Dr. Steven Lawson has been removed as the lead pastor of Trinity Bible Church of Dallas following news of “an inappropriate relationship that he has had with a woman.”
Lawson (73), who is also the professor of preaching and dean of D.Min. studies at John MacArthur’s The Master’s Seminary (TMS) and the president and founder of OnePassion Ministries, has been married to his wife, Anne, for over 40 years. Together, they have four adult children.
In addition to his pastoring and TMS roles, Lawson has authored over 25 books.
Lawson Removed ‘Indefinitely From All Ministry Activities’
In a statement published on Trinity Bible Church’s website, the elders said that they “regretfully announce that effective immediately, Steven J. Lawson has been removed indefinitely from all ministry activities at Trinity Bible Church of Dallas.”
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“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 statement continued. “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 reminded the congregation that “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,” the statement continued, “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,” when the church was founded.
“Since that time, the elders have focused on the primacy of biblical exposition knit together by various men filling the pulpit each week,” the elders said.
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The elders expressed confidence that God will continue building Trinity Bible Church, just as he had been doing “well before Steve became [the] Lead Preacher.” The statement concluded by asking for prayer for all who are involved, quoting 1 Corinthians 10:12, which says, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.”