Dr. Tony Evans, acclaimed men’s leader and esteemed pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, advised he is stepping down from his pulpit because of an “unnamed sin.”
The shocking news was posted Sunday on the church’s website, following a grueling decision from Evans and the elders of his church. At both Sunday, June 9 services, Dr. Evans addressed the congregation saying that he has “committed no crime,” but “did not use righteous judgement in [his] actions.”
In his official statement, Tony Evans, 74, continued discussing his thoughts looking back on the near half-century of serving as pastor.
“The foundation of our ministry has always been our commitment to the Word of God as the absolute supreme standard of truth to which we are to conform our lives. When we fall short of that standard due to sin, we are required to repent and restore our relationship with God,” he said.
Although the repentant statement shares humility, remorse, and grief, the reason behind the statement still remains a mystery to the millions of people who have been touched by his ministry.
Dr. Tony Evans: Falling Short, Standing Tall
The decision for Dr. Evans to walk away from the church and ministry he established 48 years ago was “made after tremendous prayer and [following] mulitple meetings” between church elders and key members of the Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship pastoral team.
The “unnamed sin,” while causing national speculation, happened “a number of years ago,” according to Evans’ statement. Following the admission of “falling short” of God’s standard, Dr. Evans applied that same sacred filter to his life and those of his family and friends.
“I have shared this with my wife, my children, and our church elders, and they have lovingly placed their arms of grace around me. While I have committed no crime, I did not use righteous judgment in my actions. In light of this, I am stepping away from my pastoral duties and am submitting to a healing and restoration process established by the elders. This will afford me a needed time of spiritual recovery and healing.”
Dr. Tony Evans lost his first wife of over 40 years, Lois, in 2019 following a difficult and well-documented fight with gallbladder cancer. She was 70. Their four children–Chrystal Hurst, Jonathan Evans, Anthony Evans, Jr., and national evangelist Priscilla Shirer–have not spoken about this decision and are reported to be with him during this time.
Pastor Bobby Gibson will now lead the church Evans began in 1976.
“We serve a God that is merciful to forgive and gracious to restore,” the website reads. “In the days ahead, Pastor Bobby Gibson and the elders will provide more information regarding interim leadership and the next steps for the future of our church.”
Evans created a legacy of respect and admiration. He was the first Black person to earn a doctorate from Dallas Theological Seminary, created by Dr. W.A. Criswell, the founding pastor of First Baptist Dallas. From 1976 to today, he speaks to people globally and has established over 100 ministries, including his televised staple, “The Urban Alternative.”
His new wife in November 2023, Carla Evans (née Crummie), stands by his side, as does his church that still features Dr. Evans throughout its online properties.
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