Dr. Tony Evans, 74, has resigned from his position as lead pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church in Dallas after nearly five decades of service. On Sunday, June 9, Evans announced his decision in a statement on the church's website, revealing he had committed a "sin" years ago.
“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,” Evans wrote.
Evans, who also served as chaplain for the Dallas Cowboys and the Mavericks, clarified that while he "committed no crime," he did not exercise righteous judgment in his actions. “I am, therefore, required to apply the same biblical standard of repentance and restoration to myself that I have applied to others.”
He announced he would step away from his pastoral duties to undergo a healing and restoration process established by the church elders. “This will afford me a needed time of spiritual recovery and healing,” Evans explained.
The church's elder board emphasized their commitment to maintaining integrity, stating, “When any elder or pastor falls short of the high standards of scripture, the elders are responsible for providing accountability.”
During Evans' absence, Associate Pastor Bobby Gibson will lead the congregation. Evans urged church members to continue their commitment to the ministry, stating, “Remember, you serve the Lord Jesus Christ, not a man.”
Although details of the "sin" were not disclosed, Evans intends to continue worshiping at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship during his recovery.
Longtime church member James Harris Jr. expressed shock at the news, telling CBS News, “He’s a staple in the community. I think he is one of the most known pastors in the nation.”
Founded by Evans in 1976 as a Bible study group, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship has grown to over 10,000 members and 100 ministries. Evans, a bestselling author and host of the daily radio show “The Alternative,” did not indicate whether he would step down from his broadcasting duties
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