Dr. Tony Evans, a prominent figure in the evangelical community and the lead pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church in Dallas, Texas, has stepped down from his position after nearly 50 years of service.
The 74-year-old pastor made the announcement on Sunday, June 9, citing a mysterious "sin" he committed "a number of years ago."
In a statement released on the church's website, Evans expressed his commitment to the Word of God as the absolute standard of truth and acknowledged that he had fallen short of this standard due to sin. "I am, therefore, required to apply the same biblical standard of repentance and restoration to myself that I have applied to others," Evans wrote.
Although Evans clarified that he "committed no crime," he admitted that he "did not use righteous judgment in my actions." As a result, he has decided to step away from his pastoral duties and submit to a healing and restoration process established by the church's elders.
The church's elder board emphasized their obligation to govern the church in accordance with the scriptures and stated that when any elder or pastor falls short of the high standards of scripture, the elders are responsible for providing accountability and maintaining integrity in the church.
Evans urged his congregation to continue without him, as Associate Pastor Bobby Gibson will guide the church forward during this time. He emphasized the importance of the ministry's vibrancy and reminded his followers that they serve the Lord Jesus Christ, not a man.
The details of the sin that prompted Evans to resign from his tenured position were not disclosed. However, Evans intends to continue worshiping at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship during the restoration process.
Longtime church member James Harris Jr. expressed shock over the pastor's abrupt resignation, describing Evans as a "staple in the community" and one of the most well-known pastors in the nation.
Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship was founded by Evans in 1976 as a Bible study group and has since grown to over 10,000 members and 100 different ministries.
Evans is also the author of several bestselling worship books and hosts the daily, worldwide radio show The Alternative, which airs in over 130 countries. It remains unclear whether he will be stepping away from these duties as well.
