In a surprising turn of events for the megachurch community, Robert Morris, the founder of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, has found himself embroiled in a class action lawsuit filed by four disgruntled church members. This lawsuit accuses the church of mishandling tithes and failing to uphold a controversial money-back guarantee that Morris himself had promoted during sermons.
The lawsuit, which surfaced in October 2024, names Morris alongside other prominent figures within the church, including Tom Lane, a former executive pastor, and founding elder Steve Dulin. The plaintiffs—Katherine Leach, Garry K. Leach, Mark Browder, and Terri Browder—claim that the church has not only been opaque about its financial dealings but has also reneged on promises made regarding the allocation of tithes.
Morris, who has been a significant figure in the evangelical community since founding Gateway Church in 2000, has faced increasing scrutiny following allegations of misconduct that led to his resignation in June 2024. The church has reportedly generated over $100 million annually, raising eyebrows about how those funds are utilized, especially in light of the claims made by the plaintiffs regarding the church’s Global Ministries fund. This fund was purportedly intended to receive 15% of the tithes collected, a promise that the plaintiffs allege has not been honored.
In response to the lawsuit, Morris’s legal team has filed a motion to dismiss, arguing that the court lacks jurisdiction based on the "home state exception" under the Class Action Fairness Act. They also invoke the ecclesiastical abstention doctrine, which suggests that the court should avoid intervening in matters of church governance and religious doctrine. Morris’s attorneys contend that the lawsuit fails to meet the necessary legal standards, arguing that the plaintiffs have not established a viable claim under Texas law.
The controversy surrounding the money-back guarantee has also been a focal point of the lawsuit. Morris had introduced this guarantee during a sermon, encouraging congregants to give their first 10% to God with the promise of a refund if they were unsatisfied after a year. However, the plaintiffs assert that many requests for refunds have been ignored, leading to claims of fraud and breach of contract.
The plaintiffs have also sought to clarify that their complaints do not challenge theological doctrines but rather focus on alleged misrepresentations made by church leaders in soliciting donations. They argue that such actions should be subject to civil scrutiny, separate from the church’s religious teachings.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications for Gateway Church and its leadership are significant. The First Liberty Institute, a law firm dedicated to protecting religious freedoms, has voiced concerns that allowing the case to proceed could set a dangerous precedent for religious institutions. They argue that if courts start parsing sermons for implied contracts, it could stifle the ability of pastors to share their beliefs freely.
In a world where faith and finance often intersect, this case serves as a reminder of the challenges that megachurches face in maintaining transparency and trust within their congregations. As the legal battle continues, many are left wondering how this will affect the future of Gateway Church and the broader evangelical community.
For more insights on church governance and financial accountability, check out resources from the National Association of Evangelicals and Christianity Today.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow this developing story and its implications for faith communities across the nation.