Recently, concerns about Gary Morgan and his ministry have been shared publicly online. We recognise that for many, this conversation has been unsettling and has stirred up real pain. Because those statements are now part of the public conversation, we want to respond to ensure that those who are trying to make sense of what they've heard have a fuller picture.
Before anything else, we want to speak directly to people who may be sitting with pain, confusion, or disorientation right now. If you have followed Gary's ministry and are uncertain what to make of these claims, we understand. If you received a word from Gary and are now questioning what that meant or whether it was real, your uncertainty is legitimate and deserves to be taken seriously. These are not
small questions. They touch people's faith, their experiences of God, and their sense of safety in
Christian community.
We also want to acknowledge those who have brought concerns forward. Coming forward is costly. It requires courage. Whatever questions remain about the process or its outcome, we honour that courage, and we do not take it lightly.
Our hope in everything that follows is to add clarity in the midst of uncertainty, not to shut down legitimate questions.
We want to say clearly: the fraudulent use of social media to manufacture prophetic words is a genuine and serious problem in parts of the charismatic church. We do not condone it. We would not defend it. The integrity of prophetic ministry matters deeply to us, and that conviction shapes everything that follows.
It is precisely because this issue is serious that the process for examining accusations must also be serious; careful, fair, and resistant to the pressure of public momentum. What we offer below is not a defence of prophetic ministry in general, or of Gary's innocence as a settled matter. It is a commitment to ensuring the record is accurate and the process is fair.
In light of the questions that have arisen following these posts, we want to address two issues:
- The accusation that Gary used social media to data mine personal information and present it as revelation from God.
- Past boundary violations in Gary’s life.
A claim circulating online suggests that Gary used social media to gather personal information about individuals and then presented that information as prophetic revelation.
The situation referenced occurred in 2016, while Gary was ministering at a church service. During a time of ministry, he shared several words of knowledge, including calling out a name and date that no one in the room responded to. He continued by sharing what he believed was a prophetic word, in case the individual was watching the event online.
After this session, the pastor told Gary that a member of staff had brought an accusation against him. This staff member had created a fake Facebook profile with the same name and date that Gary called out, believing this was evidence that Gary had used social media to identify them in advance. Gary denied that accusation.
Despite his denial, the accusations escalated, and others were brought in to investigate. The investigation concluded without finding evidence to support the accusations. Gary's accusers chose not to proceed to the examination of his electronic devices (an examination Gary actively invited), and the process ended there. We are left with an unresolved accusation and Gary's consistent denial. We recognise that for some, this will not be satisfying. We share that same desire for greater clarity, and we remain open to any process that could provide it.
In the ten years since this accusation, we have not received additional concerns about the integrity of Gary’s ministry. Even so, allegations involving ministry leaders should be examined carefully. If anyone has information that should be reviewed, we invite them to come forward. We would welcome the involvement of independent leaders along with the board so that any review is conducted transparently and with appropriate accountability. Our commitment as a board is to pursue truth, to honour the name of Christ, and to uphold integrity in ministry.
We recognise that when discussing any moral failure publicly, several complexities require careful consideration. Our first concern in situations like this is the dignity, well-being, and privacy of third parties affected. This limits the facts that can be shared, which we acknowledge can look like an attempt to cover up, minimise, or otherwise obscure what actually happened. Further, when context (or detail) is shared, it can also sound like an appeal to excuse intent or minimise sin.
With these complexities acknowledged, we share this in a wholehearted effort to be transparent about what took place, not to excuse what happened. We want to be clear that Gary held no leadership role in this woman's life. We name this not to minimise his sin, but to ensure the facts are stated plainly so nothing is hidden through imprecise language. Gary and his wife, Sarah, have shared information about this situation publicly several times and have requested that it be shared now, but we recognise this may be new information for many.
In 2008, Gary acted inappropriately with a married woman. Their interactions crossed physical and emotional boundaries. While no sexual intercourse or oral sex took place, the nature of those interactions constituted sexual sin and moral failure. Gary confessed what had happened to his wife, Sarah and to the leaders in their lives at that time. While Gary and Sarah followed the advice given by their leaders, unfortunately, it was unhelpful. They were effectively told not to speak about this anymore and to forgive, forget, and simply move on with their lives.
Ten years later, in 2018, Gary and the same woman began messaging each other on social media and in private. While there was no physical contact between the two, they did exchange flirtatious and inappropriate messages. After three weeks of messaging, Gary confessed to Sarah again, and then brought the matter to Peter McHugh, Gary and Sarah’s pastor. Through his conversations with Peter, Gary came to understand that the messaging was rooted in the events from a decade earlier.
Gary began weekly counselling with a licensed psychologist and remained in therapy for more than two years. Peter met with Gary and Sarah consistently for one year in a pastoral context. In addition, Gary and Sarah received ministry through Restoring the Foundations, a ministry focused on prayer, inner healing, and deliverance. During this time, Gary ceased all international travel and reduced his ministry involvement to helping teach at their school, which Sarah oversaw. In 2019, with Peter’s supervision, Gary returned to limited national and international ministry.
Gary names his actions as they are: sexual sin and moral failure. He has confessed these sins to his wife, his leaders, his close friends, and, most importantly, to Jesus. In addition, he has sought care from licensed professionals, ministry from seasoned believers and lives openly and humbly, sharing these failures when teaching on the mercy of God.
We recognise that statements like this cannot resolve every question. Our hope is that the facts shared here help bring clarity, and that any remaining concerns can be examined carefully and honestly wherever the truth leads.
Gary & Sarah Morgan - Founders, School of Prophets
Peter McHugh - Founding Pastor, Stairway Church, Melbourne
Alyn Jones - Senior Pastor, Goodly Church, Nashville