Key Takeaways
- Lawson himself informed the church elders about the affair.
- His confession led to his removal as the lead pastor of Trinity Bible Church in Dallas.
- The church did not disclose the woman’s identity or her relationship to the church.
Steve Lawson, the lead pastor of Trinity Bible Church in Dallas, admitted to having an affair with a woman, which led to his removal from his role as pastor.
On Thursday, September 19, 2023, church elders announced that 73-year-old Lawson, who has served since 2018, has been “removed indefinitely from all ministry activities” at the church.
The elders further mentioned that “Steve will no longer receive compensation” from the church.
Before being removed from his position, Lawson shared the details of the affair with the elders of his church.
This revelation was a major shock to his congregation and the broader evangelical community, where Lawson had a long-standing reputation in Reformed theology.
When reporters reached out to Trinity for further details, including whether the woman involved was a member or staff, the church did not respond nor disclose the woman’s identity or the relationship’s nature.
The elders, in their statement, conveyed their commitment to pray for Lawson, aiming for his repentance. The church’s official statement reads:
We are ALL sinners, and Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. 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.
Via Trinitybibledallas
The statement concluded with:
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.
Via Trinitybibledallas
The Christian site ‘Protestia’ also shared on X that Lawson was removed from his pastoral role after having an ‘inappropriate relationship’ with an unnamed woman.
Breaking! Pastor Steve Lawson of Trinity Bible Church in Dallas has been removed from his position, after being discovered having an inappropriate relationship with an unnamed woman pic.twitter.com/W2ZQ4PM0Cv
— Protestia (@Protestia) September 19, 2024
Following the news, X users shared their reactions, with one commenting:
This is tragic.
Via X
It’s bad enough when a heretical so-called ‘Christian’ pastor falls into heinous sin and the world mocks the name of Christ because of it.
It’s magnitudes worse when someone who is known for teaching generally sound doctrine has such a fall.
Another wrote:
A real gut-punch. Based on the announcement, though, Lawson came forward and confessed. Until I hear evidence to the contrary, I’m taking that as a sign that he’s a genuine believer who allowed himself to fall into sin but repented. Disappointing, but a reminder to us all about our dangerous calling.
Via X
Aside from his relationship with an unnamed woman, Steve has been married to his wife, Anne, for more than 40 years, and they have four children together—three sons and a daughter.
Lawson’s affairs have deeply affected his spouse and kids emotionally.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Steve Lawson graduated from Texas Tech University and earned a Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, followed by a Doctor of Ministry from Reformed Theological Seminary.
- He is the author of 33 books, including ‘The Expository Genius of John Calvin,’ and has preached in over 14 nations.
- As Dean of the D.Min. program at The Master’s Seminary, Lawson also serves on the board of Ligonier Ministries.
