Pastor Steve Lawson Removed Indefinitely

[All Becomes New]

"Dr. Steven Lawson has been removed as the lead pastor of Trinity Bible Church in Dallas following news of “an inappropriate relationship that he has had with a woman.”"

Dr. Steven Lawson Removed as Lead Pastor of Trinity Bible Church in Dallas Due to ‘Inappropriate Relationship’

Dr. Steven Lawson has been removed as the lead pastor of Trinity Bible Church in Dallas following the news of “an inappropriate relationship that he has had with a woman.”

churchleaders.com

 

[BBAS 64]

Good day,

Praying for those Elders, the Church body, Stephen and his family, and the unnamed woman.

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

There by the Grace of God....

In Him,

Bill

 

[public hermit]

I don't understand someone that age worrying themselves with that kind of thing, i.e., inappropriate relationships. To what end? If a young person does that, it's not good but it's also not necessarily surprising. But if at 73 years of age you're running around, trying to get a thrill, then you have not come close to the kind of emotional/intellectual maturity that should come with that many years. And again, to what end? You're almost dead. What foolish aim have you not already learned is empty?

 

[bèlla]

I don't understand someone that age worrying themselves with that kind of thing, i.e., inappropriate relationships. To what end? If a young person does that, it's not good but it's also not necessarily surprising. But if at 73 years of age you're running around, trying to get a thrill, then you have not come close to the kind of emotional/intellectual maturity that should come with that many years. And again, to what end? You're almost dead. What foolish aim have you not already learned is empty?

The likelihood that was the first incident is slim. He may have been doing it for some time and was finally caught. As you've noted, people don't usually go off the rails at that age. It happens much earlier.

~bella

 

[public hermit]

The likelihood that was the first incident is slim. He may have been doing it for some time and was finally caught. As you've noted, people don't usually go off the rails at that age. It happens much earlier.

~bella

I imagine that is probably the case. Whatever the case, there is something disheartening in seeing someone of age acting so recklessly. It goes to show that virtue is not a given. Apparently, it must not only be pursued but continuously pursued. Still, I don't get it. One would think that at that age some things, like having a side-honey, would be so onerous and futile that the thought would die with its arrival.

 

[bèlla]

I imagine that is probably the case. Whatever the case, there is something disheartening in seeing someone of age acting so recklessly. It goes to show that virtue is not a given. Apparently, it must not only be pursued but continuously pursued. Still, I don't get it. One would think that at that age some things, like having a side-honey, would be so onerous and futile that the thought would die with its arrival.

Men in powerful positions often lead double lives and are frequently aided by people around them. Back in the day this could have been hushed up and dealt with quietly. But with the internet and social media it's hard to do. They're beating it to the punch before it leaks.

A few months ago you had Tony Evans and it followed a similar pattern. Prior to that it was TD Jakes and several others. When you reach a certain level of visibility rest assured some dirt exists. I liken the scheme to hangman. They'll build you up and allow you to believe you can do no wrong or you're untouchable. Then give you the noose to hang yourself.

That's why I say I won't do anything I can't admit on a stage. Because I understand the game. The devil doesn't take out people with a big anointing when they're small. He lets you fly high because the crash is more pronounced. You'll humiliate yourself, your family and ministry. That's what he wants. The price of a fall from that height is greater than it is when you're unknown.

The way you combat it is by observing his attacks because he's a strategist. Just like the movies he targets the weak point in the wall. If you observe your experiences you'll notice there's things he doesn't say and temptations you don't experience because he knows you won't bend. He wants you to sin.

You have to guard your weaknesses and pray against them. You'll get more of course. But after a while you'll strengthen your armor because you're fortified. The obvious holds true of course. Don't overestimate yourself where you struggle.

Consider the Billy Graham rule in light of that statement.

~bella

 

[Richard T]

Just like God replacing the immoral priests in Eli's time with ones that seek after His heart and mind. I Sam 2:22. It is worth noting that the other sin the priests had in I Samuel 2 were overcharging the people and putting money first. I think the purge is moving forward.

