Last week, Trinity Bible Church of Dallas announced that its lead pastor Steve Lawson has been removed from ministry for an “inappropriate relationship that he has had with a woman.” The resulting fallout has led to Lawson’s subsequent removal from One Passion Ministry, The Master’s Seminary (though without a public statement), and now G3 Ministries. Perhaps late to the party but not to be outdone was G3 Ministries in their announcement:
On Thursday, September 19, 2024, Trinity Bible Church issued a public statement announcing that Dr. Lawson had been removed from all ministry responsibilities at their local church due to an inappropriate relationship with a woman. On Friday morning, OnePassion Ministries released a public statement explaining that Dr. Lawson had resigned from all ministry responsibilities because of his disqualifying sin.
This news has affected many people who have followed the public ministry of Dr. Steven Lawson, as well as those within his local church. Beyond the obvious grievous disappointment, it has raised numerous questions about the nature of the sin. As you may know, Dr. Steven Lawson has been a frequent speaker at G3 conferences in the past. Naturally, many people within the G3 Ministries circle of ministry have questions.
We believe G3 Ministries functions as a sub-church ministry. In other words, we are not merely a parachurch ministry standing alongside the local church as an equal, nor are we elevated above the local church, acting in an authoritative capacity. We serve the local church. The purpose of G3 Ministries is to educate, encourage, and equip believers with sound biblical theology for the glory of God, in service to local churches around the world.
Therefore, we believe that the local church is the appropriate context for reproof, rebuke, exposure, correction, restoration, and, in some cases, excommunication (2 Tim 4:1-5; Matt 18:15-20). We also believe that before someone engages in public ministry, they must first be sent out by a local church and remain under its authority. We see this model with the apostle Paul, who, before embarking on public ministry, was under authority and accountable at Antioch (Acts 13:1-3). After being sent out, Paul returned to Antioch to report on his ministry (Acts 14:24-28), demonstrating submission and reinforcing that public ministry should never supersede the authority of the local church.
In light of these stated convictions, we defer all questions regarding Dr. Steven Lawson to Trinity Bible Church. In the information age, waiting days or weeks for clarity can feel uncomfortable, as we are accustomed to instant responses. However, in this case, we must remain patient and allow the local church to carry out its responsibilities. In due time, there will be an appropriate moment to share more details and discuss the lessons learned. For now, we direct all inquiries to Trinity Bible Church.
G3 Ministries has a content policy regarding published material and the platforming of speakers at our events. This policy reserves the right to edit or remove content or speakers at the discretion of our leadership. In accordance with this policy, we have decided to remove all of Dr. Steven Lawson’s materials from our platform.
Please take time to pray for Dr. Steven Lawson, his family, Trinity Bible Church, and all associated ministries during this time. May the Lord use this public sin to draw us closer to His throne as we seek His protection and grace (Ps 17).
1 Corinthians 15:58 – “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (ESV)
Dr. Josh Buice
Founder & President
G3 Ministries*In Conjunction with the Board of G3 Ministries
G3 has opted to remove all of Steve Lawson’s content executing their content policy which gives their ministry leaders full discretion over what they publish. Unsurprisingly, they no longer want Steve Lawson published on their ministry.
