One of evangelicalism’s most well-known pastors was removed from his pastoral duties this week due to what church elders called an “inappropriate relationship” with a woman. Steven J. Lawson, lead preacher at Trinity Bible Church in Dallas, Texas, was removed from his position “effective immediately,” according to a statement from elders on the congregation’s website and on its social media accounts.
Lawson is president and founder of OnePassion Ministries, a teaching fellow for Ligonier Ministries, and a professor of preaching at The Master’s Seminary.
“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,” the statement said.
“Several days ago, the elders at Trinity Bible Church of Dallas were informed by Steve Lawson of an inappropriate relationship that he has 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.”
The elders requested prayer for everyone involved.
“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,” the statement said. “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 statement said. “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.’”
As of Friday morning, Lawson had not released a statement.
Photo Credit: ©Instagram/Dr.StevenJ.Lawson
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.