Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

Home
Evangelical
Religion News
A Wage of Sin: Dr. Tony Evans Steps Away from Pulpit

A Wage of Sin: Dr. Tony Evans Steps Away from Pulpit

Last updated on: June 14, 2024 at 10:14 am by Shawn Paul Wood

0 Comments

A Wage of Sin: Dr. Tony Evans Steps Away from Pulpit 2024-06-14T10:14:06-05:00 Shawn Paul Wood

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

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

Dr. Tony Evans, founder and pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship

Dr. Tony Evans, pastor and host of “The Urban Alternative.” (Image credit: TUA via Wikimedia Commons)

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.

Want to stay in touch with the faith-based issues that affect us close to home? Subscribe to our free newsletter and never miss what’s said about the Church and how Christians should talk back.

General Christian

About Shawn Paul Wood

Shawn Paul Wood, Th.D., is an award-winning copywriter, contributor, and content strategist, and ghostwriter of several faith-based articles, speeches, columns, and books who has worked for some of the most admirable brands in their respective industries for over 20 years. As Founder of Woodworks Communications, with a master’s and doctorate in Theology, he leads teams of content strategists and marketing professionals to expand the brands of corporate leaders, serial entrepreneurs, and respected ministers of the Gospel. Before working with global communications agencies, he was a media relations director and communications executive for noted leaders, such as Abide, D/FW International Airport, UNCF, Mannatech, Christians United for Israel, Avocados from Mexico, U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, Darden, and Bishop T.D. Jakes. He aims to help others develop self-discovery through stories and the written word to proclaim the Word to the world. For more information or help telling your story, visit WoodworksCommunications.com. You can read more about the author here.

Previous Post

June 5, 2024

Mark Driscoll is Praying for Rapture Before Election Day

Next Post

June 14, 2024 Inside Out 2 Strikes an Emotional and Spiritual Balance

What does the word Genesis mean?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Beginning History Creation Law