The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Culture & Lifestyle›Church›Gateway Church
Culture & Lifestyle • Church

Gateway Church

Gateway Church is a non-denominational evangelical megachurch based in Southlake, Texas, in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Gateway Church is a non-denominational evangelical megachurch based in Southlake, Texas, in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. It was founded in 2000 by Robert Morris and his wife, Debbie, and became one of the largest churches in the United States. In 2024, Morris resigned after allegations of child sexual abuse became public.

History

Gateway Church was established in 2000 by Robert Morris and Debbie Morris in Southlake, Texas. Under Robert Morris's leadership, it expanded into a large multi-site megachurch with a significant national profile.

Leadership and growth

Robert Morris served as senior pastor until 2024. The church became known for its large attendance, multi-campus structure, and influence within American evangelical Christianity.

Controversies

In 2024, allegations emerged that Robert Morris had sexually abused a minor in the 1980s. Morris resigned, and later reporting described criminal proceedings and additional legal disputes involving the church and its former pastor.

Public profile

Gateway Church gained wider attention beyond Texas through its size, media coverage, and Robert Morris's role in evangelical politics, including ties to former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Key facts

  • Gateway Church was founded in 2000 in Southlake, Texas.
  • It is a non-denominational evangelical megachurch.
  • Robert Morris and Debbie Morris are credited as founders.
  • The church grew into one of the largest congregations in the United States.
  • Robert Morris resigned in June 2024 after allegations that he sexually abused a minor in the 1980s became public.
🍁
Canadian context

Canadian readers may know Gateway Church through international evangelical networks, media coverage of Robert Morris, and broader North American church governance and abuse-accountability debates.

Frequently asked questions

What is Gateway Church?
Gateway Church is a non-denominational evangelical megachurch based in Southlake, Texas.
Who founded Gateway Church?
Robert Morris and his wife, Debbie Morris, founded the church in 2000.
Where is Gateway Church located?
Its headquarters are in Southlake, Texas, in the Dallas–Fort Worth area.
Why did Gateway Church receive major news coverage in 2024?
It drew national attention after allegations of child sexual abuse against founder Robert Morris became public and he resigned.
Is Gateway Church a denomination?
No. It is described as non-denominational evangelical Christian.

References

  1. NPR — https://www.npr.org/2024/06/24/nx-s1-5017881/robert-morris-gateway-church-sex-abuse-scandal-explained
    Supports: Gateway Church was founded by Robert Morris in 2000; Morris resigned in 2024 after abuse allegations became public.
  2. CNN — https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/31/us/pastor-robert-morris-jail-release
    Supports: Gateway Church was established in 2000; Robert Morris served as senior pastor in Southlake and resigned in 2024.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gateway_Church_(Texas)
    Supports: Gateway Church is a non-denominational evangelical multi-site megachurch based in Southlake, Texas, and among the largest in the U.S.
  4. NBC News — https://www.nbcnews.com/news/investigations/robert-morris-resigns-gateway-church-child-sex-abuse-allegation-rcna157806
    Supports: Robert Morris resigned from Gateway Church after allegations of child sexual abuse in the 1980s became public.