The embattled Gateway Church is facing further shake up after Robert Morris’s son, James, announced he would be resigning his position from the church. Robert Morris was ousted from the church after it came to light that he had sexually abused a girl for years during the 80s, beginning when she was just 12 years old. Morris was in his 20s, recently married, and with a young child at the time. Morris, who had alluded to sexual struggles in the past, had never referenced the girl’s age when he discussed his shortcomings but referred to her as a “young lady.” His victim, Cindy Clemishire, who is now 54, asserts that her father, who found out about the abuse, insisted that Morris be permanently removed from ministry. Morris claims that Clemshire’s father gave his blessing for him to return after a period of “restoration.”

James had previously served in Gateway Church as an associate pastor and was slated to be his father’s successor in 2025. The church, however, received a notice from its board that James and his wife, Bridgette, had decided to step down. “Earlier this week, the elders met with Pastors James and Bridgette and they collectively made the decision that Pastors James and Bridgette would both step down from their current positions and from leading Gateway Church in the future,” the church statement said. Prior to stepping down, James Morris had taken a leave of absence in June as the church conducted an independent investigation. The decision for James to fully step away came based on the advice of “many well-respected pastors and ministry leaders.” The Morrises, may, however, lead another church in the future. “We as elders affirm and believe that God has placed a desire in both Pastors James and Bridgette’s hearts to serve as senior pastors of a church at some point in the future. We love Pastors James and Bridgette and their children. We deeply care about them and sincerely thank them for investing their lives here at Gateway Church. They have faithfully and honorably served our congregation and this community through all the years that they have been part of Gateway Church.”

Popular pastor and author Max Lucado will take on the role as the church’s teaching pastor through the end of 2024. He said he said he intends to serve at both his home church Oak Hills Church in San Antonio and Gateway. “My desire is simply this — love God’s hurting people. I see this as an opportunity to do just that.”