Sexual sin is a serious problem in the modern church. It is worse when committed by those who are entrusted with the spiritual care of God’s flock (1 Tim. 5:17-20; Jam. 3:1). When church leaders or church congregations try to play it down, mitigate it, cover it up, and then as soon as possible move on as if nothing ever happened, a great disservice is done to the Lord and His precious Bride, the Church.

The internet is aflame with commentary on the recent revelation of the removal of Dr. Steve Lawson as pastor of Trinity Bible Church of Dallas due to an “inappropriate relationship.” The statement from the elders declares in part that they were “informed by Steve Lawson” of the issue. The details are sketchy, and I hope the elders will provide more clarity soon.

The elders’ statement includes the warning that we should all “be mindful of the words of 1 Corinthians 10:12, ‘Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.’” Indeed, a wise warning, particularly to those of us entrusted with the sacred duty of preaching God’s Word to His people.

Let me say in unambiguous terms that the revelation of this situation is heartbreaking. Dr. Lawson has a wide influence in the church at large and this has brought reproach on himself, his family, his church, and most importantly the cause of Christ. Forgiveness is available and can be received on the genuine repentance of the guilty individuals. Prayers for Dr. Lawson and his family are most appropriate. It should be our desire to see him fully restored in his relationship with Christ and with his wife and family. I pray this will be so and that the conviction of the Holy Spirit will be received and properly responded to. Restoration to the ministry is another matter.

Some seem to forget that sexual sin takes two. In the moral morass of the “MeToo” movement, the assumptions made often place the woman in an automatic “not guilty” position. This is unwise. The Lord was clear in his condemnation of sexual sin and left no doubt about the guilt of a woman when she is a willing participant (John 8:1-12). Our prayers should certainly extend to the woman, for her repentance and full restoration to fellowship with the Lord, her family, and her church.

The intent of this piece is not to throw stones but rather to act in the spirit of Galatians 6:1-3, as we must “consider ourselves lest we also be tempted.” It is more of an earnest plea to my fellow pastors and the church at large to guard yourselves against this subtle and dangerous temptation and to take the appropriate steps of church discipline when such events do arise.

The Ease of Repentance When You Are Caught

It seems to me that many of these circumstances, far too frequent in evangelicalism, bring out a crowd that is quick to call for the restoration of one so entangled and ensnared. There are some sins that disqualify one from pastoral ministry. An excellent article on the subject by Dr. John MacArthur speaks clearly to this issue:

Where did we get the idea that a year’s leave of absence and some counseling can restore integrity to someone who has squandered his reputation and destroyed people’s trust? Certainly not from the Bible. Trust forfeited is not so easily regained. Once purity is sacrificed, the ability to lead by example is lost forever. As my friend Chuck Swindoll once commented when referring to this issue—it takes only one pin to burst a balloon.

What about forgiveness? Shouldn’t we be eager to restore our fallen brethren? To fellowship, yes. But not to leadership. It is not an act of love to return a disqualified man to public ministry; it is an act of disobedience. [1]

Repentance is key a component of the doctrine of salvation and a necessary element of the forgiveness being sought in this situation. Repentance should be a continual, daily process for the child of God, in our efforts to keep short accounts with God. But it seems to me that many are quicker to repent when they are caught or about to be exposed. The genuineness of repentance can be more effectively identified when confession precedes exposure. Whether this is the case with Dr. Lawson or not is not the point. It seems to me that in most cases involving sexual sin among ministry leaders it catches up with them and the charade begins to unravel. Honestly, they are left with little option other than saying they are repentant.

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