40 Facts About Steve Lawson

Early Life and Education

Steve Lawson's journey in ministry began with a solid educational foundation and a commitment to understanding Scripture deeply.

1. Name and Age: Steve Lawson, full name Steven J. Lawson, is 73 years old.
2. Educational Background: He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Texas Tech University.
3. Theological Studies: Lawson earned a Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary.
4. Advanced Degree: He also obtained a Doctor of Ministry from Reformed Theological Seminary.

Ministry and Pastoral Work

Lawson's dedication to pastoral work spans over four decades, impacting numerous congregations and communities.

5. Ministry Background: Lawson has served as a pastor for over 40 years, primarily in Arkansas and Alabama.
6. Current Role: He is the lead preacher at Trinity Bible Church of Dallas, Texas.
7. Pastoral Experience: Before his current role, Lawson was a pastor at Christ Fellowship Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama.

OnePassion Ministries

Lawson's vision extended beyond his local church, leading to the creation of OnePassion Ministries.

8. Founding of OnePassion Ministries: He founded OnePassion Ministries to ignite a supreme passion for God and His glory worldwide.
9. Expository Preaching: OnePassion Ministries hosts The Institute for Expository Preaching in various cities globally.
10. Editor of Expositor Magazine: Lawson serves as the Executive Editor for Expositor Magazine, a publication of OnePassion Ministries.

Teaching and Influence

Lawson's influence extends into academia and broader evangelical circles through teaching and writing.

11. Teaching Fellow at Ligonier Ministries: He is a Teaching Fellow and board member at Ligonier Ministries.
12. Professor of Preaching at The Master’s Seminary: Lawson oversees the Doctor of Ministry program and serves on the board at The Master’s Seminary.
13. Author of 33 Books: His books include "The Moment of Truth," "The Cost: What It Takes to Follow Jesus," and "Foundations of Grace."

Personal Life

Despite his public ministry, Lawson's personal life remains a cornerstone of his identity.

14. Family Life: Lawson has been married to his wife, Anne, for over 40 years.
15. Children: They have four children: Andrew, James, John, and Grace Anne.

Global Impact

Lawson's ministry has a global reach, influencing countless believers and preachers.

16. Global Preaching Ministry: He has preached in over a dozen countries around the world.
17. Influence on Evangelical Ministry: His work with organizations like Ligonier Ministries and The Master’s Seminary has significantly impacted the evangelical community.

Recent Scandal and Resignation

In 2024, Lawson's career faced a significant challenge due to personal misconduct.

18. Resignation from Trinity Bible Church: Lawson was removed from his position due to an inappropriate relationship with a woman not his spouse.
19. Resignation from OnePassion Ministries: Following the revelation, Lawson resigned from all duties at OnePassion Ministries.
20. Support from Church Elders: Despite his resignation, the church elders expressed their commitment to supporting Lawson personally as he seeks repentance.

Organizational Responses

The scandal led to immediate and significant changes in Lawson's affiliations and roles.

21. Church Statement: The church announced Lawson’s indefinite removal from all ministry activities.
22. Removal from Ligonier Ministries: Ligonier Ministries removed Lawson as a teaching fellow and withdrew his writings and books.
23. Removal from The Master’s Seminary: The Master’s Seminary also removed Lawson from the faculty list and his articles.
24. No Longer Listed as Speaker: The Shepherds Conference no longer lists Lawson as a speaker for its 2025 event.
25. Cancellation of Events: OnePassion Ministries canceled all scheduled events and engagements.

Personal Reflections and Repentance

Lawson's response to the scandal has been one of confession and seeking forgiveness.

26. Confession and Regret: Lawson confessed to the board of OnePassion Ministries and expressed regret for the damage caused.
27. Prayer Request: The church and OnePassion Ministries have requested prayers for the elders, the church body, and Lawson’s family.
28. Biblical Reflection: The church referenced 1 Corinthians 10:12, emphasizing vigilance against sin and the importance of repentance.

Contributions to Evangelical Literature

Despite the scandal, Lawson's contributions to evangelical literature remain significant.

29. Influence on Evangelical Literature: His writings have been widely read and appreciated in evangelical circles.
30. Historical Preaching Models: Lawson often recommends historical preachers like Charles Haddon Spurgeon and Martin Lloyd-Jones as models for preaching.
31. Spurgeon’s Influence: Lawson admires Spurgeon for his fire, gospel evangelistic Christ-centered aspect, and theological precision.
32. Lloyd-Jones’ Passion: He appreciates Lloyd-Jones for his passion and unique style of preaching.

Preaching Style and Philosophy

Lawson's commitment to expository preaching has shaped his ministry and teaching.

33. Preaching Style: Lawson emphasizes the importance of expository preaching, involving thorough explanation and application of Scripture.
34. Global Impact: His ministry has impacted numerous countries and churches, spreading the message of biblical exposition.
35. Educational Contributions: As a Professor of Preaching, Lawson has contributed significantly to the education of future pastors and preachers.

Publications and Resources

Lawson's work with Expositor Magazine and his books provide valuable resources for many.

36. Magazine Quality Publications: Expositor Magazine is published on luxury magazine-quality paper.
37. Collectible Issues: The magazine is printed with a spine, making it collectible and a valuable resource for preachers and students.

Legacy and Influence

Despite recent challenges, Lawson's legacy in ministry continues to be felt.

38. Historical Preaching Influence: His preaching style is influenced by historical preachers like Jonathan Edwards and John Calvin.
39. Personal Reflections: In interviews, Lawson shares insights from his experiences as a pastor and preacher.
40. Community Engagement: Through his ministry, Lawson has engaged with various communities, hosting Bible studies and conferences.

Steve Lawson's Impact and Challenges

Steve Lawson's journey in ministry has been marked by dedication to expository preaching, teaching, and writing. With over 40 years of pastoral experience, he has influenced countless lives through his sermons, books, and teachings. Founding OnePassion Ministries and serving as a Teaching Fellow at Ligonier Ministries and Professor of Preaching at The Master’s Seminary, Lawson's contributions have been significant.

However, recent events have cast a shadow over his legacy. His removal from Trinity Bible Church and resignation from OnePassion Ministries due to an inappropriate relationship have led to a reevaluation of his role in the evangelical community. Despite these challenges, the church and ministry remain committed to supporting him as he seeks repentance.

Lawson's story serves as a reminder of the importance of personal integrity in ministry. His impact, both positive and negative, will continue to be felt in the evangelical world.