An Honest Conversation About Gateway Church
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- Опубліковано 7 сер 2024
- This week on Worship Is My Weapon, Rita Springer talks about Gateway Church and the allegations that have surfaced about Pastor Robert Morris' past.
Gateway was Rita’s home church for many years and a place she still considers her family. She hopes this conversation will encourage the church body and point people to JESUS.
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00:00 Coming Up
00:38 Gratitude for My Team
02:58 Why I Do What I Do
06:08 Gateway Church Has My Heart
08:10 Rita’s Newsletter
09:03 This Is Not for Views
12:46 Marginalization of Women
13:32 Let’s Acknowledge the Victim
17:49 Just Stop
29:20 Amazing Kids
31:23 How This Should Have Been Handled
34:01 Things the Church Needs to Be Free Of
35:41 The Healthiest Church in the World?
39:47 My Experience at Gateway
40:53 Leaving a Church Well
44:03 Jesus Chooses Misfits
46:24 Why Didn’t You Discern This?
47:32 Blessing a House That Brought Me Blessing
49:00 Mentorship Program
50:20 When a Man Is on the Throne
56:10 What Is True Repentance?
01:00:00 Gateway Was a Refuge for Us
01:03:59 Wearing Justice
01:04:16 With Is True Confession?
01:11:50 Gateways Vision Is Bigger Than Robert Morris
01:17:25 The Balance of Being a Strong Woman
01:27:46 What Would Jesus Do?
01:31:49 Gateway Church Loves Jesus
01:33:19 Gateway Was Not My Source
01:36:50 Gateway Church Is a Beautiful Place, Not a Perfect Place
01:41:17 Being There for the People of Gateway
Musicbed ID: MB01VLX2NAARKXI - Розваги
Truth brings light, light brings cleansing. The Church will not be worthy of her groom until she repents for her sin…and casts out every form of evil… and goes the other way.
When gateway started robert morris was NOT A celebrity. He was a nobody. This church belongs to Jesus Christ and it is Him we continue to worship every Sunday. Like most people, we loved the man we thought our pastor was and this feeling betrayed hurts a lot. But make no mistake, Jesus is still on the throne at gateway church. We are grieving but He is our comforter!
There are lots of victims that Gateway put down! I think there should be outrage and a call for healing for victims! If you keep going there without demanding repentance from leadership then nothing will change!
Robert Morris is the same man he has always been, for better and for worse. That some people placed him on a pedestal is their problem, not his. RM is a man. He has feet of clay…just like every other man.
Gal 6:1-2 1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass,
you who are spiritual,
restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness;
each one looking to yourself,
so that you too will not be tempted.
2 Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. NAS
Gateway has serious issues, so let’s not sugar coat it. I attended the Southlake campus for over 4 years. I told my wife one day in the middle of Roberts sermon “I see Satan in his eyes”, and there were other similar moments. Too many attendees at Gateway act like dumb blind sheep for the fleecing. No discernment of their own, no personal revelation of the Word, no self examination, no testing and challenging what is spoken. Not was Robert seductive, Jimmy Evans was a flat out liar! Get in the Word of truth for yourself. All the seeker searching people on a Sunday looking for a feel good moment for themselves not genuinely yielding and worshipping the King! No pastor has authority…the Most High is the Authority. So do not be inhibited by challenging and testing anything spoken at any church that does not feel right. None of this is a surprise if you had your eyes wide open. Let him who has ears to hear, hear.
He was worshiped by members. I hated it.
@KennethBridges-j3w I said "the man WE THIUGHT him to be. OBVIOULT he is the man he has always been! What I have learned from this whole thing are that Christians can be the cruel esthetic, most heartless people ever! So sad. Not what jesus prayed for.
Your repentance in this is simply beautiful, Rita.
Thank you Rita for your heart felt mature and compassionate perspective on the Gateway Church situation and God's love for his body and his bride. I have loved Gateway, since the church began, and made it my home church about 3-4 years ago. You articulated so much of what's been in my heart since the news broke out, and I am so thankful God has allowed me to be at Gateway at this specific time, because I know he is going to do great things with his beautiful people within Gateway and those who are ministered to through Gateway ministries. Thank you my friend! ❤
I lost my saved incredibly ANNOITED spirit filled mama in 2000 in a tragic car accident. Listening to you & this message gave me so much hope for the church. I have missed being able to get her perspective so much. Your message resounded the heart I missed so much. Thankyou! I have been struggling with all the church junk but stand in complete agreement that the only safe church is the “lap of Jesus” what an incredible healing truthful picture. Thankyou!!!!!
