Gateway Church names four new interim elders as it continues search for lead pastor
Gateway Church has named four new interim elders and is still searching for a senior pastor to lead the Southlake-based megachurch, church elder Tra Willbanks said in a YouTube video posted last week.
The new elders’ appointments come after the church removed four elders late last year following an investigation into founder and former senior pastor Robert Morris’ alleged sexual abuse of a 12-year-old girl. Morris resigned in June after Cindy Clemishire accused him of molesting her in the 1980s.
Willbanks introduced the new elders as Oscar Morales, Brad Moore, Randy McFarland and Mark Mueller.
All four of the new elders have previously served in various roles within the Gateway organization, Willbanks said.
The men will serve on an interim basis for six months to ensure the role is a good fit prior to moving to permanent positions, Willbanks said.
The church almost selected a new senior pastor a few weeks ago, but the hiring “didn’t work out,” Willbanks said in the video.
“You might get tired of me saying this, but this is something we want to get right, not fast,” Willbanks said. “And we can say with confidence that Gateway will continue to have a senior pastor who casts vision for our church and that that vision will be affirmed by the elders.”
