Pastor Steve Lawson Removed Indefinitely

[RileyG]

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?

Being 73 isn’t “almost dead.”

 

[bèlla]

He should have been fired!

He should have been terminated. But he had a global ministry with a television show and he was bringing in millions from sales and donations. Not to mention his popularity. That isn't easily replicated which probably contributed to their reluctance. He founded the church.

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.

I've heard him speak several times along with others in that sphere. They all appear likable.

Revealing they knew beforehand is a reputational and financial risk. It could destroy the ministry and expose them to lawsuits. No lawyer would tell them to admit that and would counsel against it if suggested.

The larger issue is related to talent and expendability. This is why things are covered up.

For example, if LeBron James committed a crime you may never know while he's playing. He's not easily replaced and the fallout for the franchise and the league would be huge. It's in their best interest to hush it up or make it go away. That happens all the time.

In respect to ministry, most people will never become household names. But if they do the machine keeps running after they're gone. They're still selling books and resources even though they're dead. It takes an honorable organization to forfeit the spoil because the position is one in million.

~bella

 

[public hermit]

Being 73 isn’t “almost dead.”

Yeah, that was a bit of hyperbole. I do humor myself. But, 73 is certainly closer than 33. Can we truly live without coming to terms with our own terminus? Isn't that part of what generates wisdom and the ability to forego foolish aims? Memento Mori

 

[All Becomes New]

Being 73 isn’t “almost dead.”

That is completely right. We die when the Lord wills. Not before, not after.

 

[RileyG]

That is completely right. We die when the Lord wills. Not before, not after.

Amen!

 

[RileyG]

Yeah, that was a bit of hyperbole. I do humor myself. But, 73 is certainly closer than 33. Can we truly live without coming to terms with our own terminus? Isn't that part of what generates wisdom and the ability to forego foolish aims? Memento Mori

You’re right. Memento Mori is a great philosophy to live by. At 73, you have a majority of your life behind you.

Blessings

 

[Armchair Apologist]

Perhaps one of the best perspectives I have seen on the matter:

 

[BBAS 64]

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

Good day, Bella

Based on the statement from the elders "“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,”

They (the elders) were informed by him ... he was not "caught"

In Him,

Bill

 

[HonortheLord]

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

a sinful relationship indeed . it was right and proper to have him removed for such a thing .
But since we are on that note i want to leave us with a real friendly reminder that it seems many have long forgotten .
And for this cause the MAN shall be joined with His WIFE .
Lets let that sink in a bit too and not be partial or hyprocritical . I mean it was good and proper to have him removed .
yet why is another pratice so allowed today and even accepted and honored in some churches .
just a friendly reminder . Dont need to spell it out , me thinks we all know exactly what i am talking about my friends .
In the beginning He created them male and female . lets keep that in mind shall we .

 

[bèlla]

Good day, Bella

Based on the statement from the elders "“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,”

It's a media statement. No one was there but the people involved. We don't have the particulars and they didn't go into detail. The elders will protect the church as others are doing with their organizations.

You're welcome to believe it if you wish. I stand by my remarks.

~bella

 

[2PhiloVoid]

"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

Never heard 'em.

Regardless, why is anyone surprised? I'm not. We've ALL been affected by the tippy-tap-tap upon the male impetus that our oh-so-"whys" modern, electrified culture keeps promoting and marketing. ............ and we wonder, "Duh.................how did something like THIS ever happen to a Christian leader? Isn't he (or she) imparted with an extra dose of the Holy Spirit's leading"?

Usually not! Let's stop pretending that our leaders actually are. And what's more, the insidious forum of normative spiritual warfare we're in means we're all having to be extra guarded on a day-by-day basis rather than basking in the glory of the expectations of victorious claims in public, asserting a false reality of long-term commitments to the Lord to everyone else's ears.

And let's face it: hardly any Christians out there are actually living in some sort of mythicized, ongoing, long-term "victory" of perpetual sexual sinlessness these days.

If anything, the claim to victory is mostly a facade we all like to use to try to cover up............................ I know it. We know it. And "THEY" know it.

 

[Armchair Apologist]

It's a media statement. No one was there but the people involved. We don't have the particulars and they didn't go into detail. The elders will protect the church as others are doing with their organizations.

You're welcome to believe it if you wish. I stand by my remarks.

~bella

So, based not upon facts but upon what you think you know, you would rather slander the man unfairly and unnecessarily?

According to your own words, no one was there but the people involved and we do not have the particulars and they didn't go into detail. You do not know and neither do I nor anyone else here! Why not cut the man some slack and give him the benefit of the doubt? Why do you have to jump to such conclusions and expect the absolute worst? Do you have some sort of vendetta against men in the ministry?

I think the elders were quite open and forthright. If they were trying to hide something, why would they even issue a press release? We have what we need to know: He was removed from ministry due to sinful behavior that disqualifies him from the office in which he was entrusted. This gives sufficient explanation as to why his material is no longer on Refnet, Ligonier, Grace Community, or any other online source.

Yes, the elders' primary interest is to protect their congregation and the testimony of the Church that Christ purchased with his own blood! Would you expect anything less?

I am certain that Steve Lawson will release a public statement in due time. He certainly owes us this but I want him to take his time and carefully consider what he is about to say. I hope he does not make excuses for his behavior and I pray that God is ultimately glorified in all things.