 

[dzheremi]

Lord have mercy. I have no idea who this guy is (never heard of him before now), but it's always very sad to see anyone who is entrusted with a leadership position fall prey to the same snares that the "rank-and-file" likewise find ourselves having to navigate our way around. Not because we naturally expect leaders to just naturally be better people (or at least I don't; I'm jaded and crabby towards my fellow man in contexts such as this), but because I think we'd all at least hope that someone who has presumably spent much of their life in prayer and service to have developed an at least somewhat robust and self-pacifying prayer life. Y'know, "He must increase, but I must decrease" and so on. It'd be like if I went to a monastery and asked one of the monks there "What can I do to live a life that is pleasing to God?" and their answer was something like "I have no idea; I just showed up here one day...I have no idea what I'm even doing", I might have a serious think about the vetting process of that monastery overall, and how much it would really make sense to assume that the process of becoming a monk really did much of anything to help shape the spirituality of the novices. I'd definitely still believe in the monastic ideals, but the part where they're ideals and not necessarily realities would be both hard to miss and hard to swallow.

 

[walkswithFire]

Well that's sad. The enemy sure hates those in leadership and he will destroy someone if they have a doorway open. I will pray for him and his family.

 

[Armchair Apologist]

I don't understand someone that age worrying themselves with that kind of thing, i.e., inappropriate relationships. To what end? If a young person does that, it's not good but it's also not necessarily surprising. But if at 73 years of age you're running around, trying to get a thrill, then you have not come close to the kind of emotional/intellectual maturity that should come with that many years. And again, to what end? You're almost dead. What foolish aim have you not already learned is empty?

I am wondering about many of the same things here. I am 61 and my libido is certainly not what it was back in my 30s and 40s. I am quite satisfied with my wife and want to wake up with no one else and consider myself beyond blessed that I feel this way!

I would not be surprised to hear Steve Lawson say exactly the same thing and sincerely mean it as much as I do. It only takes a moment of weakness and this is what should scare the "Ache-Eeie-Double Hockey Sticks" out of anyone who is in a position of spiritual leadership in their Church! Note that the press release simply says an "Inappropriate Relationship." Sexual intercourse does not need to be involved in order for a relationship to be inappropriate! Being emotionally unfaithful can be far more devastating than "doing the act" and such may very well be the case here. Those of you that are pastors should know precisely where I am going with this! Can I get an amen?

Where do you think such things start? I would say it is often from counseling sessions where a member of the opposite sex is discussing their intimacy or marital problems or "Why can't my husband be a good spiritual leader of his house like you are?" Perhaps the pastor may be currently struggling with his own marriage and this may be where the counselor and the counselee may have a "connection" where things may get potentially sinful? What I am trying to say here is that such sin is not always rooted in someone just out looking for a "thrill" as you have worded it here. These are good people trying to do the right thing who fall during a momentary time of weakness!

I am not a pastor but I am a deacon and very much in a position of leadership in our congregation! I am quite aware that people are looking up to me and expect me to be an example for others to follow. There are a number of ladies in our congregation who are quite faithful and involved in ministry whose husbands do not attend Church. It is not that I am any sort of a "catch" or anything but my position lends "influence" and "power" which women will find attractive. I am very much aware that a single misstep would cause a great bit of (likely irreparable) damage to everyone I deeply care about! I can only imagine how his grandchildren are looking at him right now? My grandkids mean the world to me and I do not ever want to do anything that would let them down!

Steve Lawson has been such an influence in my life and his ministry has much to do with where I am today! This has been very hard for me and I have wept over this matter all morning! God is glorified in all things and I believe God would be glorified if we were all to closely examine and carefully guard ourselves. People often ridicule the "Billy Graham Rule" but such does not seem so funny today does it?

And lets also remember that reports show that it was Steve Lawson who went to his elders and not the other way around. I am encouraged and somewhat comforted about this hoping that he is truly repentant and not just that he was "caught!" I think it is fitting that we all pray for Steve, his family, and the congregation as well as everyone who has been impacted by this sin!

 

[Michie]

Lawson also resigned from "all his duties at OnePassion Ministries," according to a statement posted on the OnePassion website that describes his actions as "a sin that has disqualified him from ministry."

Dallas Pastor Steve Lawson removed from ministry over 'inappropriate relationship with a woman'

A Texas pastor known for his fiery preaching and frequent appearances alongside John MacArthur has been removed from ministry after an alleged inappropriate relationship with an unidentified woman

www.christianpost.com

 

[HarleyER]

I don't understand someone that age worrying themselves with that kind of thing, i.e., inappropriate relationships. To what end?

