the "popular jocks and hotties" in order to bring more kids to "Jesus." When I came into youth ministry in the late '90's (in a dual position with Youth for Christ as a Campus Life Director/UMC Youth Director), I was a classically trained social worker. I was stunned. The question was not if but when clergy sexual abuse would happen. In fact, in training, I saw youth meetings that were breeding grounds for inappropriate behavior, not only for youth but youth leaders as well. I saw some things change, but the overall landscape was still very stetchy. Sorry, this is big soap box for me. Again, look where this started with both Bickle and Morris... youth ministry. The problem didn't start with them however, the youth ministry landscape invited this type of behavior. This is in no way leaves Bickle and Morris off the hook. The culture of youth ministry did however dump gasoline on their aready raging fire.

He was 27 sexually abused a 12 year old till 18. Why didnt her parents call the police. Putting child abusers in jail is forgiveness. I had to forgive myself for not putting my abusers in jail. I hope she takes the pastor to civil court and sues. What about his wife too ? 😡

Morris has also been NAR adjacent for years. More rotten fruit from the same poisonous tree.

Carl lentz has a crappy attitude . He has made some really annoying comments. He wants us to feel sorry for his situation and we should not.

Thank you!! You said all the things I thought. Some of these others that I heard saying he was a good guy otherwise, makes me feel physically ill! It is time for the church to wake up to these men and the ones that support them to continue to injure the victims. There will likely be more victims.

A couple years ago my bible study did a video study of one of Robert Morris’ books. I remember being so disturbed by his video teachings…not the content but his very presence. I knew something was off with him. When I heard he was a child molester I was not surprised and thanked the Holy Spirit for giving me discernment and warning me so I didn’t continue following any of his teachings.

He said he was saved at 19. How was he a pastor at the age of 20???!!!! He was both a new convert and young, and does not seem like he went to seminary…

Judgement begins with the house of God.😢

Thank you for tackling this. I am in shock. I go to a church that is/was connected to Gateway.

I agree with both of you 100%. Thanks keep speaking truth.

Bro should be in jail.

It doesn't matter how sexy the girl looked or how puberty affected her. YOU DON"T A SEX WITH A PERSON YOU HAVE POWER OVER, IS MUCH OLDER AND NOT AT THE AGE OF CONSENT to having sex with you. Not to mention someone you aren't married to. And no matter how sexy you think a woman looks or is dressing, IT IS NOT AN INVITATION FOR RAPE OR OTHER SEXUAL ABUSE. He was the adult, he was the abuser, it's ALL on him. I do not understand these people who will justify this kind of thing.

I look at my 12 year old and in no way is she flirtatious. She's still innocent minded, all about playing here and there. How can anyone think a 12 year old would be into a grown man or any male in a sexual manner? Protect the children, people.

Maybe the way we are doing ministry is just not working. Should we be thinking that so so much needs to change. No big platforms. To many stars not enough servants. Help us Lord!

The error of hierarchy is the greatest threat to the body of Christ. This is what Jesus is trying to expose, the moral failures are just symptoms of the false church system .

"I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem a horrible thing: they commit adultery and walk in lies; they encourage and strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that none returns from his wickedness. They have all of them become to Me like Sodom, and her inhabitants like Gomorrah." Jereimiah 23:14

I listened to a preaching today, a clip, can't find it right now, where he elaborated what kind of "girls" he went after, admitting to predatory behavior, girls that had troubled relationships with their dads.....not sure how many girls he refered to

Victim stated 12-16 so 4 years he used her, while married with a child, and the abuse started in a senior pastor home?!? That would make him 25 ish when caught and exposed-then minimized-still in Morris mind minimized to call her a young lady, not prepubescent female that was threatened not to tell anyone! Just when will the church opening admit the leaders should all go through deliverance until there is a clean heart.

Not a ‘young lady’. She was a child at 12.

I just have to say, what an appropriate name for that church..."Shady Grove", I hope there is nothing else covered up there. And I hope the elders etc are confronted by the people...NOW, no matter how many years have gone by. That poor little girl, what an evil thing to happen to her.

I am constantly amazed and grateful at the ability you both show to speak truth in love ( I know even that phrase has become like a cliche) so articulately. It is baffling that anyone would see anything in you two but utter love for God, the church and those broken by those who should have protected them. I can't thank you enough for your courage.

Here we go again!!! Clean your house Lord!!!

Something I have to disagree with you on. Timothy and a Titus are not vague at all. They are written in a plain simple way. People want to believe that its vague because it sounds harsh when you read the definitions of the words used. I would suggest getting a good Greek, Hebrew computer program and study in the original languages. Something a lot of people need to understand is these "pastors" were not used by God. They were used by Satan to confuse the body of Christ. Honestly everybody that served under them needs to step down, and search themselves for what falsehoods they have accepted and passed on to others.

These days there are Mandatory Reporting laws. It’s required by law for anyone in authority with information of SA to report it immediately. Crimes against children are particularly egregious, thank you for pointing this out. Also, the 80s were not known for strong Biblical teaching or discernment in the church.

