Gateway Church Announces Layoffs Amid Financial Strain and Ongoing Scandals
Southlake, Texas-based Gateway Church, once one of America’s largest megachurches, has revealed plans for a new round of layoffs as it grapples with financial difficulties stemming from ongoing scandals involving its former pastor, Robert Morris. The church, however, insists it remains solvent despite the challenges.
According to a letter sent to the congregation and obtained by the Dallas Morning News, the church has experienced a significant decline in donations. The letter stated, “tithing has not mirrored attendance,” leading to a “significant drop in giving levels.” As a result, the church leadership concluded that “restructuring of our staff is necessary, requiring the tough but necessary step of staff reduction.”
The financial strain was further highlighted late last year in a video intended for church staff but leaked to social media. In the video, ElderKenneth Fambro disclosed that giving had decreased by 35% to 40%, necessitating imminent staff reductions. The church has also seen its attendance plummet by nearly 50%, a direct consequence of the scandals that have rocked the congregation.
Church elder Tra Willbanks addressed the layoffs in a statement, saying, “This was an extremely difficult decision for us to make, and we didn’t come to it quickly or easily and waited as long as we could. This decision was an important step to ensure we are able to minister to our church family well, however it affects real people and members of our church family that we’ve loved and served alongside for years, which is what makes it so painful. And we are trying to love our staff well through this painful process.”
The announcement comes just a week after Cindy Clemishire, the woman who was sexually assaulted by Robert Morris at age 12, filed a lawsuit against the church, Morris, and several current and former elders and leaders. The lawsuit claims they were aware of the assault but failed to act, effectively covering it up. Additionally, the suit accuses Morris and the elders of defamation, alleging they misrepresented the assault as an “extramarital affair with a young lady,” and implied her consent, despite knowing the truth.
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