All Have Sinned: A Response to the Removal of Dr. Steven J. Lawson

At the time that I am writing this, it has been about 24 hours since I heard the news of Dr. Steven Lawson’s removal from ministry due to an inappropriate relationship. When I first saw the news, I was shocked, saddened, confused, frustrated, and immediately reminded that all men are human, and all women are human.

Then the worst of humanity, even within Reformed Christian circles, started coming out with keyboard warriors taking up arms to attack a man while he is at his lowest point. I saw people saying things like, “He must not really be saved,” “I guess God predestined this to happen too,” and others taking the opportunity to connect him to John MacArthur as part of a crusade against the pastor of Grace Community Church.

These attacks against a man, any man, when he is humbled and convicted by the Holy Spirit to the point that he goes to those over him and admits his wrongdoing cannot continue. Dr. Lawson told those over him in ministry about the relationship, knowing that it would disqualify him from ever being able to minister the Word of God again.

How many times have we seen this kind of information come out only after the pastor has left this world? How many times have we seen ministries fall because of an expose by some blogger or YouTube journalist? Dr. Lawson has submitted himself to the elders of his church and is, hopefully, being reconciled to his family. He has that opportunity. Instead of disgrace coming after his death, he is repentant now and doing what is necessary for him and his family and church to get through this situation.

How do we handle this type of situation?

As believers, especially those who follow certain ministers, it can almost feel as if we are betrayed when we learn that they have fallen into sin. However, we handle this as we would any other person who sins; we seek their repentance and reconciliation.

In this particular situation, I have followed Dr. Lawson for a while now. His ministry has been a great help to mine in many ways. Though I have not had the opportunity to meet him, he has influenced me in my preaching and teaching ministry, probably more than any other pastor ever has. I cannot tell you how many times I have listened to or watched his teachings on expository preaching and sermon preparation. In fact, his teaching greatly influenced my own book on the subject.

As I said earlier, I had mixed emotions when I first read the post on the Trinity Bible Church’s website. I was so shocked that I went to Dr. Lawson’s own ministry website, only to be greeted with a similar message. Then it took only a few minutes for me to need a break from social media.

I think, sometimes, we all forget that these national and international conference speakers are also human. We see them speaking on some of the grandest stages of our day and we think of them as untouchable. However, they are just as human as anyone else. They are just as susceptible to sin as anyone else.

In fact, all pastors need prayer from those who are around them. Every man who stands behind a pulpit and councils members of their congregations needs to be lifted up. It is sometimes a lonely life that pastors lead, even having to keep certain things from their wives due to confidentiality. Pray for them. Pray that they do not fall into temptation. Pray that they stay away from sin, especially sin which would disqualify them from ministry.

Which brings me to this point. The most heartbreaking aspect of Dr. Lawson’s sin is that this is how his ministry comes to an end. His sin has disqualified him from ever entering a pulpit again. Of this fact I know he is aware. Decades of ministry, faithfully preaching the Word of God, teaching other men to preach the Word of God, writing books, and being a pastor did not get to come to a close the way he envisioned. Instead, his legacy will end with this scar.

What do we do now?

First, we continue to pray. Pray for Dr. Lawson. Pray for his wife. Pray for their sons. Pray for their church. Pray for everyone involved in this situation.

Second, we do not pass condemnation. Remember that it is only by the grace of God that we all do not find ourselves in similar or worse situations. Everyone sins and everyone has the capacity to sin in big ways.

Finally, we use wisdom. This is where each person must come to a decision on their own. Some people will stop using all of Dr. Lawson’s materials because of this. As I said earlier, I have been helped by Dr. Lawson’s ministry. I will probably continue to listen to his preaching and teaching in order to continue to learn. I will probably continue to read his books as I find them helpful. I do not excuse what he has done, not at all. But the Word of God, when preached with power, can touch anyone who will listen, no matter the sinful vessel it comes through.

We have all sinned. We all sin. We will continue to fight against sin as long as we are in this flesh. No one is beyond falling into egregious sin.

We must remain vigilant to keep our flesh in subjection to the Spirit of God. That is the only way we will keep ourselves from falling.