Once a shepherd crosses that line it stands yo reason they may have done it again. Mike Bickle has 3 to 4 women that have come forward. I think people might be wondering if Robert Morris has more victims.
I think Mega church and the internet are creating prima donna celebrity pastors and it's been a disaster experiment in many ways. I think pastors who fall sexyally can be forgiven, but not restored to the pastorate as they are "not above reproach". Personal opinion.
I'm in agreement with you, I also have lost my spiritual mom and I too just hunger for hearing the voice of Truth 🙏🏻🕊️ and when you're used to having such strong discernment and the other people around you don't have as much discernment it takes a while for them to catch up so we always have to have a heart to pray for those who are around us that don't see and feel the spirit like we do, but that God would speak louder and show them too. Sometimes it can feel a little bit lonely because you know this is going to happen but it's probably they're not going to get a revelation of it for about a year😮 so you know that it is a calling ..I think on those of us who have chosen by Holy Spirit to precieve when something is off for whatever reason maybe it's because we were delivered from much so we're more in tune with what the devil does and he's the deceiver and he is one who comes as an angel of light. I just wanted to say I hear you sister 🕊️
Yes its a beautiful building. Yes there ate beautiful godly people there. As someone who attended there for years, the focus was on Robert Morris. I pray the church wakes up to the fact "celebrity pastors" mentaliry is not of God.
He was so idolized he could do no wrong. Still, people are elevating him, refusing to see what and who he is and has always been. It's quite frightening to see.
Agree 100%
@@tamimoncrief2264 The parade of false teachers in and out of the pulpit and the arrogance of RM with his harping on money finally drove my family away from Gateway. Sadly, people are biblically illiterate and can't discern heresy when they hear it.
Pastor Samantha Golden has helped transform the lives of so many single parents. I've served as a Divorce Care Facilitator under her leadership for 8 years. Thank you for honoring her.
She loved and supported my family for years! I don’t think I would be alive if it wasn’t for her guidance, wisdom, love and patience during the single parent ministry years!
New listener, thank you. Jesus is fine-tuning His bride. His creation has to mean more to us.
Remember, child safety starts with us. It starts with our insisting on child safe practices being run in every area of ministry- from prevention, to reporting, to support. From the bottom, to the top. However, not one easy-to-access word on that Church's website? Where's the governance? Why is more information coming out, now, about further (adult) misconduct? Where's the transparency? Is the congregation's only answer toxic positivity?
Rita something you said is absolutely key for the body of Christ to hear and learn. When ever we put man on the throne and center instead of God being that center, bad stuff will come because it opens the door to the enemy to play his games. I think of the incredible ministry that Billy Graham had and how many souls found Christ, but yet when you watch him and hear him to this day in the archives, he is such a representative of God's messenger of the gospel. Somehow he seem to stay humble and as far as we know lived a very Godly life. You never got the impression that he wanted to take away from God's glory and let God use him.
Yet, his children paid the price by not having their dad, because the men with him, kept him going from crusade to crusade.
I’m reminded of Joan of Arc…I’m not afraid. God is with me. I was born for this! Thanks again Rita. ❤
YES-the fear of the Lord is so needed in this hour in us-in me! Lord, do it in me!
Rita, It’s MJ, from Bethany..thank you for bringing us into the heart of God..come Holy Spirit!
Dear Rita,
I am in tears after listening to this podcast. I know we follow Jesus first, but do you know how immensely helpful it us to have a fellow human being calling us to walk in humility and the fear of God, emulating what that looks like and giving us language for it? You are such a blessing to me and I'm so, so grateful for your wisdom, for your perspective, for your voice in these terrifying times. I am tremendously encouraged and am about to go listen to the Battles album while I ask the Holy Spirit where He wants me on the wall. Sending you love from Ottawa, Ontario 🇨🇦!
Wow! Defender being played in the hallway. This episode of teaching brings tears to my eyes. Powerful.
Job well done Rita! So balanced, honest & very well said. Really appreciate your shared heart w/Jesus & us…thank you for being brave & putting yourself out there!🥹🙏
"I've set my gaze on the King." that on phrase says it all, calling us all back to centering on Christ alone. what an encouragement to be reminded to keep our eyes on the Savior who never fails us.
I love you Rita. Thank you. May God restore the true fear of the Lord to His Church. God bless you.
