What are we to make of it when a leading pastor falls? How do we respond when a pastor confesses to an inappropriate relationship with someone other than his wife? The pastor in question was a leading expositor, prolific writer and much-loved mentor to many, among other things.
The first appropriate response, of course, is grief. Then it should be prayer for everyone involved and the innocents affected. And prayer for the church at large. But the one thing we must remember is that none of us is immune to a similar fall. Not me and not you.
I recall watching a conversation between Sinclair Ferguson and Ian Hamilton discussing the situation of pastors who had fallen due to adultery. These two are pastors and teachers who I regard as mentors. Ferguson and Hamilton went on to humbly admit that it would be a dire mistake to think they couldn’t likewise fall.
In fact, Paul Washer once made the following statement:
The truth is that the best of us have thought things so vile that we would not share them with our closest friends. ~ Paul Washer (The Gospel’s Power and Message, p 125)
See also our article on Washer’s “Thought Experiment” HERE
It’s sadly unsurprising that some within the church found, in this incident, an opportunity to dissect, salivate, self-promote and attack the doctrines this pastor taught.
In a somewhat bizarre opinion piece, a commentator went on to critique the fallen pastor’s fashion sense, as if we ought to have picked up on this. In another example, several people were frustrated that the minute details of the affair weren’t posted on social media.
What a sad indictment of our attitudes!
When a Christian Leader Falls
I thought this piece was on target..
Two desperately sad announcements were posted yesterday, by Trinity Bible Church in Dallas and the board of OnePassion Ministries:
‘The elders at Trinity Bible Church of Dallas regretfully announce that effective immediately, Steven J. Lawson has been removed indefinitely from all ministry activities at Trinity Bible Church of Dallas. Several days ago, the elders at Trinity Bible Church of Dallas were informed by Steve Lawson of an inappropriate relationship that he has had with a woman. The elders have met with Steve and will continue to come alongside him and pray for him with the ultimate goal of his personal repentance. Steve will no longer be compensated by Trinity Bible Church of Dallas.’…continue reading
Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way. Psalm 139:23-24
Maranatha!
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