New Life Church Removes Two More Pastors over Mishandling of Abuse Allegations
New Life Church in Colorado Springs has asked two more pastors to resign over their handling of information related to former Gateway Church pastor Robert Morris' alleged sexual abuse of Cindy Clemishire in the 1980s. After the Sunday worship service, members of the megachurch's board of elders announced in a frequently asked questions document distributed to congregants that they had asked executive pastors Lance Coles and Brian Newberg to resign, The Christian Post reported.
The decision comes after the church asked their senior pastor, Brady Boyd, to resign for misleading the church about his knowledge of Morris' alleged abuse.
When Boyd was announced as a finalist in the senior pastor search in 2007, both Coles and Newberg served on a nine-member search committee, which, at the time, had received a report from Clemishire's sister about the alleged abuse.
"Brian and Lance raised some concerns about Robert Morris becoming involved with New Life. When Brady dismissed their concerns and appointed Robert Morris to be an overseer and began inviting Morris to preach, Brian and Lance had a responsibility to bring their concerns — and the reasons behind them — directly to the board of elders," the elders stated. "They did not do so then or afterward, so we likewise requested that Brian and Lance resign. They have submitted their letters of resignation and will depart after a transition period."
Elder Board Origins and Their Role in Accountability
The board of elders was established in 2008, and all of the elders were either selected by Boyd himself or elected in 2011 or after.
"Since we first approached Brian and Lance last week, their repentant, sorrowful, and humble attitudes have been strongly evident. They have submitted to the authority of the elders and to the church," the elders explained.
"They have both expressed how deeply they regret not doing more to prevent Robert Morris from becoming involved with our church. We believe they would never intentionally do anything harmful to New Life church. They are devastated, and so are we."
"Brian and Lance have asked for and received our forgiveness. They plan to do everything they can to ensure a smooth transition of immense institutional knowledge that together comprises more than 70 years of service to the church. We hope they will remain members for many years to come, and we know they would appreciate your prayers," the elders added.
Cindy Clemishire Accuses Morris of Sexual Abuse in the 1980s
Last June, Clemishire, now 55, alleged that Morris sexually abused her in the 1980s, starting when she was 12 years old while he was working as a traveling evangelist at the time. She recently sued Gateway Church and Morris for defamation, requesting more than $1 million.
In March, a multi-county grand jury in Oklahoma indicted Morris on five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child in relation to his actions against Clemishire. He faces a maximum sentence of 100 years in jail if found guilty and is scheduled to return to court in September.
Congregation Reacts to Leadership Changes at New Life Church
The indictment came months after Gateway Church removed all but three church elders in November 2024 after a four-month investigation found that they had some knowledge about Morris's encounter with Clemishire and "failed to inquire further."
Per Church Leaders, Daniel Grothe is tapped to succeed Boyd as the new senior pastor of New Life Church. Despite his removal, New Life members have rallied in defense of Boyd, including a protest on June 29 outside the megachurch. A majority of those in attendance wore T-shirts that read "We Stand With Pastor Brady" on the front and "Come Holy Spirit" on the back.
Brianna Martinez, a member of the congregation, told a reporter that Boyd "was our pastor for over 18 years at New Life and did some extraordinary things."
She added, "to be honest, I don't believe that what [Boyd] did was unforgivable."
Dick Archer, another congregant, said he's been hearing "a whole bunch of different truths" that "don't all line up." He was also unsatisfied with how the news of Boyd's resignation was delivered.
"We're just kind of not happy about the process," Archer said. "And we're going to support [Boyd] and love on him until hopefully this thing settles out."
A Facebook group, Support Brady Boyd & New Life Church Congregation, has over 400 members and was created in support of the former pastor.
"We can't sit by and watch this happen to such a good man," the group's "About" section stated. "We love our Pastor and believe he brings unparalleled value not only to the church but to Colorado Springs as a whole."
Photo Credit: ©Facebook Screen Shot/New Life Church
Originally published July 03, 2025.