Thank you Precious Rita🙌❤️That was a powerful Word-much needed w allllll the insanity&uncertainty n our govt AND in the Body😢🙏Father, please have Mercy on us and show us where&how to walk for You in these days in Yeshua’s Name🙏❤️🔥
I am SO GRATEFUL for Rita Springers voice 💕
Thank you Rita! What we gleaned in that season of worship was like no other. Thank you for speaking out and validating the joy and good that came from Gateway and the things that still can come from the church. This is so needed.❤
Thank You For Loving on Gateway. It’s amazing seeing so many people love and pray for my church during this season. I love what you said ‘Gateway isn’t a source. Jesus is’
Wow, wow, wow!! So hitting my heart. We’re on a sabbatical and this has happened at our church. Gateway to us has also been a place of healing (Kairos) and opportunities to grow our gifts. I love your points. The blessed life does permeate through this place. So many good things so many great things are happening at Gateway, but like you said it just resonated with me when you said God could not continue the work of Gateway without this confession coming to light and also the point you made about how great administration it was, and there was a lie that was hidden and then what can God do with a church, a Bride that will not compromise. It blows my mind so let the shaking continue. I’m jealous for this church to come out of this pure gold. We are praying about returning after our sabbatical, but you are absolutely right when you said you barely saw the man, Robert Morris because it’s the people that make up this church and not a man. So we will continue to pray and we continue to believe in a God that is ultimately in control . God have mercy on Gateway. It’s elders and leadership and God have mercy on us all, as we walk in the fear of the Lord as you have said. Thank you, Rita for being so open and honest just downright great to hear at this time.
I keep hearing it said that people make up the church and not a man. While that is true on a spiritual basis, it’s not true on a practical basis, especially when you have a church built around one man personality for 24 years. For that reason, I believe Gateway will probably change their name, sever themselves from the entire Morris family, and end up selling off several satellite church properties if they wish to have a viable church future. We stopped attending Gateway several years ago when we saw the shift to his sons, Josh and James. Churches are not family businesses and should not be run that way. In addition, there was the issue of the departure of Jimmy Evans, which was kept totally in the dark and never mentioned from the pulpit. Praying for the people of Gateway church and our many friends who still attend there.
I sexually was assaulted as a young woman. Thank God, I was in my early 20s, and NOT a child. Nonetheless, I PANICKED and didn't know what to do. I just remember the man pushed me up against the wall and coming on me. He was trying to touch me and kiss me. Meanwhile, im pushing the man back off of me
I still think about that day. I can't imagine being a CHILD and going through this.
I agree, THIS HAS TO
S T O P !
All eyes open.
Protect your children.
Jesus is not for this at all. "Better a millstone be tied around your neck."
Thank you, Rita.
I respect your thoughts. But something is wrong with the story. Yes, it was horrible at age 12. But for 4 years??? All she had to do as a teenager was fight, kick, bite, say NO! Tell her parents. That's my biggest takeaway...she was not an innocent child for 4 years.
@@JeanneKolendahave you ever been abused and you don't even understand how scary it is and she was assaulted and you blame the child. Wow I pray God changes your heart
@@JeanneKolendaspoken like a person that has no knowledge on brain development, trauma pathways and the response of fight, flight, freeze and fawn. The abuser can really do a mind pathway disruption and number on the prefrontal cortex, the right and left brain, the amygdala and the hippocampus. From a CSA survivor myself, kicking, biting, screaming simply does not or cannot register in the midst of trauma. Are freezer brains to be blamed because they didn't kick or yell? I'd take care, love, with those assumptions.
@@JeanneKolenda I think you should look into abuse a whole lot more if you're wanting understanding.
There's a lot to it in terms of an older person grooming a younger person. It's not just a physical abuse. Sex abusers are some of the most emotionally manipulative people on the planet.
And regardless of a child's behavior, an adult is ALWAYS the one responsible for doing what's right.
If a 12 year old boy (or a boy in his teens) made suggestive comments towards me I would stop it in its tracks immediately and be absolutely horrified.
There's a reason the law calls young people 'minors.' We as adults are supposed to protect them.
As someone else mentioned here, children and teens are still developing mentally, socially and emotionally.
I'm not saying there isn't room for repentance and change but Robert Morris 100% did the wrong thing because he was an adult and the girl was a child/minor.
Dr John Deloney is just one of many resources. He us very clear on the responsibility of an adult in these kinds of situations.
Thank you so much. I remember when I first saw you at a church in Houston years ago and I recently have been watching your UA-cam channel. Not even sure what to say. I was connected to IHOPKC and have been reeling through how does God view and think about all that has happened at Gateway and IHOPKC. You have helped me process so much. I want more of Jesus. That's all. Thank you! I am so glad God is using your voice in multiple ways! Bless you.
