Senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas steps down ‘due to sin’

Tony Evans, one of the founding pastors of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church in Dallas, announced to the congregation on June 9, 2024, that he was stepping away from his pastoral duties in favor of a “process of healing and renewal.”

“The foundation of our ministry has always been our commitment to the Word of God as the absolute highest standard of truth to which we are to conform our lives,” the leader of the 10,000-member church wrote in a statement. “When we fall short of this standard because of sin, we must repent and renew our relationship with God. A few years ago I didn’t live up to that standard. Therefore, I must apply to myself the same biblical standard of repentance and restoration that I have applied to others.”

Evans and his friend, the Rev. Crawford Loritts, rented the church in 1976, with 10 members and worshiping in the home of Evans and his late wife, Lois.

In a statement, Evans said he shared the news of his resignation with his family and church elders.

“Although I committed no crime, I did not exercise fair judgment in my actions,” he wrote. “In light of this, I am stepping away from my pastoral responsibilities and committing myself to the process of healing and renewal established by the elders. This will provide me with the necessary time for spiritual regeneration and healing. During this time, it is critical that OCBF’s service continues as vigorously as ever.”

He said Associate Pastor Bobby Gibson and church leaders will keep worshipers updated on the church’s next steps.