Tony Evans Steps Down from Ministry, Citing Past Sin

Tony Evans, the longtime leader of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas and a best-selling author, has announced his decision to step back from his ministry due to a sin he committed years ago.

In a statement posted on the church’s website on June 9, Evans, 74, explained his decision.

“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. A number of years ago, I fell short of that standard. I am, therefore, required to apply the same biblical standard of repentance and restoration to myself that I have applied to others.”

Evans emphasized that his actions were not criminal but acknowledged that he did not use righteous judgment.

Evans stated that he is stepping away from his pastoral duties to undergo a healing and restoration process established by the church elders.

“While I have committed no crime, I did not use righteous judgment in my actions,” he said. “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.”

The predominantly Black nondenominational church released an additional statement, noting that Evans announced his decision during both of the congregation’s services on Sunday.

“This difficult decision was made after tremendous prayer and multiple meetings with Dr. Evans and the church elders,” the statement reads.

“The elder board is obligated to govern the church in accordance with the Scriptures. Dr. Evans and the elders agree 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.”

The church’s lead associate pastor, Bobby Gibson, and the elders will provide more details about interim leadership in the coming days.

Evans shared that his family and church elders have supported him through this decision. He also reflected on his wife’s passing in 2019 and his remarriage to Carla Crummie in November 2022.

Tony Evans is notable for being the first African American to have both a study Bible and a full Bible commentary bearing his name. He has a history of calling for accountability within the church community.