Steven J. Lawson Removed from Trinity Bible Church Over Scandal

In September 2024, well-known Reformed preacher Steven J. Lawson was dismissed from his position at Trinity Bible Church in Dallas, along with several other ministry roles, after allegations surfaced regarding an inappropriate affair with a woman in her 20s.

The specifics of the relationship were never completely clarified, but the fallout was significant enough to, as noted by BlazeTV host Allie Beth Stuckey, “rock the Reformed world.” She was one of the first to report on the incident.

Lawson stayed relatively low-profile for some time, but he has recently returned to the public with a new book titled “Mercy in the Wilderness: How I Fell & What I Found.” This book, which came out quietly in September, reflects on his hidden sins and the affair that led to his ministry’s collapse back in 2024. Lawson seems to frame these events as a story of repentance and divine mercy rather than a straightforward recounting of what went wrong.

Some notable pastors and church elders have expressed their disapproval of the book. They suggest that Lawson should not be allowed to profit from a publication that is tied to the very sin that led to his disqualification from pastoral duties.

Stuckey shared her own views, indicating she agrees with certain critics, stating that the timing feels inappropriate. She hopes Lawson focuses instead on spiritual matters, church duties, and his marriage.

Moreover, she took issue with some content in his book. While acknowledging that Lawson appears genuinely remorseful about the affair, she criticized his apology for prioritizing God’s holiness over His mercy in his previous sermons.

In the book, Lawson views himself as a “prophet of doom,” rather than a “pastor of grace,” a perspective Stuckey disagrees with. To her, he consistently preached the biblical truth directly.

She found it odd and asked, “Who are you speaking to? Who are you trying to engage for sympathy?” Stuckey speculated that perhaps Lawson’s reflection on his past sermons stems from his own discomfort with the harshness of the messages when they spotlighted his failings.

She also felt he somewhat softened his acknowledgment of pride by emphasizing his achievements. “It comes across like, ‘Look, I was doing so much for the world,’” she said, thinking his list of successes felt somewhat excessive.

Lawson made a concerning comparison of his situation to that of King David and Bathsheba, which Stuckey found inappropriate. “That’s the kind of thing someone else should say about you,” she remarked, indicating that such comparisons elevate himself inappropriately.

Stuckey’s main problem with the book is its lack of direct acknowledgment toward those he has affected. While he mentions his wife and acknowledges marital issues, Stuckey feels he hasn’t specifically addressed the harm done to others in light of his transgressions.

“If you’re going to break your silence after disappointing so many people, they seem like the primary audience you should be addressing,” she stated, thinking it should go beyond just a reminder that, similar to David, one can commit adultery yet still be used by God.

For further insights on Stuckey’s critical take regarding Lawson’s book, you can watch her analysis in the provided episode.