Bruh said “I never gained favored in the worship industry” mean while is literally famous world wide and made a RICH living on the worship industry 🤦🏻♂️ let’s not pretend you’re limping by sister-in-Christ
Amen Rita so very well presented and you ended it on the best note. I love what you are doing now and how you express everything so truthfully. I hear the heart of God through you. I came to the Lord in the early 80’s at 32 as a single Mom and recall hearing your name. I live in Ottawa, Ontario Canada 🇨🇦
I also love your authenticity and asking God to do what He wants to do. And I love the aspect of fear of the Lord being our cry again. Search us and know our hearts, Lord. Keep us. 🙏🏻
Ms. Rita, I’ve been listening to you since I experienced your worship at Saints Church in NY. Thank you for being real here, this is so good.
Blessings to you!❤
-Noemi
Thank you for encapsulating and verbalizing the complicated emotions felt by many of us who love the precious people of Gateway Church❤
Emotions shouldn't be trusted.
I love you Rita. I love your heart. Thank you for being you. Real. Honest. I've listened to your songs for years. The songs There is a River and Worth it All just hit different for me. I love this beautiful moment. It's truly a God thing. *hugs*
I just recently found your channel and it's been so good for my soul. I appreciate your input and heart and love for Jesus. I feel like I am sitting down at your table having this conversation. I love that! I love your pure heart and desire to see what God does use even in the midst of the crazy stuff happening. And your absolute trust in God is so refreshing. I appreciate this so much.
This was beautifully discussed. Thank you. I'm convicted about how I resolved conflict. Looking to the Holy Spirit for healing.
Thank you for choosing to be vulnerable and sharing your heart. I am continually encouraged and strengthened by you. Your voice is so valued and needed. I’ve been praying for you since the news broke about Gateway. I hoped you would speak at the right time. Thank you so much.
Jesus is moving. He always has and always will because HE IS IN US- the church. Mr. Morris is a human and am grateful this woman has walked out forgiveness with accountability.
The message of strong and true of what Mr. Morris preached.
God’s Word is Truth!!!!!
Let’s pray and love and still believe for the church- people to be sanctified and purged.
I believe Mr. Morris will learn and grow and is being humbled. He almost lost his life.
And now this!!!!
Gosh is moving.
Thanks for the honest and openness with this woman being open.
Thanks to you for this platform.
How did he almost lose his life ?
@@rocketlikearadredhead9274Robert had a near-death experience back in 2018, with internal bleeding, and was CareFlited to the hospital from his home.
@@rocketlikearadredhead9274he had a heart attack few years ago and God healed him and brought him back... now writing this I think 🤔 had he indeed died he would have maybe missed heaven... GODS GRACE IS AMAZING... STEADY AND UNCHANGING!!! Now Mr Morris has another chance to indeed make heaven his eternal home! Hallelujah to our ever merciful King!!! This is for us alllllll to look to our own redemption and allow Holy Spirit to search our OWN hearts🙏🏻👍🏼
REPENT
I appreciate your approach and agree with the majority of your view of Gateway, however we are not dealing with an indiscretion this was a crime and some early elders/Leaders (Shady Grove) knew including Debbie. The cover up of a crime to protect personal ambitions in the Church context becomes exponentially destructive for the obvious reasons. My experience is that there is not going to be an appropriate accountability (Romans 13). Remember this was not an affair , brief indiscretion, it was your daughter being sexually violated at ages 12-17 by a grown man. What would you say to your daughter if it was her?
Totally agree ! This was a crime that others also covered up. I absolutely believe we can in all sincerity repent of anything and be forgiven but that does not always mean there are not earthly legal consequences we may have to endure. I have followed Gateway for years -not a member but have partook in its ministry endeavors. My heart is sad for the body as a whole-we have sickness in the Body and need Our healer-
I am exhausted hearing about the numerous leadership elders board etc that have known something was lil shady and sat quietly, helped keep the truth in darkness
I’m talking about overall the many many leaders who have been exposed and fallen & I perceive the exposure is not over :(
Wow. Really beautiful and well said. Thanks so much for sharing. Deeply moving. 💜
Thank you again Rita! It’s so great to hear your honesty and purity about these hard topics! I’m from Brazil where a lot of those issues are happening too, and it’s the Lord changing and making us His holy bride! I’m grateful for you and the Holy Spirit that teaches us everything! Keep it up! Please!
Thank you for always sharing your heart. I was there when you sang Defender at Pink. It was a pivotal moment for me as I was learning how to lead in worship. Freedom, transparency, and I saw a woman lead from the overflow. Thank you for being a tangible and wise example for me from a far.
