Nomads

Scandal

Several weeks ago it was revealed that Dr. Steve Lawson, a well known preacher in reformed baptist and presbyterian circles was being relieved of his “ministry activities” at the church where he was regularly speaking because of an inappropriate relationship with a woman who was not his wife. Now that was a bombshell for many because Dr. Lawson has always preached and taught a very conservative and orthodox brand of Christianity. But, of course, anyone can sin and anyone could prove to be a hypocrite. So I think most people assumed that Lawson simply fell into this sin. I did see some discussion around his schedule and his practice of often traveling alone. Many people seemed to think that better accountability practices might have kept this fall from happening.

But just this past week some new information has been reported that could shed light on how this happened. But even more interesting for all of us is the lesson of the importance of covenant relationships found in this unfortunate tale. We should not concern ourselves with sordid or unnecessary details about the things that happened simply to entertain our selfish imaginations. However, in this situation, we should seek to learn the cautionary tale that could save both ourselves and those near us enormous pain and hardship.

So what is the new information that has been reported? It is that Dr. Steve Lawson was not a pastor. Claims were also made that he was not even a church member but Dr. Josh Buice of G3 ministries issued a statement confirming that Steve Lawson and his wife were members of Trinity Bible Church (G3 statement). If you notice the language I used in the opening paragraph it sounds like a strange way to say those things. He was relieved of his “ministry activities” as opposed to being removed from his role as a pastor or elder because he was not a pastor or elder. I referenced the church as being where he was “regularly speaking” because he was essentially the weekly guest preacher, not one of the men pastoring that congregation. 

One other thing about this situation is that Dr. Lawson seems to have not wanted to be a pastor. He wanted to just be a guest preacher and teacher. Dr. Lawson held a teaching fellowship with Ligonier, was a professor with the Master’s Seminary, and a speaker with G3 ministries, as well as his own One Passion ministries. The problem in all of this is that without covenant commitment to pastor the local congregation, all of these ministries simply become opportunities for Lawson to preach and teach but without the responsibility and accountability of the church.

Seduction

Many of you reading this may not understand why this would have been so tempting for a person who felt called to ministry, so let me give you an analogy that may be more broadly relevant. Have you ever thought about what it would be like to live the van life? By van life I’m referring to a subculture of people who mostly derive their income from working online so they can work from anywhere that they can get a reliable signal. These people live in a modified van. This of course requires very intentional minimizing of possessions. Just imagine all the advantages! You could travel and see new places. You could just up and go where the weather was warmer in the winter or cooler in the summer. You wouldn’t have many of the normal expenses of life such as a mortgage, water bill, or electric bill. You could basically live your life on a contentious and epic vacation! 

Sounds great, well maybe. Some of you have already started mentally noting the problems. You don’t have a house payment but you may have a hefty car payment especially if you bought a newer van with all the additions that would make living in the van more appealing. Also after a while even if it's just one person or a couple that van might begin to feel quite small. You don't have the normal chores that come with a home or apartment but instead you have the ones that come with a camper and the chores you still must do such as laundry and bathing become more complicated. 

My point is not that it’s all bad but what could begin with seeming like an escape from the tedious and mundane could become its own kind of trap. The worst and most subtle danger of van life would be loneliness and isolation. Nomadic life sings the song of freedom but it also frees you of the bonds of covenantal connection and fondness cultivated through real fellowship.

As a teacher who does get the opportunity to teach regularly to those outside of our own local assembly I will admit that it is easier than the work of pastoring our own congregation. When my only responsibility is to show up and teach the Bible I am unburdened of the responsibility for other things that take place in these ministries. 

This type of arrangement also tends to shield a person from criticism. This is because when pastoring and leading a church people are being affected in a more profound way by both the teaching and the decisions that we are making. When a person is basically an itinerant preacher or teacher they can just ignore what I have to say if they don’t agree. The point is that there is simply less investment from both the teacher and the students. It’s kind of like watching a ball game between two teams that you do not follow. You may enjoy the game and the skill but you don’t have the thrill as if one of the teams was your favorite.

Society

Sometimes it can be tempting to just want to escape the challenges and stresses of social media, small town drama, or even family strife, but we must guard ourselves from the danger of isolationism. We need community! The Scripture is clear that it is not good for man to be alone (Genesis 2:18-25). We are made by God to be communal beings. Living is not simply a luxury but a necessity. We are stronger and better when we are in likeminded, loving, and committed relationships with other image bearers of God (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

This importance is especially true in the church. The word that we translate as church in the Bible means assembly. The communal nature of our calling as those with a personal faith in Jesus Christ is essential to the Bible definition of our Christian faith (Ephesians 4:1-16).

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