Introduction
When you ask how old is Robert Morris Gateway Church, it’s not just a question about dates—it’s a look into legacy, faith, expansion, and controversy. Robert Preston Morris, founder of Gateway Church, has built one of the largest non-denominational megachurches in the United States. This article will tell you exactly when Gateway Church started, how many years it has been in existence, and what has shaped its journey—both positive and negative.
Table of Contents
Early Life of Robert Morris
To understand the age and founding of Gateway Church, it helps to know about Robert Morris’s background.
- Robert Preston Morris was born on July 29, 1961 in Marshall, Texas. Wikipedia+1
- He grew up in a Christian family, attended East Texas Baptist College and the Criswell Center for Biblical Studies. Wikipedia+1
- Morris was involved in religious ministry from a young age. Over time, he founded Gateway Church and gained wide influence through sermons, books, radio, and television. 2025/2026 Mabumbe+3PASTORS BIO+3Wikipedia+3
Key Points:
- Robert Morris is 63 years old (as of 2025). CBS News+22025/2026 Mabumbe+2
- His early life and education laid the groundwork for Gateway Church’s theology and leadership ethos.
Founding of Gateway Church
Here’s the timeline of how Gateway Church began and developed:
- The church was officially founded by Robert Morris in 2000. Its first public service was held Easter Sunday, April 23, 2000, in Grapevine, Texas (at a hotel location: the Hilton in Grapevine). Wikipedia+2The Best Biography+2
- In the intervening years, Gateway Church expanded from that initial location to multiple campuses across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2
- The church’s main campus facility, including a large sanctuary on State Highway 114, was opened in 2010. Wikipedia
Key Points:
- Gateway Church has been active for over two decades (since 2000).
- The use of multiple campuses and media (TV, radio) has played a big role in its growth.
How Old Is Robert Morris Gateway Church Now?
So, to answer the central question:
- Since Gateway Church was founded in 2000, in the year 2025 it is 25 years old.
- This is based on the first service in April 2000. Depending on when you mark “founding”—first meeting, first public service, or first building—it may vary slightly, but the commonly accepted age is around 25 years. Wikipedia+2The Best Biography+2
Key Points:
- Gateway Church is ~25 years old as of 2025.
- The age is measured from its first Easter service April 23, 2000.
Growth, Achievements & Influence
Over its ~25 years, Gateway Church under Robert Morris has:
- Grown to be among the largest megachurches in the USA, with attendance in the tens of thousands. Wikipedia+2One World Information+2
- Established multiple campuses across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Wikipedia+1
- Expanded its reach through media: TV broadcasts, radio programs, books written by Morris. Wikipedia+1
- Built large main facilities, including a 4,000-seat sanctuary that underscores its capacity and ambition. Wikipedia
Key Points:
- Gateway’s growth was rapid and multi-faceted: brick-and-mortar expansion + media outreach.
- Its size, influence, and assets have made it a prominent name in American evangelicalism.
Controversies and Challenges
However, the history of Gateway Church and Robert Morris is not without significant negative aspects. These challenges affect how people view the age and legacy of the church:
- In 2024, serious allegations surfaced that Robert Morris sexually abused a minor. He resigned as senior pastor that year. Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2
- The legal case: in March 2025, Morris was indicted in Oklahoma on charges of lewd or indecent acts with a child, with the alleged abuse starting in 1982 when the victim was 12. The Washington Post+1
- These revelations led to resignations of other leaders in the church, loss of membership, and reputational damage. Wikipedia+1
Key Points:
- Controversy has cast a shadow on the church’s leadership and public image.
- The allegations are serious, ongoing in legal context, and have impacted governance and member trust.
Impact on Community and Ministries
Despite controversies, Gateway Church has also had lasting positive impacts:
- Community services: ministries, charitable activities, outreach programs. Gateway has served members and non-members through various outreach efforts. Wikipedia+1
- Influence on Christian media: books, broadcasts, seminars, which have shaped evangelical thought.
- Educational impact: involvement with The King’s University in Southlake. Wikipedia+2PASTORS BIO+2
Key Points:
- Even with leadership challenges, the institution has entrenched structures and programs.
- Its influence extends beyond the local community into broadcast, writing, education.
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People Also Ask
Here are common questions people are asking about how old is Robert Morris Gateway Church or related topics:
Q: When was Gateway Church founded?
Gateway Church was founded in the year 2000, with its first Easter Sunday service on April 23, 2000, in Grapevine, Texas. Wikipedia+1
Q: How old is Robert Morris?
Robert Morris was born on July 29, 1961, which makes him about 63 years old as of 2025. Wikipedia+2CBS News+2
Q: Where is Gateway Church located?
The main campus is in Southlake, Texas, with multiple campuses throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Wikipedia+1
Q: Who succeeded Robert Morris as senior pastor of Gateway Church?
Robert Morris resigned in 2024. Daniel Floyd has been named the senior pastor thereafter. Wikipedia
Q: How many attend Gateway Church services?
As of recent counts, Gateway Church had a weekly attendance of about 25,800 in all locations. Wikipedia
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are five FAQs, each with the focus keyword in the answer:
- What year did Gateway Church begin, and how old is Robert Morris Gateway Church now?
Gateway Church began in 2000 with its first service on April 23. As of 2025, Robert Morris Gateway Church is 25 years old. - How old is Robert Morris Gateway Church compared to other megachurches?
At 25 years, Robert Morris Gateway Church is relatively younger than some historic churches, yet it has reached megachurch status more quickly than many, showing rapid growth and influence. - Has the age of Robert Morris Gateway Church influenced its controversies?
Yes. Over its 25-year history, Robert Morris Gateway Church has seen both achievements and scandals. The youthfulness (relatively speaking) combined with fast growth has meant governance, accountability, and oversight have been tested, especially in light of recent allegations. - How old is Robert Morris Gateway Church’s main building?
While the church was founded in 2000, the main sanctuary facility along State Highway 114 (capacity ~4,000) opened in 2010, making that building about 15 years old as of 2025. - Why does knowing how old Robert Morris Gateway Church is matter?
Understanding how old Robert Morris Gateway Church is helps contextualize its growth, what systems might have matured or lagged, how leadership changes happen, and how controversies unfold over time. It adds perspective to both its successes and failures.
Conclusion
In summary, Robert Morris Gateway Church is approximately 25 years old, founded in 2000. Over those years, it has grown into a powerful institution with substantial community reach, media influence, and a large membership base. But alongside its achievements, substantial controversies have emerged in recent years that complicate its legacy.
If you want to explore more about leadership shifts, historical sermons, or the latest governance response, you can visit NowGoTrend.com for detailed analyses of church leadership and organizational change. Also check out NowGoTrending.com for trending news in religious institutions and faith communities.
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