I don't understand it either. My wife and I were shocked. But we are warned over and over in Scripture about things like this. And for some reason it seems this happens in people in later years who are walking close with the Lord. There were several kings in the Old Testament that went off the rails in later years (David, Joash, and Uzziah are some that comes to mind).

It's incredibly sad as I like Steve Lawson. It just shows how one indiscretion can ruin a life of faithful service. If nothing else, it is a warning to all of us about how deceptive and devastating sin can be. And how it affects one testimony to the world.

I sincerely pray for Steve and his family that they might get through all of this and put it behind them. But as for any ministry, according to Scripture, it’s time to end whether he wants that or not.

BTW-Everyone in my home group is over 70 and we are constantly talking about remaining faithful. Just because you're older doesn't make it any easier.

 

[JustaPewFiller]

Well huh - I noticed something when reading the article.

Lawson evidently frequently filled in John MacArthur at Grace Point Community Church.

John MacArthur & Grace Point CC currently have a post going about them on this board here for inappropriately disciplining a woman over a separation from her abusive husband..

Woman says Grace Community Church wrongfully disciplined her over marital separation

John MacArthur, author and pastor of Grace Community Church of Sun Valley, California, speaks at the Shepherds' Conference on Wednesday, March 9, 2022. | Screengrab: shepherdsconference.org A woman has accused the John MacArthur-led Grace Community Church of Sun Valley, California, of...

www.christianforums.com

Maybe birds of a feather do flock together.

 

[All Becomes New]

Lawson also resigned from "all his duties at OnePassion Ministries," according to a statement posted on the OnePassion website that describes his actions as "a sin that has disqualified him from ministry."

Dallas Pastor Steve Lawson removed from ministry over 'inappropriate relationship with a woman'

A Texas pastor known for his fiery preaching and frequent appearances alongside John MacArthur has been removed from ministry after an alleged inappropriate relationship with an unidentified woman

www.christianpost.com

Thanks, Michie.

It does seem like the Chruch and the whole world are in total chaos right now. All I can say is, "Come, Lord Jesus."

 

[Neostarwcc]

I just noticed that he's been removed from ligioners website and youtube so I googled why and discovered that he's been fired and removed from ministry.

I can't believe he cheated on his wife. I know people make mistakes but how can he use his power and authority to betray his wife like that? And who wants to open a wager that this wasn't the first time? Iy was just the first and only time he got caught! I applaud the church for doing the right thing and removing him from power over this. That's what you're supposed to do when something like this happens. I mean just imagine if RC Sproul was caught doing something like this he would have been fired and had all of his power stripped in the PCA right on the spot! Applaud for doing the right thing!

 

[bèlla]

I can't believe he cheated on his wife. I know people make mistakes but how can he use his power and authority to betray his wife like that? And who wants to open a wager that this wasn't the first time? Iy was just the first and only time he got caught! I applaud the church for doing the right thing and removing him from power over this. That's what you're supposed to do when something like this happens.

These are businesses and oftentimes they don't want to rock the boat because they're bringing in revenue. I was in a well-known church where a similar thing occurred but it wasn't sexual. The pastor's behavior had raised concerns and members went to the elders but they were ignored. They started discussing it on the internet and the church tried to silence them and put them out.

I wasn't there during that period but I was there when it broke. I stumbled on their thread before it happened. They were sounding alarms for five years and no one listened. He was very popular and well respected. But God won't be mocked.

Someone on the inside was going to talk and they posted the information and said they were vindicated. When we went to church that week it all came out. Although I knew details because of the thread hearing it from them was unsettling. All I kept saying in the back of my head was you should have done this years ago.

Needless to say we left but it was an important lesson. I don't get wrapped up in personalities because I don't know them. Several of the scandals that have occurred since that time involved people who've spoken at the churches I've attended.

It's best to eat from a tree you can relate with. You need to see their walk. You can't get that through book, a message or resource. You're seeing their public face not the real person. We keep forgetting that.

