Robert Morris (Pastor) Wiki, Age, Wife, Guilty, Salary, Net Worth

Robert Morris Pastor Biography

Robert Preston Morris (born July 29, 1961) rose as a dominant televangelist. He founded Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas in 2000 and served as senior pastor until 2024.

Robert studied at East Texas Baptist College and attended Criswell Center for Biblical Studies. He married Debbie in 1980, and they had three children.

Under his leadership, Gateway grew into a major megachurch with multi-campus reach. He authored books like The Blessed Life and Dream to Destiny. He also held a radio and television ministry broadcasting globally.

However, his reputation collapsed after child sexual abuse allegations surfaced in 2024. On June 14, 2024, Cindy Clemishire accused Morris of abusing her from age 12 to 16 in the 1980s. Soon after, Morris resigned.

In March 2025, a grand jury in Oklahoma indicted him on five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child. Then in October 2025, he pleaded guilty to all charges. He will serve six months in jail and register as a sex offender during a 10-year sentence.

Meanwhile, he pressed Gateway Church for millions in retirement benefits, sparking a legal dispute. A judge denied his and Gateway’s attempts to dismiss claims over financial mismanagement.

In August 2025, Gateway installed Daniel Floyd and his wife, Tammie, as new lead pastors to restore trust. The church also cut some weekend services and laid off staff due to declining tithes.

Today, Robert Morris stands as a cautionary example: a once-celebrated pastor whose career ended in scandal.

Pastor Robert Morris Age

How old is Pastor Robert Morris?

Robert Morris, the founding pastor of Gateway Church, was born on July 29, 1961. He is 64 years old. Known for his influential leadership, Morris has shaped evangelical ministry worldwide. His age highlights decades of dedicated pastoral service, teaching, and spiritual leadership. Morris’s age reflects his long-standing impact in Christian ministry.

Robert Morris Pastor Wife

Robert Morris has been married since 1980 to Debbie Morris, who serves as executive pastor of women’s ministry at Gateway Church. She leads women’s discipleship, hosts events, and teaches regularly. Over the years, she supported Robert Morris through church growth and public challenges. Together, they raised three children and upheld ministry unity.

Robert Morris Pastor Children

Robert Morris and his wife Debbie Morris are proud parents of three children: Laura, Preston, and Samuel (Sam). Each child has pursued unique paths while supporting their father’s ministry. Over the years, Robert and Debbie have also become loving grandparents to nine grandchildren. Family continues to remain a cornerstone of Robert Morris’s life and ministry. Despite his public responsibilities, he consistently emphasizes strong family values, spiritual guidance, and faith-centered parenting in raising his children.

Robert Morris Pastor Family – Parents, Wife, and Children

Robert Morris was born to Bill and Rosalee Morris, who shaped his early Christian foundation. He married Debbie Morris in 1980, and she serves as executive pastor of women’s ministry at Gateway Church. Together, they raised three children: Laura, Preston, and Samuel (Sam). Additionally, Robert and Debbie enjoy life as grandparents to nine grandchildren. His family highlights the values of faith, unity, and service, remaining central to his ministry and personal journey.

Robert Morris Pastor Pleads Guilty to Child Sex Abuse

Robert Preston Morris, age 64, pleaded guilty to five counts of lewd and indecent acts with a child in Oklahoma. The abuse started in 1982, when the victim, Cindy Clemishire, was 12 years old. The acts continued for about four years. Under a plea deal, Morris received a 10-year suspended sentence. He must serve six months in Osage County Jail, then remain on probation in Texas. Moreover, he must register as a sex offender, pay restitution, and cover incarceration costs. His guilty plea followed resignation from Gateway Church in 2024.

Robert Morris Pastor Resigns – Gateway Church Fallout & Impact

Robert Morris resigned as senior pastor of Gateway Church in June 2024, amid shocking abuse allegations. The church elders said they were “heartbroken and appalled” by new facts. The board initially cited a “moral failure,” but later clarified the misconduct involved child sexual abuse. After the resignation, Gateway launched an investigation and removed elders who knew of the abuse. Church donations and attendance fell sharply in the months following his departure.

Robert Morris Pastor Suing Gateway – Lawsuit Over Retirement Benefits & Dispute

Robert Morris has sued Gateway Church seeking millions in retirement benefits after resigning in 2024. He claims the church promised him $800,000 per year until age 70, then $600,000 annually thereafter. Gateway Church rejects the demands and resists arbitration. Meanwhile, Morris and the church argue over whether the dispute should go to Christian arbitration or court.

Robert Morris Pastor Sermons

Robert Morris became widely known for his powerful sermons focusing on faith, generosity, grace, and biblical living. His most influential teaching, The Blessed Life, reached millions through television, radio, and online platforms. He delivered sermons using simple language, relatable stories, and strong biblical references, making his messages easy to understand. Moreover, his Gateway Church sermons were streamed globally, attracting both local and international audiences. Even after his resignation in 2024, many of his past sermons remain accessible on Gateway’s online library and YouTube. These sermons continue to influence Christians seeking spiritual growth. His preaching legacy highlights the importance of practical application, generosity, and unwavering faith in everyday Christian life.

Robert Morris Pastor Books

Robert Morris wrote many books on Christian living, grace, faith, and purpose. He blends scripture, experience, and practical advice. Moreover, his books achieved bestseller status in Christian publishing. Below are key books by Pastor Robert Morris:

Notable Books by Robert Morris:

• The Blessed Life — teaches generosity and reward for giving.
• The God I Never Knew — explores friendship with the Holy Spirit.
• The Power of Your Words — focuses on how speech affects our lives.
• Frequency: Tune In. Hear God. — encourages sensitivity to God’s voice.
• Truly Free: Breaking the Snares That So Easily Entangle — offers freedom from spiritual struggles.
• The Blessed Church: The Simple Secret to Growing the Church You Love — guides church growth and health.

Each book reflects Morris’s focus on practical faith, generosity, rest, and spiritual growth. Many include accompanying study guides to deepen engagement.

Robert Morris Pastor Salary

Robert Morris’s disclosed compensation varied over the years. In 2019, he earned about $300,000 from his ministry. Earlier, in 2017 and 2018, his pay ranged near $350,000.

After his 2024 resignation, Morris claimed elders verbally promised $800,000 annually until age 70, then $600,000 per year thereafter.

Nonetheless, a written retirement compensation agreement states Gateway would pay $170,000 per year for 20 years.

Robert Morris Pastor Net Worth

Robert Morris’s net worth is commonly estimated at $117 million by several sources. His wealth includes real estate, book royalties, and ministry income. In 2022, his evangelistic association paid him $200,000 for part-time work. Earlier, he earned as much as $350,000 annually. Yet, church filings do not fully disclose all assets. Consequently, his net worth remains an estimate, not an audited figure.