Steven Lawson, a once-prominent figure in Reformed evangelical circles, publicly addressed the scandal that led to his removal from ministry six months prior.
In a statement posted on X, Lawson confessed, “I have sinned grievously against the Lord, against my wife, my family, and against countless numbers of you by having a sinful relationship with a woman not my wife.”
The admission marks his first public comment since September 2024, when Trinity Bible Church of Dallas and OnePassion Ministries announced his indefinite disqualification due to an “inappropriate relationship.”
Lawson’s fall from grace shocked the evangelical community, given his reputation as a fiery preacher and theological stalwart.
Known for his association with John MacArthur’s The Master’s Seminary and R.C. Sproul’s Ligonier Ministries, the 73-year-old had built a legacy of expository preaching.
However, the revelation of his five-year affair with a woman in her late 20s—first detailed by Phil Johnson of Grace to You—cast a long shadow over his decades-long career.
The Christian Post reported on March 13 that Lawson’s statement acknowledged the “enormous consequences” of his actions, which he said he will carry “for the rest of my life.”
In his post, Lawson expressed deep remorse, stating, “I am deeply broken that I have betrayed and deceived my wife, devastated my children, brought shame to the name of Christ, reproach upon His church, and harm to many ministries.”
He also noted undergoing “extensive counseling” for five months and submitting to oversight from pastors and an accountability team, though he did not specify which church is shepherding him.
The Roys Report, in its March 13 coverage, noted Lawson has been attending Stephens Valley Church in Nashville, Tennessee, but highlighted his silence on any ongoing relationship with Trinity Bible Church, raising questions about the completeness of his accountability process.
ChurchLeaders.com reported on March 12 that Lawson begged forgiveness from those who had relied on him for spiritual guidance, a poignant admission for a man who once decried moral failings in others from the pulpit.
Yet, his statement has not quelled all criticism.
Some, as noted by Protestia on March 12, see his six-month silence as a calculated retreat rather than genuine repentance, pointing out that his confession came only after the affair was exposed by the woman’s family.
This narrative aligns with earlier Protestia reporting from January 10, suggesting Trinity elders were skeptical of Lawson’s initial repentance claims, especially given his relocation to Tennessee and apparent refusal to submit fully to their discipline.
The Christian Post further detailed Lawson’s claim of soul-searching: “I have needed the time to search my own soul to determine that my repentance is real.”
He asserted sole responsibility for his sin, distancing himself from any external blame.
However, this has not silenced speculation about the broader implications of his actions.
Julie Roys’ outlet questioned whether the power differential between Lawson and the younger woman—identified as a former student at The Master’s University—might classify the relationship as clergy sexual abuse, a perspective not addressed in Lawson’s statement.
Lawson concluded by requesting prayers for “redemption and restoration” in his marriage, a plea echoed across multiple reports.
Protestia’s March 12 article suggested his marriage remains intact despite the betrayal, though his wife’s perspective remains private.
The lack of specifics about the affair’s nature or the woman involved has fueled ongoing debate, with some outlets like ChurchLeaders.com emphasizing the need for transparency in such high-profile cases.
Critically, Lawson’s statement sidesteps the question of his future in ministry, a silence that contrasts with Trinity’s and The Master’s Seminary’s earlier declarations of permanent disqualification, as reported by The Roys Report in September 2024.
This omission leaves open whether Lawson accepts this verdict or harbors hopes of eventual reinstatement—a tension that may linger as the evangelical world processes his words.