I can’t begin to tell you how much this has all resonated with me! 😮 I’m still trying to digest bc when I first heard about it, this pit in my stomach happened. My heart absolutely broke for that young woman! I had such a sick feeling when I heard how it was “handled” and how she was left feeling from the outcome. I questioned why I was feeling that way and why I was so upset about the whole situation. You described the sexual abuse from your past, and then it made sense to me bc of my years of sexual abuse. I related to her 100% and empathized with her. Anyways, I just want to thank you for taking the time to share your heart ♥️
I really love the way you communicate, telling it like it is, whit, candor, truth. This helps me understand the mercy of God with the building of Gateway church people, and not looking at man in Robert Morris, cuz honestly I couldn't understand why God would let Gateway so huge, same as IHOP. It's His mercy. Thank you.
Thankyou Rita for this honest, lovely place your heart is in concerning all that has happened. God cares for His sheep and will restore. your voice in it all, I believe, is the heart of the Lord who loves HIS church. God bless you! I have always loved you and your worship, and it is so refreshing and calming to listen to a heart where the peace of God resides. I agree with all you've said, and my prayer is for His House to be what Jesus Himself turned tables over for, a house of prayer, and to glorify the Father.
Yes, I agree 100% that victims need to be heard, believed, and treated with compassion and empathy. I was 12 years old the summer of 1980 and a “friend of the family” molested me. I remember how confused and uncomfortable I felt. He said something when he was interrupted one day and that phrase rattled around in my brain for hours after until the proverbial penny dropped and my innocence was shattered with it. I told my parents. My dad didn’t call the cops because the family name and reputation was more important. I was forced to tell the man’s wife what he’d done in graphic detail with him sitting less than 3 feet away. I had a panic attack and was carried upstairs. The couple were banished from our house. My mom and my aunt spent the next month verbally harassing me to tell them what I had done to turn a 65 year old man on, because “no man would ever look at a crippled girl in that way!” I did nothing. A&tear that month, it was swept under the rug and never spoken of again. That was 44 years ago and my parents have passed. I’m 56, and Jesus is the One who found the little girl
and healed her.
Test everything. A policy of "believe all victims" promotes injustice. In an environment where accusations go unchallenged, there is death and chaos. This is how you get gulags and inquisitions.
"The first to speak always seems right until someone comes to cross-examine."
Prov18,17
@@mattk6719 are you attempting to invalidate my experience? Your reply lacks grace, mercy, and compassion.
Every young girl reporting abuse needs to be taken seriously. The trauma is further magnified when she’s not believed or is blamed. It has a ripple effect that touches every moment going forward. Think about that. We cannot “put it behind us,” or “just forget.”
@@heatherhancock_author Did I say any of those things? No, I said test everything. Anyone making such claims should be tested and investigated. It is not justice to simply take accusations as granted. There have been many innocent lives ruined by "victims" making false accusations. Not every victim of abuse was truly abused, and not every accusation is credible.
Bless you, Jesus loves you so much. Praying for all victims
@@mattk6719how do you test it?
Sharing this with my step mom. I appreciate your love for Christ and the church. I share that love so much❤️
Rita ! I thank you for speaking of an honoring the victim first !
Thank you for sharing your story and experiences.
I would have thought the same about " the healthiest " church , red flags 🚩!!!
I thank God for your close relationship with Him . I thank Him for wisdom shared . ... the way you leave and re enter another Church . ...
I've never been part of a megachurch, let alone one as large as Gateway... so I was clueless to how LARGE the staff is... you mentioned at one time 900 staff. That really puts a perspective on one man who fell short... 1 out of 900. And the other 899 being shaded as a result. The remaining staff are victims of this restructuring also. And no doubt several hundred will have to be let go as money coming in doesn't allow them to remain in the budget.