Please pray for Brother Steve (Yes, he is a brother!), his family, and for their congregation! This is a horrible ordeal for anyone to have to go through - especially when it is in the public spotlight! Think about his wife, his sons, daughters, and his grandkids who are doing their best to deal with this matter. Do you think it is helpful for them to see their husband, father, and grandfather unnecessarily and unfairly attacked by someone who professes to be a believer?

 

[bèlla]

So, based not upon facts but upon what you think you know, you would rather slander the man unfairly and unnecessarily?

This is a discussion thread. You accuse me of slander because I have a different opinion. Is that biblical?

Why do you have to jump to such conclusions and expect the absolute worst? Do you have some sort of vendetta against men in the ministry?

A difference in opinion means a vendetta against men in the ministry?

I think...

We're not doppelgangers.

I am certain that Steve Lawson will release a public statement in due time.

You are welcome to believe what you wish. That's your right.

Please pray for Brother Steve (Yes, he is a brother!), his family, and for their congregation!

You've insulted me. Accused me of having a malicious agenda men and have the audacity to tell me to pray? You're in no position to influence me in any fashion. Save your message for someone else.

~bella

 

[Armchair Apologist]

This is a discussion thread. You accuse me of slander because I have a different opinion. Is that biblical?

Your opinion is not based upon facts but what you wish to presuppose. Why do you want to believe the absolute worst about someone?

A difference in opinion means a vendetta against men in the ministry?

You are insinuating that the elders of Trinity Bible Church are not being honest, forthright, and likely have something to hide. This is not based upon any facts but upon your own speculation. Yes, I would call this slander.

How would you like it if the very same thing was done to you on a public forum especially if it were related to a time of trial and difficulty in your life?

You are welcome to believe what you wish. That's your right.

What we believe has nothing to do with it. If we are talking about a man's life and reputation here, we should deal with the facts. No one has the right to just make things up and then spread misinformation. This is the very definition of slander.

You've insulted me. Accused me of having a malicious agenda men and have the audacity to tell me to pray? You're in no position to influence me in any fashion. Save your message for someone else.

I have not insulted you nor do I have anything personally against you. I will, however, stand up for someone who is being unfairly attacked.

And what I write is not just for your benefit but for others who happen to be reading through this thread. The decent thing to do is to hold our peace, reserve our judgment, and pray for everyone involved. You do what you want.

 

[All Becomes New]

We should stick to the facts until we hear more information. I am doubtful that we will get any specifics into the nature of the dispute, however.

It could be as bad as pedophilia. It could be getting emotionally tied up with a woman. We just don't know.

 

[Armchair Apologist]

We should stick to the facts until we hear more information. I am doubtful that we will get any specifics into the nature of the dispute, however.

It could be as bad as pedophilia. It could be getting emotionally tied up with a woman. We just don't know.

OK my friend, we do know that it was an "Inappropriate relationship" with a woman so I think we can take pedophilia off the table!

Check out the video I posted, the BTWN guy on YouTube did a really good job at parsing out the statement from the elders at Trinity Bible.

 

[All Becomes New]

OK my friend, we do know that it was an "Inappropriate relationship" with a woman so I think we can take pedophilia off the table!

Check out the video I posted, the BTWN guy on YouTube did a really good job at parsing out the statement from the elders at Trinity Bible.

That's fine. I don't mean to make more of it than it was. What we do know is that he was in sin. None of us are perfect, but it was serious enough for the leadership to say that he would not be in ministry "indefinitely."

 

[BNR32FAN]

"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

I just want to point out that according to the article the church elders were informed by brother Steven Lawson himself and nothing is said about how many times it happened. So with the information we have I don’t think people should be assuming that he had been doing this for years or that it happened repeatedly, and we should also recognize that he was the person to confess to the elders himself. I see a lot of posts here where people are starting rumors and making accusations that aren’t supported by the information given in the article. I don’t know if these accusations are based on another source of information but if they aren’t I would suggest that we give brother Steven the benefit of a doubt and consider that this may have been a one time event that he felt so convicted about that he confessed it to the church which is the right thing to do, and probably a very hard thing to do as well. I could be wrong but I wouldn’t start speculating against a brother making accusations without evidence to support them.

 

[Armchair Apologist]

That's fine. I don't mean to make more of it than it was. What we do know is that he was in sin. None of us are perfect, but it was serious enough for the leadership to say that he would not be in ministry "indefinitely."

Actually, "Indefinitely" is an interesting choice of words! It almost seems like he has been removed while they are doing an assessment, investigation, or whatever. It would be interesting to see why they said "Indefinitely" rather than "Permanently."

I watched a video of the opening of the Conference where he was scheduled to speak and they said "Permanently Disqualified" so the language of his peers is definitely stronger.

 

[All Becomes New]

I just want to point out that according to the article the church elders were informed by brother Steven Lawson himself and nothing is said about how many times it happened. So with the information we have I don’t think people should be assuming that he had been doing this for years or that it happened repeatedly, and we should also recognize that he was the person to confess to the elders himself. I see a lot of posts here where people are starting rumors and making accusations that aren’t supported by the information given in the article. I don’t know if these accusations are based on another source of information but if they aren’t I would suggest that we give brother Steven the benefit of a doubt and consider that this may have been a one time event that he felt so convicted about that he confessed it to the church which is the right thing to do, and probably a very hard thing to do as well. I could be wrong but I wouldn’t start speculating against a brother making accusations without evidence to support them.

Hard to give someone the benefit of the doubt when their sin was serious enough to keep them from ministry. It looks like he has done the right thing to confess his sin which shows some repentance from him. Still, some sins will keep you from ministry even if you repent.