A lawyer who blames the victim needs to be disbarred!! That is evil! Too many enablers in leadership at church, parents, lawyers, etc... all letting it be covered up! It is sickening!

So appreciate you guys.

Morris is a liar and he should have been called out years ago for his aberrant heretical blasphemous false teachings this goes with the territory he should never have been in ministry as soon as he touched that child now woman I pray he gets saved and woman gets justice plus EVERYONE who knew about it should get out of ministry and repent and don’t forget the wife she knew but probably under influence of this despicable and lying man praying for her too

Being molested as a child has such a complex destructive effect on the human psyche and heart, it's almost like a mental, emotional, and spiritual, shotgun effect. Some people end up needing decades of therapy, sometimes the damage done is irreparable, it's a violation that is so profound, it robs the child of their innocence, sense of personal safety, bring so much confusion, and also destroys healthy instinctive boundaries through the grooming process which systematically tears down normal and necessary defense mechanisms, and even defiles and corrupts the child, can even strip them of their God given sense of dignity 😔

Inability to apologize is a characteristic of narcissism (which is related to Jezebel)

They’re saying “Prior” to starting the current church, to protect the churches finances. He should be held accountable and be financially responsible for her therapy and more. Glad you’re covering this, these wolves need to be dealt with.

So sick that they blamed a 12 year old! She flirted! What kind of idiot thinks a little kids crush is the same as an adult predator wolfing! Also, why is this so widespread? Other denominations did the same thing! God is cleaning the rot out!

I appreciate you guys taking this on. I suggest watching interviews w/2 Pastors who served in and under ministry w/Morris. One by Justin Peters, and one by CBN News. Robert was ALREADY IN “ministry,” traveling as an evangelist at 17-18 WHEN HE claims he got saved in a hotel at 19. The 2 “elders” who met w/Robert’s victim and her family were James Robison and (current) “Apostolic Elder” Olen Griffing. Griffing was a State Trooper at the time. Lots more KNOWN deats to expose.

A leader, elder, pastor etc. must be without reproach 1 Timothy 5:7

Humans are sooo slow to learn. How many of these do we need before we learn? It's crazy!! It's like in all allegations all the accused and all those who quickly come to their defense are reading from the same script, over and over again. Do they not watch how other scandals go down? It's like the twilight zone out here.🤯

Thanks again for a great podcast!! It was very helpful!!

SHAWN BOLZ. Can you please answer our questions on when and where Shawn Bolz admitted to data mining? Transparency…

Been WAITING for you guys to talk about this!!! Thank you!!! 🙏🏻 💔🙏🏻

Mike Bickle could be interested in pastoral position in Gateway church ⛪

We need "fear of the Lord" restored.

The body of Christ needs to leave the error of Hierarchy & equality needs to be preached from the roof tops so we return to correct doctrine.

With child predators, which he was, there is NEVER EVER only one predator if they are allowed to continue in ministry. The saddest thing is there’s most likely many many victims in this wolves wake, but she was the only one brave enough at this point to share her story with the world, which is extremely hard to do. PK for 40 years and working with trafficked victims, some of major church leaders, I have enough stories to fill a book.

It turns out there is no statute of limitation on that sort of thing in Texas. . . Gosh. . . He really should have taken the settlement. Boz is gonna tear him up. . .

It appears that the church elders of Shady Grove were…” shady”.

To whom much is given, much is required. Restoration and forgiveness is available for all who ask. But, the Consequences of his hidden, deceptive, and criminal sin must be dealt with in a court of law. He is accountable and responsible for his criminal actions on an innocent child. All this time while proclaiming to be a Christian and pastoring. Gifted or not this is a mockery. This may seem harsh, but I was molested as a child by my step dad and still deal with the trauma of the abuse. She needs justice!

Elders and lawyers have just as much accountability here as well as enabling

And I thought my church was mean because the pastors actually practice church discipline. They do not mess around.

Down with Gateway. All sincere workers and believers there - flee out of there asap

I'm guessing Christina is cerebral. Blaise makes certain statements and her mental calculator goes off and her eye motions are like 🧐+/_×*=! Love Her! 😅

Wow. I think “pride” was when he wrote that passage!

NAR ‘apostles’ believe they do NOT sin!

We are missing the word of God. We need to read the Bible as a whole not just the NT on its own. It’s not as scary as people think. It’s the law of liberty

In one of his sermons, Robert actually said that he looked women with no father and were vulnerable…that’s a preditor Robert’s words….yikes. It was just on KZfaq yesterday 😢

Mike Bickle- "Dude, what were you thinking?" Robert Morris-"Mike, you told me she was 14!"

Carl Lentz just accepted an assistant pastor role in some church … check it out.. he’s back !!

there is also now "mega maniacs" podcast where the former HR director of world harvest church (pastor rod parsley) is exposing terrible spiritual abuse going on there... God bless

Can he still be held criminally responsible?!

also, Biblically, ne recent convert should ever become a pastor