I love you, Rita! I love the Jesus I see and hear in you and agree with all you shared. Except a funny one -- even though Gateway has a campus in Dallas, the main Gateway campus is in Southlake, TX which is in Tarrant County, not Dallas or Dallas County. ;) Bless you for allowing Holy Spirit to speak through you exhortation and wisdom. Thank you!!! And yes, there are those of us there because we have not been released and do not run at the sign of trouble, but have been praying for years for Holy Spirit to take control of our church and lead and guide us into HIS perfect will. We will continue to stand for His truth and bow in worship to His Majesty. Make clean our hearts, Lord. Agape & Shalom, His worshipping warrior. Victoria
My thoughts on the matter are this: we are facing the problem of the lack of understanding of church discipline. For way toooo long problems in leadership have been handled with words such as "he who is without sin cast the first stone" or "touch not the Lord's anointed" or "judge not lest you be judged". I was once under a leadership whom I hold in high esteem. A true man of God. He had a very long standing relationship with Robert Morris and I do believe Robert Morris did repent of his sin, God forgave him and his church was not built on a lie or the covering of sin. What i see the true problem is, no one in all these years thought about the girl who was violated. Not only did Robert Morris fail this woman, but so did her father and so did the church. No one sought to restore her soul. Is it going to help her by exposing what happened all those years ago? Sad to say I don't think so, especially if it just comes to going round and round on every podcast rehearsing the story over and over again. I pray she will be given the help she needs to be established in the true peace of God. May the Lord restore the soul of all.
@js7626 I disagree. I believe her exposing this will be helpful to her, as anyone who has been forced to lived under the shadows of secrecy and injustice, and had to bear the shame and confusion of that will attest. To raise her voice and say, "This happened to me and this was Wrong" and to bring that into the Light and have others acknowledge the injustice and ultimately bring about reformation in the Body of Christ is absolutely a Win. For her and for all of us.
@@reesecopGrateful to hear you were able to overcome the egregious things done to you. However, I stand by what I said and it's ok if you disagree. True healing, true liberty does not come easy for anyone. We all need someone with wisdom and love to enable us to experience the true life and love of God. And if she falls in with those who may still have a lot of brokenness themselves all that will develop and be nurtured is a root of bitterness which is very destructive.
@@reesecopmost people are viewing this as if Robert Morris just molested a kid couple months ago and that’s also the view of gateway church leaders when they said that they are all about protecting children (this shouldn’t have even been mentioned). Most people are not even very much aware of God’s Word because they want the police involved (even now). That may be the way that the world deals with solutions but God’s Word clearly says that among brethren that’s not the way to deal with issues. If the Apostle Paul wouldn’t have been restored by God and left the past behind him, his epistles would not have been added to the Word of God. It’s hard to say that God had not restored Robert Morris after seeing how fruitful his ministry was
i don't think RM's "repentance" was done Biblically. Zacchaeus practiced practical, material restoration and justice. David acknowledged his transgressions, in front of others, and didn't omit facts. The prodigal son in Jesus' parable was willing to accept whatever life-long consequences others would decide, because he saw how egregious were his offenses. I know so many amazing godly men who have gone their whole lives never dreaming of taking sexual advantage of a child. Also because of my volunteer work, I've interacted with way too many predators too. The difference is huge. A person who takes advantage of a child is entitled, deceitful, selfish and wicked. Every time, in my experience. It's statistically EXTREMELY unlikely that a man who methodically did this and then lied about it for decades is walking in true, robust repentance.
@@HopefulPop All you say is true. However, when David sinned with Bathsheba, he stated "against you only have I sinned". The Lord forgave him and yes there were consequences to the sin he committed but that was according to God's judgment. Can you or I speak to that transaction between God and RM? The act committed was 35 years ago. It was not a continual and ongoing situation such as has happened at IHOP. Obviously there were those who did know of what happened so he did not keep it secret. Were these the ones he trusted to be accountable to? Were they silent because he had a steady walk of integrity? No person, not pastors or any other leader or any believer makes known all their sins to all. And I do lament for the woman with whom he committed the sin for the years she has had to walk with this bearing upon her soul and spirit. As many are coming forward may God help us to gain the wisdom to minister to all.
Even if the victim was "of age," he was still in a position of power. He might have been younger at the time and circumstances may have been different (different times etc) but he was still in a position of power. He still abused it. I have genuine belief that he repented and that he has had many encounters with God since that time. God has still used him for his glory. But he still has to answer to the law. Gods word says that. Yes, you repent and your sins have been forgiven. But he still needs to come before a court of law and make things right legally.
I'm not so sure your response would be so grace filled if this was your daughter!
@@cpcrn7036 maybe. But God says we MUST pray for them and forgive them. If we choose to have harsh, hard hearts to judge perpetrators and not forgive them God will judge us with the same harsh hard heart that used on others. We HAVE to pray for them. In a confronting reality if you look at a perpetrator and in your heart believe he does not deserve mercy God will judge you in the same way…
Legally speaking... the minor's father did not press charges and considered the matter resolved after it was taken to the elders and handled within the church. Regardless of whether anyone thinks this was the proper response, it was her father's decision to make. In modern times, thinking is different and more power is given to the government than to parents.
