Gateway Church names new executive pastor after Robert Morris’ departure

SOUTHLAKE, Texas — After the controversial departure of its founding pastor, Robert Morris, Gateway Church is ushering in a new leader. 

Gateway announced Thursday that Pastor Nic Lesmeister has been named its new executive pastor, marking a new era for the North Texas megachurch.

Lesmeister has been on staff at Gateway Church since 2020, a church spokesperson confirmed. He led the Gateway Center for Israel until 2024, when he took on the oversight of all of the church’s outreach ministries. 

His appointment follows a monthslong national search, conducted in partnership with search firm Vanderbloemen, that evaluated both internal and external candidates. 

“This is an important and joyful moment, as we’re promoting one of our own…” Elder Tra Willbanks said in a news release. “Someone who has already been instrumental over the past year in building a culture of restoration, healing, and unity in our church.”

Lesmeister and Senior Pastor Daniel Floyd will now jointly lead Gateway’s day-to-day activities with the staff leadership team.

Lesmeister takes the reins of Gateway at a tumultuous time. Last June, Cindy Clemishire accused founding pastor Robert Morris of molesting her in the 1980s, starting when she was 12 years old. Morris resigned and now faces criminal charges of lewd acts to a child in Oklahoma.

Since Clemishire’s allegations came to light, Gateway has been embroiled in controversy.  The church faces several lawsuits, including one from Morris himself, and has been accused of covering up abuse, financial fraud and defamation. The controversy has also been tied to declining donations at the church, leading to layoffs and service cuts at most Gateway campuses.

In the months following Morris’ departure, the church has continued to distance itself from its founding pastor. After an internal investigation, Gateway has brought in new elders, hired a new senior pastor, and now has brought on Lesmeister to lead the church.