Former Pastor Steve Lawson Admits to Sin and Seeks Forgiveness
In a heartfelt statement this week, former pastor Steve Lawson publicly acknowledged his "grievous" sins that led to his removal from ministry, marking a significant moment in his journey toward repentance and restoration. Lawson, who previously served as the lead preacher at Trinity Bible Church and is known for his work with OnePassion Ministries, took to social media to express his deep remorse and commitment to seeking forgiveness.
In a candid post on X (formerly Twitter), 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." He conveyed his sorrow for the pain he has caused, 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."
Lawson explained his silence since the scandal broke, emphasizing the need for introspection and genuine repentance. "I have needed the time to search my own soul to determine that my repentance is real," he wrote. Acknowledging his accountability, he stated, "I alone am responsible for my sin. I have confessed my sin to the Lord, to my wife, and my family, and have repented of it."
The former pastor shared that he has been undergoing extensive counseling for the past five months, working through the underlying issues that contributed to his actions. He has also submitted to a system of accountability, involving two pastors and the elders of a local congregation who are guiding him through this challenging period. "I am also under the oversight of an accountability team who monitor my progress and give me wise counsel in the decisions I have to make," he noted.
In addition to counseling, Lawson has engaged in various spiritual practices to aid his recovery, including immersing himself in Scripture, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. He expressed gratitude for God’s grace and forgiveness, urging his followers to pray for his family as they navigate the road to healing and restoration.
"I have been growing in grace, reading and absorbing the Word of God, putting it into practice, praying, and meeting with other believers," he shared. Lawson emphasized his commitment to attending prayer meetings, Sunday school, and worship services regularly, as well as participating in communion.
As he continues to work through the consequences of his actions, Lawson remains hopeful for redemption. "While I continue to do the hard work of soul-searching repentance, I do not intend to make further public comments for the foreseeable future," he stated.
Lawson’s admission comes after months of speculation following the news of his removal from ministry last September. A close friend, Pastor Clint Archer, revealed in January that Lawson had relocated to Tennessee to stay with his brother during this difficult time. The details surrounding the scandal have been the subject of much discussion, with Phil Johnson, executive director of John MacArthur’s Grace to You ministry, providing some context on the situation.
As the Christian community processes this news, many are reminded of the importance of accountability and the power of forgiveness. Lawson’s journey serves as a poignant reminder that even leaders can falter, but with humility and a sincere heart, there is always a path back to grace.
For those interested in learning more about the principles of forgiveness and restoration in the Christian faith, resources such as Focus on the Family and The Gospel Coalition provide valuable insights and support.
In closing, Lawson urged his followers to pray for him and his family as they seek to heal and restore their relationships, emphasizing the need for God’s mercy and grace during this challenging time.