Steve Lawson

2024.09.20

Dear Master’s Men,
 
I write to you today with sobering news.
 
Yesterday morning, the elders of Trinity Bible Church in Dallas released a statement explaining that Steve Lawson had been removed from pastoral ministry, effective immediately. The news of his disqualification came as a shock to all of us.
 
It has now become clear that Steve failed to uphold the biblical qualifications for elders and spiritual leaders outlined in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1—specifically, failing to be a one-woman man. Because he is no longer above reproach, he has permanently disqualified himself from ministry. As a result, he can no longer be part of the faculty of TMS. He will also no longer be involved in our Doctor of Ministry program, nor will he be affiliated with our ministries at any level.
 
The church is the pillar and support of the truth, shining as a bright light in this world of darkness. The integrity and trustworthiness of its leadership is essential to the credibility of its witness. That is why Paul insisted that spiritual leaders must be above reproach, for the sake of Christ’s name and the proclamation of His gospel. Failure to do so represents a profound breach of integrity and betrayal of trust. Ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ are subject to the highest accountability to God’s standard, the stricter judgment of James 3:1. This applies to all who take up the sobering task of declaring God’s truth to His people.
 
In moments like this, we must all heed the words of 1 Timothy 4:16, to give heed to our lives and to our doctrine. We must persevere in faithful obedience to our heavenly Master, knowing that He is worthy of our steadfastness. Now, more than ever, the church needs men who live out their convictions with clarity and consistency. The Master’s Seminary will always be committed to training men to that end. We do so resting in the words of the Lord Jesus who promised to build His church so that even the gates of hell will never prevail against it.
 
For the Master,
 
NATHAN BUSENITZ, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President & Provost
The Master’s Seminary
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