Steven J. Lawson Removed from Ministry over having “inappropriate relationship” with a woman

Steven  J. Lawson, Lead pastor of Trinity Bible Church of Dallas was removed from the ministry on Thursday 19^th August 2024 due to what the church leadership described as having an “inappropriate relationship” with a woman (who is of course not his wife).

This news is very saddening to the church where he preaches, to his family, wife, and all who knew Steve Lawson in person, and to us who have in numerous ways benefited from his sermons and his labors in the gospel.

Steven Lawson joined Trinity Bible Church of Dallas as Lead pastor in 2018. Prior to joining Trinity Bible Church of Dallas, 73 years old had preached in Arkansas and Alabama for over 40 years according to Onepassion Ministries. He is a graduate of Texas Tech University and he earned his Master if Theology Degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and Doctor of Ministry from Reformed Theological Seminary.

Trinity Bible Church of Dallas released the public statement below.

“ANNOUNCEMENT

The elders at Trinity Bible Church of Dallas regretfully announce that effective immediately, Steven J. Lawson has been removed indefinitely from all ministry activities at Trinity Bible Church of Dallas.  Several days ago, the elders at Trinity Bible Church of Dallas were informed by Steve Lawson of an inappropriate relationship that he had had with a woman. The elders have met with Steve and will continue to come alongside him and pray for him with the ultimate goal of his personal repentance. Steve will no longer be compensated by Trinity Bible Church of Dallas.

In light of this, may we be reminded that we are ALL sinners, and Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners – and Christ remains Head of His Church, which is bigger than any fallen man.  In fact, Jesus Christ will continue to lead His Church, including Trinity Bible Church here in Dallas, just like He has from the start of this work on January 5, 2018.  Since that time, the elders have focused on the primacy of biblical exposition knit together by various men filling the pulpit each week.  The Lord was building Trinity Bible Church of Dallas well before Steve became our Lead Preacher, and He will continue to build this church long after Steve Lawson, or any other man for that matter.  We would ask for your prayers for the elders, for our Body, and for Steve and his family.  Let us always be mindful of the words of 1 Corinthians 10:12, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.”

The board of OnePassion Ministries released a public statement on its website highlighting that Steven J. Lawson had sinned and that alone disqualified him from all his duties at OnePassion Ministries. The public statement read as below.

“The board of OnePassion Ministries mournfully announces that just recently Steven J. Lawson confessed to the board that he has had an inappropriate relationship with a woman, a sin that has disqualified him from ministry. In response, Steve has resigned from all his duties at OnePassion Ministries.

All scheduled events and engagements have been canceled.

Steve has confessed and regrets the damage he has caused to his family, the church, the reputation of OnePassion Ministries, and most of all Jesus Christ.

We are saddened for the glory of Christ in this matter. The truth of the gospel will continue go out to the lost world as it is empowered by the Holy Spirit and not by men. It is a reminder that we have been warned of the craftiness of the enemy.

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).”“

That is what I learned from the two ministries. No details have been released to the public and that is not necessary. I know it is curious for human nature to always know the nitty gritties but I know that these things are hurting and saddening to believers.

Let us always remember that we are all sinners. Now that his sin was made public does not mean that we are better. Let us pray that God may grant us grace to fight sin and avoid temptations. Remember to pray for your church leaders.

Here at Pilgrim Meditations, we love Steven J. Lawson and we will continue praying for him. He has in many numerous ways helped us understand God’s word better. We urge you to pray for your pastors, deacons, and elders that God may keep them strong in faith.