Dallas Pastor Steve Lawson Removed Over Inappropriate Relationship, Church Elders Announce

In a significant shake-up at Trinity Bible Church of Dallas, lead pastor Steven J. Lawson has been removed from his position following revelations of an "inappropriate relationship" with a woman. The church's elders confirmed Lawson's indefinite removal from all ministry activities, ending his tenure as the church’s primary preacher and leader.

Elders Take Swift Action

The church issued a statement explaining that Lawson himself had informed the elders of his misconduct. According to the church, the elders immediately took action, meeting with Lawson to discuss the situation. They announced that Lawson will no longer serve in any ministerial capacity and will not receive any compensation from the church moving forward.

“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,” the statement reads. “Steve will no longer be compensated by Trinity Bible Church of Dallas.”

This decision marks the end of Lawson’s leadership role at the church, a position he held since 2018. Trinity Bible Church emphasized that this removal is indefinite, leaving open the possibility for future developments but making it clear that Lawson’s involvement in the ministry has ceased for the time being.

A Well-Known Religious Figure

Steven J. Lawson is a figure well-known in evangelical circles. A graduate of Texas Tech, Dallas Theological Seminary, and Reformed Theological Seminary, Lawson has spent more than three decades serving as a pastor, previously leading congregations in Arkansas and Alabama before coming to Dallas. Beyond his work at Trinity Bible Church, Lawson has been a Teaching Fellow with Ligonier Ministries, Professor of Preaching, and Dean of the Doctor of Ministry program at The Master’s Seminary. His extensive background in ministry and his teaching roles made him a respected voice within the Christian community.

Despite his many achievements, the recent admission of inappropriate conduct has shaken both the local congregation and the broader religious circles in which Lawson participated.

A Broader Issue in North Texas

Lawson’s removal is not an isolated incident in North Texas. His situation comes amid a string of controversies involving pastors and church leaders in the area. At least a dozen pastors or church staff members have either resigned or been terminated this year due to allegations of misconduct or inappropriate behavior. One of the more high-profile cases involved Robert Morris, who resigned after admitting to sexually abusing a girl in the 1980s. These controversies have cast a shadow over the religious community in North Texas, leaving many congregations grappling with issues of leadership and trust.

While Lawson’s case does not involve criminal allegations, it still serves as a reminder of the challenges churches face when leaders fall from grace.

A Message to the Congregation

In their statement, Trinity Bible Church’s elders made it clear that while Lawson’s removal is difficult, the church remains focused on its mission. They reminded the congregation that the church is built not around any one man but around Jesus Christ.

“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,” the statement continued.

The elders expressed confidence in the church’s future, noting that Trinity Bible Church had been built on strong biblical teaching from multiple individuals before Lawson’s arrival and would continue to thrive after his departure. The elders also asked for prayers, not just for the church and its members, but for Lawson and his family as well.

“We would ask for your prayers for the elders, for our Body, and for Steve and his family,” the statement concluded.

Moving Forward

As of now, it remains unclear whether Lawson plans to make any public statements or take further actions regarding his personal or professional life. However, the elders’ statement emphasizes that their primary concern is his personal repentance and spiritual recovery.

Trinity Bible Church will likely continue to be led by its elders and a rotating group of speakers, which was the practice before Lawson took on the role of lead preacher in 2018. As the church prepares to move forward without its lead pastor, it will face the challenge of rebuilding trust with its members and continuing its ministry in the wake of this leadership crisis.

For now, Lawson’s removal adds to the growing list of North Texas pastors who have stepped down or been removed due to personal failings. As this trend continues, the broader Christian community is left to reflect on the importance of accountability, transparency, and grace within church leadership.

While it is a difficult time for Trinity Bible Church and its congregation, the message from the church elders is one of hope and faith that the church will persevere beyond this setback, with their focus firmly on Christ as the head of the church.