US-based Gateway Church has warmly welcomed its new senior pastor, Daniel Floyd, and his wife, Tammie, following the announcement of their appointment.
On Sunday, the couple addressed the congregation in person, sharing their gratitude and excitement as they prepared to lead the church into a new season.
“We really believe the best days are ahead, and we believe that God's up to something great," pastor Daniel said. "We were just praying before we came in with the team, and my prayer was, ‘Lord, let your kingdom come; your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. And we're believing that Heaven can come to Earth. Not just in our church, but in our city."
He continued: “We're really honoured, humbled and grateful for your warm reception and your kindness to us.”
Pastor Daniel made the remarks before beginning his preach, Some things never change.
Last month, Gateway’s eldership announced pastor Daniel's appointment as successor to founding pastor Robert Morris.
The church has been without a senior leader for nearly a year, following Morris’s resignation after a woman publicly alleged that he molested her in 1982 when she was twelve. A grand jury in Oklahoma has since indicted Morris on five felony counts. He denies the charges and is awaiting trial.
In a YouTube video last month, Elder Mark Willbanks said the decision to appoint pastor Daniel followed “a lot of prayer”.
Speaking on Sunday, Tammie Floyd said: “I just want to echo my husband. We're so grateful for you [Gateway Church]. We love you. We've actually loved you for a really long time."
“We've been praying for you. And you know the book of Lamentations, which if something good comes out of Lamentations, you should really pay attention,” she added.
“Lamentations 3 says that the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies, they never come to an end. They are new every single morning. Great is His faithfulness and that's really what this weekend feels like for us,” she continued.
“We stand on the faithfulness of God and every day and every moment, His mercy will be new for you. Whatever mercy you may need, His mercy is ready for you every day,” she said, promising her and Daniel would return to the church the summer, with their four children: Owen, 18, Faith, 15, Abigail, 8, and Jonas, 6.
The Floyds launched Lifepoint Church in 2005 with just 50 people and expanded it to five campuses across Virginia, with additional church plants in Kentucky and Arizona. They also founded Lifepoint College in 2016.
Pastor Daniel Floyd holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Southeastern University and two master’s degrees from Liberty University. Tammie Floyd is also a Liberty University graduate.
The couple will officially begin their new roles at Gateway Church’s Southlake campus in August.