Dr. Steven Lawson was fired as senior pastor of Trinity Bible Church in Dallas after it was revealed that he had “an inappropriate relationship with a woman.”

Lawson (73), who is also professor of preaching and dean of the D.Min. program at John MacArthur’s The Master’s Seminary (TMS) and president and founder of OnePassion Ministries, has been married to his wife Anne for over 40 years. Together they have four adult children.

In addition to his work as a pastor and TMS staff member, Lawson has authored over 25 books.

Lawson was “indefinitely banned from all clerical activities”

In a statement posted on the Trinity Bible Church website, the elders said they “regretfully announce that Steven J. Lawson has been relieved of all ministry duties at Trinity Bible Church of Dallas, effective immediately, for an indefinite period of time.”

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“A few days ago, the elders of Trinity Bible Church of Dallas were informed by Steve Lawson of an inappropriate relationship he had with a woman,” the statement continued. “The elders have met with Steve and will continue to stand by him and pray for him, with the ultimate goal of his personal repentance. Steve will no longer receive any compensation from Trinity Bible Church of Dallas.”

The elders reminded the congregation that “in light of this, we should remember that we are ALL sinners and that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners – and that Christ remains the head of His Church, which is greater than any fallen man.”

“In fact,” the statement continues, “Jesus Christ will continue to lead His Church, including Trinity Bible Church here in Dallas, just as He has done since He began this work on January 5, 2018,” when the church was founded.

“Since then, the elders have focused on the primacy of biblical interpretation, which is compiled each week by different men occupying the pulpit,” the elders said.

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The elders expressed their confidence that God will continue to build Trinity Bible Church as He did “long before Steve became the lead minister.” The statement ended with a request for prayers for all involved and quoted 1 Corinthians 10:12, which says, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”