Dallas-based Gateway Church has announced the addition of four new elders, just months after removing elders who reportedly knew about allegations of child sex abuse by Gateway Founder Robert Morris.

The new elders—Oscar Morales, Brad Moore, Randy McFarland and Mark Muelle—will serve as interim elders for the next six months, Elder Tra Willbanks shared in a unlisted YouTube video last week.

Willbanks said the six months ensure the new roles are a good “fit for both parties.” If all goes well, the men will continue to serve as elders, he noted. 

“While that’s not a normal practice for Gateway, given the short time we had to get to know everyone, we thought this was a wise approach,” Willbanks said. “We may add more elders in the future but having these additional four men feels right.”

Gateway Church has been embroiled in controversy since Cindy Clemishire accused founder Robert Morris of sexually abusing her for years. The abuse reportedly started when she was just 12 years old.

Morris then resigned from church. His son, James Morris, was slated to take over leadership of the church, but James resigned a month later.

Since then, the church has been searching for a new senior pastor.

Willbanks said the church almost selected a new senior pastor “a few weeks ago.”

“Ultimately, it didn’t work. And that’s ok,” Willbanks said. “I’m not discouraged by that at all because I want—and I know you do too—this person to be who the Lord has for Gateway and we’re working through a process of some potential candidates right now.”

He noted the search is a “lengthy process” that the church wants to get done right, not quickly.

“We are looking for a leader who can also feed the church while also casting vision and leading our church organization,” Willbanks said. “Gateway Church is in a period of waiting right now. And I know you know this, but (God) is working in and through our church, and he is with us in the waiting.”

Pastors Max Lucado and Joakim Lundqvis currently serve as interim teaching pastors at the church, The Roys Report (TRR) previously reported.

Elders have backgrounds serving Gateway

The four new elders were recommended by church staff and members for the role, Willbanks said.

“These men have graciously accepted this role knowing the challenges we’ve experienced over the past six months,” Willbanks said. 

All elders have backgrounds serving the church, Willbanks noted.

Mueller has been involved in small groups at Gateway Church’s Justin campus, served in children’s ministry, and has “actively” led church mission trips on behalf of Gateway, according to Willbanks.

Morales has served on Gateway Church’s worship team, Willbanks said.

Morales is also a part of a production company associated with the popular Guatemalan Christian band Miel San Marcos, according to his website. The band has almost 3 million subscribers on YouTube.

He and his wife also write and record their own music.

Moore has served as lead deacon at Gateway Church’s Frisco campus, Willbanks said. Outside of this, he runs Moore Insurance Group, an independent insurance agency.

McFarland attends Gateway’s main Southlake campus, where he leads marriage groups and assists with the children’s ministry, Willbanks added.

The four elders are expected to be formally introduced to the congregation during weekend services on Feb. 8-9, Willbanks added.

They join Willbanks, Dane Minor, and Kenneth W. Fambro, II, on Gateway’s elder board, bringing the total to seven members, according to the church’s website.

Gateway faces tithe losses, lawsuits

Since Robert Morris’s resignation, donations at Gateway have dropped 35%-40%, and staff reductions are looming.

Several current and former church members are currently suing the church for alleged financial fraud, as well, TRR previously reported.

Around 100,000 people attend Gateway’s dozen locations across Texas each weekend, according to the church’s YouTube page. Morris first founded the church in 2000.

Liz Lykins is a correspondent covering religion news for The Roys Report, WORLD Magazine, and other publications.