~bella

 

[Neostarwcc]

These are businesses and oftentimes they don't want to rock the boat because they're bringing in revenue. I was in a well-known church where a similar thing occurred but it wasn't sexual. The pastor's behavior had raised concerns and members went to the elders but they were ignored. They started discussing it on the internet and the church tried to silence them and put them out.

I wasn't there during that period but I was there when it broke. I stumbled on their thread before it happened. They were sounding alarms for five years and no one listened. He was very popular and well respected. But God won't be mocked.

Someone on the inside was going to talk and they posted the information and said they were vindicated. When we went to church that week it all came out. Although I knew details because of the thread hearing it from them was unsettling. All I kept saying in the back of my head was you should have done this years ago.

Needless to say we left but it was an important lesson. I don't get wrapped up in personalities because I don't know them. Several of the scandals that have occurred since that time involved people who've spoken at the churches I've attended.

It's best to eat from a tree you can relate with. You need to see their walk. You can't get that through book, a message or resource. You're seeing their public face not the real person. We keep forgetting that.

~bella

He should have been fired! Theres one thing that i really love about my church elders and deacons and thats that you wont find anything like this among them and if you did they'd be fired on the spot. Our head elder doesnt even want to get a speeding ticket!

He told me of the story when he was accidentally doing 60 in a 30 because he didn't see the speed limit sign change and a cop caught him and he got a speeding ticket for it. He said it was the only speeding ticket he ever got in his life and he was so embarassed. But when you're in a position of power like that you have to watch yourself because God is watching and judges clergy more harshly than anyone else!

All of this talking of adultery though almost reminds me of Ravi Zacharias who abused his power as a pastor in a sick and twisted way too. Of course they didn't find that out until after he died but he should have been fired too had they caught him while he was still alive and practicing.

 

[public hermit]

I am wondering about many of the same things here. I am 61 and my libido is certainly not what it was back in my 30s and 40s.

Exactly, so why do that at 73? One of the great things about getting older is the sexual drive takes a more rightful place and is no longer a driving force. I agree with @bèlla that this was probably a long running problem he didn't adequately address. And, just to be clear, I don't think badly or judge him for making human errors, that's just part of life. But I am amazed at that kind of choice by a man of that age. I am tempted to say he probably got more out of it than just sexual pleasure. The relationship might have served a "higher" purpose of feeding his ego, perhaps, and maybe that was a root problem. Whatever, I am still not judging the man. I guess my point is that it just doesn't make sense to me.

I also think if my feelings are hurt by something like this because someone I admired did something awful, that says I am not looking at these things in the right way. I am placing people on a higher level than principles, which is backwards. I could care less who decides to not-be-good; that has no bearing on my faith in the reality and propriety of goodness (or justice or faithfulness or whatever). People doing things wrong is to be expected, even by those who we might not think would. That's just life.

 

[Armchair Apologist]

Exactly, so why do that at 73? One of the great things about getting older is the sexual drive takes a more rightful place and is no longer a driving force. I agree with @bèlla that this was probably a long running problem he didn't adequately address. And, just to be clear, I don't think badly or judge him for making human errors, that's just part of life. But I am amazed at that kind of choice by a man of that age. I am tempted to say he probably got more out of it than just sexual pleasure. The relationship might have served a "higher" purpose of feeding his ego, perhaps, and maybe that was a root problem. Whatever, I am still not judging the man. I guess my point is that it just doesn't make sense to me.

I also think if my feelings are hurt by something like this because someone I admired did something awful, that says I am not looking at these things in the right way. I am placing people on a higher level than principles, which is backwards. I could care less who decides to not-be-good; that has no bearing on my faith in the reality and propriety of goodness (or justice or faithfulness or whatever). People doing things wrong is to be expected, even by those who we might not think would. That's just life.

As I said, it does not have to be sexual in order to be sinful! All we know is that it was an "inappropriate relationship" and that the elders deemed it serious enough to warrant his removal as pastor and to cease his ministry operations. I am not going to speculate on anything beyond this but I will pray for Brother Steve, his family, and the Church that he previously pastored as they move forward!

 

[RileyG]

The likelihood that was the first incident is slim. He may have been doing it for some time and was finally caught. As you've noted, people don't usually go off the rails at that age. It happens much earlier.

~bella

Agreed.

It may have been covered up.