I feel a lot grief about The Christian Post’s recent articles about Pastor Robert Morris of Gateway Church and Pastor Tony Evans. I attended Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) within the mid 90s and have been a pastor now at Vanguard Church in Colorado Springs for the past 27 years.
Two years ago, I released a book with Vide Press called The Good Pastor, which was primarily endorsed by Dr John Hannah of DTS. When I used to be a student there, Dr Hannah would say, “You wish to be great for God?” I might sit up in my chair and utter under my breath, “Yes!” He would then say, “Don’t quit, don’t fornicate, and also you might be the just one left and also you might be great.” I sat back in my chair and said to myself, “Is that basically it? Is that basically all there may be to being great for God?”
Sadly, it seems Dr Hannah was right. Seven years ago, I think the Lord spoke a prophetic word to me about a selected pastor. I attempted to succeed in out to that pastor and sadly it ended along with his elders threatening me. At that very same time in 2017, the Lord Jesus also said to me, “A network of pastors will fall.” And sadly, that has been the case, especially for the reason that pandemic. I’m starting to wonder if there might be anyone left after this season of purging that God is taking His church through.
Many of those stories are very similar in nature. They typically involve sin from years ago with an non-disclosure agreement (NDA) or the attempt of an NDA attached to them. Maybe you might be unfamiliar with NDAs. Here is an article I wrote on them a couple of years ago.
In the means of getting The Good Pastor book published, I reached out to Dr Evans because he was the primary African American to receive his doctorate from DTS, he used to talk on the chapel once I was a student there within the 90s and I loved his teaching style and his tenacity to face strong on the Word of God. Sadly, he declined my request to endorse The Good Pastor book.
Recently he stepped back from pastoring Oak Cliff Bible Church because of sin that occurred years ago. He refuses to enter detail in regards to the nature of the sin, but did say that he didn’t commit against the law. His cryptic approach to the general public confession of his sin has sent the Christian community right into a tailspin of speculation and lots of wonder if he was forced to admit or, at best, why now? Unfortunately, it’s unknown and appears it would remain so.
Dr Evans’ confession at 74 is a sobering reminder that the Enemy isn’t any respecter of age, profession, years of service, titles, degrees, or size of ministry. The Enemy is searching for to devour all pastors and church leaders. He desires to steal, kill, and destroy every considered one of them, including you and me.
Paul reminds us in Galatians 6:1: “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who’re spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.”
Sobering reminder!
Then a couple of days later Pastor Robert Morris from Gateway Church confessed to “inappropriate sexual behaviour with a young lady” greater than 35 years ago, after a girl accused him of molesting her when she was 12. Unfortunately, the Gateway elder board selected on the time to take care of it privately and, after a few years, restore him to pastoral ministry.
We all know we’re broken (no less than I hope you do) and in need of a Saviour, and that Jesus is the one answer. The “amount” of time that has passed and, on this case, 35 years, is irrelevant to God. The actions were offensive to God and I think the way in which they were handled each then and now’s offensive to God.
Morris’ accuser has alleged that she was asked to sign an NDA. Gateway has not addressed this claim but as a pastor myself, I stand against churches using NDAs to silence victims of misconduct. They will not be the reply but only compound the issue, delay the healing, and complicate the longer term with the past. I don’t imagine God is okay with this practice in His churches and it’s my prayer that churches which have used NDAs publicly repent of it and vow never to do it again.
Lord, as a pastor and leader to your church, I say, “Forgive us Lord and purify us, the leaders of your church. We are the shepherds of your sheep. Don’t allow us to brush it off or sadly we’ll fall right into a greater grievance in the times ahead.”