@@mattk6719 that’s literally what happened to Brian Houston (Hillsong). The victims told Brian that they didn’t want to go to the police. They didn’t want it getting out. So, at the request of the victims he didn’t go to the police. He did hand the issue over to the ACC (Australian Christian Churches) for them to handle regarding the matters with his dad because it was a conflict of interest. In the end it was the AFP that pressed charges and then an inquest was raised regarding the way Brian handled the issue. He should have gone to the police (which I agree. He should have ignored the victim and gone) but he didn’t. What is one meant to do? I’ve spoken to non believers who’ve said they wouldn’t go to police to prevent retraumatisation. But as soon as you mention a church pastor they change their minds. Damned if you do and damned if you don’t. Either way - the pastor still requires prayer and we’re still called to forgive them. It’s Gods commandment.
Beautifully spoken. Thank you!!🙏🏽 ❤
You discussed this beautifully. Thank you Rita.
This is just what we needed. Thank you
This was so balanced, honest, authentic, and real. You said so many of my same experiences but you did so with grace and mercy too. Thanks for bringing it back to Jesus.
I wouldn't call it balanced.
This is an incredible podcast. So healing For me. Such wisdom. Now u are my new best internet friend! This is one of the most anointed assessments of the Gateway situation. Bravo! Jesus has spoken thru you.
I honor you, Rita! Thank you for your wise perspective. For calling us higher in humility.
Rita, just so good and so needed. Thank you for sharing your heart. I needed this today.
Thank you for your heart and having this conversation ❤ It helped me so much!
This was very good. Thank you for your insight and your heart Rita. ❤🙏🏽
Thank you. This right here, start to finish! Love your podcast and have l loved you for years! I’m 56 going on 57 and just getting started. I still hope to mentor with you someday. Thankful I’ve gotten to meet you a couple times through the years. I look up to Jesus I see in you.
Thank you. You have left an everlasting impact where you have came and left. Thank you for lifting up the Lord first and foremost.
Love the podcast and I've been listening to your music since the 90s when I came across you so let's start with that but in relation to the topic today, so I was having issues figuring out who was ok to follow and listen to pastor and speaker online wise etc. I love Joyce meyer and Dan mohler and so many people but there's always those that say this person or that person or church is all false teachers etc I always personally struggle with figuring out physical healing and I feel like everyone says something different.. "God heals ALL" just belive and recieve" "sometimes God says no to healing" etc and I had a conversation with God about it (im 51 but still learning how to hear God) and I felt like this is what God said to me.."Your trying to figure me out through all these people.. instead sift them through Me.. and it was really life changing. I was trying to figure out God by what all these people said about Him instead of trying to figure them out through God to figure out if they are ok or not and also noones perfect.. im sure every religious speaker has said something inaccurateat one point or anotber .But this situation with Robert Morris is kinda proof that we can't put these people so high on pedestals they are not God.
Thank you for sharing your perspective on these complex and painful issues. Your education in mercy comes through and I so appreciate it. Enjoy your time in New York. I wish my workload would have allowed for me to attend the service you led on Friday.
Lisa Bevere!!! That would be Awesome for voice of Women in the church ❤️
I love cherry-picking Christians.
It's better his way!!
Love defender!!!!
I have always loved your worship music Rita thank you so much for your transparency and sharing your heart with us.
Thank you for sharing this. Your voice on this topic has helped me find clarity in my wrestle with this issue. God bless you.
Thank you so much Rita for sharing your heart on this. This was powerful. So thankful for your voice in this hour. Thank you for your podcast. Keep going sister! ❤️
Beautiful Rita. Gateway church is a beautiful place. I believe God will continue to use GW world wide. Thank you for your obedience in all youve done. Love love
Thank you. I know that was very hard for you to bring but for me it was helpful and so refreshing to see honesty and integrity again from a member of the body. To be given permission to be fully human and Christian which hasn't been allowed for many years. So many things I could add; explanation of repentance, a hunger for the fear of the Lord to be restored... Thank you.
I’m so glad you spoke up for yourself….you did your part…telling of truth….
Thank you, Rita, for this. I needed to hear this for what I am currently walking through.
A church should never be to "big" for the pastor to not have a relationship with the praise team. Heck, he didnt even preach on Sunday. He preached Saturday night and slept in on Sunday. I sensed this was a superficial church every time I walked through the doors.
I absolutely LOVED the focus you outlined on Gods unfailing beautiful mercy to His children at Gateway. Despite our errors, flaws, sin, inequity, failure HE can bring something wondrous from it; whether a pastor, leader , layman etc
I too have been lifting up the Body and Gateway congregation to navigate thru this season and land ON TOP
The work GOD has begun continues to flourish thru His ppl 🙏🏼
Think you meant Nathan instead of Samuel who confronted David.
