This article originally appeared on Gentle Reformation and is used with permission.
Two desperately sad announcements were posted at the end of September, one by Trinity Bible Church in Dallas and one by the board of OnePassion Ministries:
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 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… Steve has confessed and regrets the damage he has caused to his family, the church, the reputation of OnePassion Ministries and most of all Jesus Christ.
No doubt many of us have benefited greatly from Steve Lawson’s preaching and writing ministry. To hear of his removal from ministry under these circumstances is a grievous shock. The devil loves to use the public fall of the Lord’s servants to make other believers stumble or sin – we are not ignorant of his designs (2 Corinthians 2:11). With that in mind, let’s make every effort to respond to this news in as godly a way as possible. What effect should this sad news have on us?
