Steven Lawson, a popular Reformed pastor from Texas who was part of the leadership at Trinity Bible Church and the president of OnePassion Ministries, was removed from his positions after he spoke with a fellow elder concerning an “inappropriate relationship” he had with an unidentified woman. The Scriptures tell us that the Devil prowls around like a lion looking for someone to devour. One of the worst things we can do as men when entrusted with leadership over the flock of God is think that something like this can’t happen to us. It can be easy to stand back from a distance and click our tongues at such deplorable moral failure, but truth be told, sin is in the hearts of all men.
Without the work of the Holy Spirit we are all capable of incomprehensible evil.
“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 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 statement from the church explained.
Here’s more from The Christian Tribune:
The statement from Trinity Bible Church of Dallas acknowledged that everyone is a sinner, sharing the key message of the Gospel that Jesus Christ forgives all transgressions, including Lawson’s. The church maintained that it will continue to be led by Jesus Christ.
“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,” the statement continued.
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The message produced by the church finished by asking for prayer and quoting a section from Corinthians saying, “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.””
Lawson is no longer participating in any of his duties at OnePassion Ministries either. Something that really underlines how serious this matter is is that OnePassion said the sin is one that “disqualified him from ministry.”
“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,” the statement said.
The organization explained that while Lawson’s actions have done significant damage, the gospel of Jesus Christ will continue to be spread despite the failures of humanity, mentioning that all of their scheduled events and speaking engagements have now been canceled.
“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,” the statement added before sharing wisdom from 1 Peter. “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).”
It’s always heartbreaking when a well respected man of God falls to ruin like this, but as stated, it can happen to anyone, which is why it is so important to be part of a church community, have close friends in your life that can hold you accountable and that you’re willing to be completely open with.
Pray for Lawson, his family, and his church.