As usual, you bring out important keys that we never pay attention to. Well balanced word. Thanks.
Thank you so much, sister! This helped me so much! God loves His children so much and has us where we are for His children!
Thank you! ❤️
If a teacher ever ever did what he did they would be fired and lose their teaching license indefinitely. Morris molested a 12 yr old girl in her bed, in her room, in her parents home. He broke the law fullstop. Jesus forgave people on the cross but he also flipped the tables at the corruption in his house. Pedophilia is not accepted or tolerated in the world so why is it tolerated in His house.#protectourgirls #protectourkids #stopchildsexabuse #stopsexpredatorsinthechurch
Beautifully done ❤
Thank you 🙏
I love your heart in this, Rita. You spoke with such grace and honesty. Helps me navigate this terrible ache. Putting Cindy's pain first and addressing the root of the problem. (I still have nightmares about Prune & Simplify. 😂)
Thank YOU!
Jesus is revealing!! Thank you for sharing your story and thoughts. Love the acknowledgement of dignity
Thank you so much for this, Rita ❤
I stuck with the video and Totally agree. There are beautiful people there. I’ve met many of them and they have ministered to me so much!
Nothing like the lap of Christ. Yes + Amen Rita🤍🙌
Your tone is perfect in this and it's echoed all throughout smaller pockets in the body and I'm excited to see what the Lord is doing!
Thank you for talking about this Rita ❤
Thank you for sharing your heart Rita
Thank u for helping me process through this I to was on staff with gateway.
Hi Rita, would love to connect with you! I'm a Sozo pastor in SoCal (trained at Bethel), been doing Sozo for 14 years! As a single woman I can relate to the narrow parameters found as a woman in ministry. Also, living that obscure life also resonated with me. I've been tuning in to your podcasts, and feel a strong urge from the Lord to connect with you!
Amen! Thank you, Rita🤍
Love the Defender song!!! Miss you leading us in worship @ Gateway, but you lead me when I play it on iTunes :) Thank you for all you shared with us there. God Bless!
Thank you Rita 🥲
Wow... There is SO much empathetic wisdom here. What stood out and brings me to tears....
(I'm paraphrasing) While some are covering up crimes and others are in an uproar about the crimes committed (and yes it was a HORRIBLE injustice) , Jesus is sitting with the victim bringing restoration of bravery , healing, comforting and bracing that victim with the "grace that is sufficient"! The church needs to run alongside Jesus in that! Does justice need to take place? Of course!! But the church needs to get busy doing the RIGHT thing! Why have we stopped partnering with Jesus?? Lord ,have mercy!!!! 😭😭😭
Thank you! I love you! Always have… ❤
Thank you!
I've left four churches due to a crappy experience. The last one I was very wounded by an immature pastor. Rita's right. I've entered my 5th church unwilling to get involved because I'm so hurt. I haven't had a Godly pastor since 2006. I've walked with the Lord for 41 years and 'The Church' at large hardly represents Jesus.
I agree. Church wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't for all those pesky humans.
Oh Rita, I loved listening to this podcast about Gateway. I have been a member of Gateway since 2014. I saw you many times at church during worship service. Loved all your music and still do !!! when you left. I was very sad and have followed you on Instagram ever since it's so funny. I've watched justice grow up on Instagram.❣️ anyway I feel the same way as you do. It was so nice to hear that Grace , logic and reason and truth from you ..that is what I have told everyone that approaches me, our church is not one man it's not Robert Morris. It is the people the beautiful, wonderful, kind and loving people who are Gateway I currently go to the Frisco campus. We have a woman campus Pastor, whom I just love dearly, Adana❣️ I just finished listening to your podcast and just had to comment and thank you for that. I love you and what you represent in your music and I'm grateful of your heart for others. All the best.....Sharon V
Love you Rita!
TU for your heartfelt response
Thank you for the balanced biblical loving assessment.
If by "balanced" you mean bipolar oscillations between based testimony and wacked feminist modernist cultural virtue signaling.
It’s good you said yes to the process of repenting for your part in this. This is just a bit of the humility that church staff especially needs to re-examine. Questions to consider: what type of inner culture was being fostered that led to a victim of abuse being shamed? Idolization of a pastor/leader, internalized misogyny, characteristics of white supremacy, etc.
I must have my head in the sand. All these pastors failing, churches going sideways, I've never heard of a them.