The Steve Lawson adultery scandal has captivated the Evangelical world, as he was a big-time pastor in the Reformed Christianity. Moreover, in a year marked by pastoral disgrace, including Alistair Begg, Tony Evans, and Robert Morris, Steve Lawson arguably came with the best doctrine and disposition. Nonetheless, the more context added to the situation, the worse it looks. Consider the following:
Minced Words
The initial statement from the elders of Trinity Bible Church of Dallas states:
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.
Other than adultery, there isn’t an “inappropriate relationship” with a woman that a man could have that would disqualify him from ministry.
27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’; 28 but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
Matthew 5:27-29 NASB1995
Jesus teaches that the standard for adultery by which we are judged is stricter and includes our desires. So, the elders to mince their words with euphemisms is an obfuscation.
When Did Lawson Confess?
Another question arising from the statement is when Steve Lawson confessed, and why he was allowed to preach afterwards.
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.
With this up in the air, assuming that Steve Lawson was the one who confessed, thereby informing the elders and not being made to confess after he was found out, why was Steve Lawson allowed to continue in his duties and preach?
The Final Sermon
The final sermon was preached on September 15 and the news would break on September 19, which could hardly be considered a span of “several days.” The sermon itself is rather fishy.
Steve Lawson's (@DrStevenJLawson) final sermon, "Defining True Greatness," in its entirety. For context, his comments about not judging a person based on "one weak moment" can be found at the 16:50 mark. pic.twitter.com/IucUByOU2c
— Aaron Sauer (@AaronJSauer) September 20, 2024
In the sermon, Steve Lawson preaches about John the Baptist sending followers to Jesus to confirm that He is the Messiah. It is often preached that John the Baptist was suffering doubts and wanted confirmation and comfort during his weakness. However, Steve Lawson belittles the followers of John, calling them “fickle” on several occasions. Despite exonerating John the Baptist as a”bulldogmatic” preacher, Steve Lawson inserts a point about not judging a man by his weakest moments over their hiccups.
This clip went viral in the context that Steve Lawson knew what was coming down the pike and was widely seen as him obfuscating his sin as a hiccup in his broader legacy. The clip is worsened by the fact that it goes against his broader view of John the Baptist as taught in the sermon.
Secret Sin
Steve Lawson’s sin was in part a relationship. This takes time to cultivate. Steve Lawson did not accidentally fall into sin; an “inappropriate relationship” had to have been a secret sin. But for how long? It’s unclear. And how far did it go? Also unclear. The answers to these questions will ultimately exacerbate Steve Lawson’s adultery scandal and cause his supporters to feel even more betrayed than they already do.
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4 Responses
If the other woman was not married, then it wasn’t adultery. It was formication. Still a sin.
Judah and Tamara?
It was adultery on Steve Lawson’s part. Doesn’t matter if the other woman was married or not. Adultery took place! Look up the definition of adultery.
Things are typically kept publicly vague if a number of people are affected, including family members, until everyone involved has had time to work through the situation. Not sure about the sermon, but there’s a 50/50 chance he had the woman that was involved in mind when he made those comments.
Thank you, Ray, for calling it what it is…Adultery, not an “improper relationship”. You are correct that they are downplaying this, so thank you for not doing so!