Church fires married pastor for “inappropriate relationship”

A 73-year-old married pastor was fired from his church in Texas after admitting to an “inappropriate relationship.”

Steven J. Lawson, father of four, left Trinity Bible Church in Dallas after informing elders about the unnamed woman, the church said in a statement.

The church has not provided further details on the reasons for the dismissal of the prominent figure of evangelicalism and author of 28 books, including one entitled The moment of truth.

Lawson, who has been married to his wife Anne for 40 years and has three adult sons and a daughter, has been relieved of his role as lead preacher “effective immediately,” church officials said.

“The elders of Trinity Bible Church of Dallas regret to announce that Steven J. Lawson has been relieved of all ministry activities of Trinity Bible Church of Dallas indefinitely, effective immediately,” the statement continued.

“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 elders have met with Steve and will continue to support 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.

“In this light, we wish to 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.”

Lawson was also the founder and president of OnePassion Ministries. A statement was posted on the organization's website saying he resigned from all his positions after “confessing to the board that he had an inappropriate relationship with a woman, a sin that disqualified him from office.”

The statement added that the pastor “regrets the harm he has caused to his family, the church, the reputation of OnePassion Ministries and most importantly, Jesus Christ.”