Texas Evangelical Pastor Dr. Tony Evans Steps Down Due to ‘Sin’ – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

After 48 years and many services, Dr. Tony Evans of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church in South Dallas announced to his congregation on Sunday that he was stepping away from pastoral duties.

Dr. Evans, the first black person to earn a doctorate in divinity from Dallas Theological Seminary, founded Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in 1976 with his friend, the Rev. Crawford Loritts.

At the time, they had only 10 members and held services at Evans’ home with his late wife, Lois. Since then, the church has gathered over 10,000 believers and has over 100 ministries.

“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,” Evans said 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.”

Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship officials said they made the difficult decision after much prayer and several meetings with Dr. Evans and church elders.

“The board of elders is committed to governing the church according to the teachings of the scriptures,” the church said.

“Dr. Evans and the elders agree that it is the responsibility of the elders to hold each elder or pastor accountable if he fails to meet high scriptural standards and to ensure that the Church maintains its integrity.”

Evans said Pastor Bobby Gibson and the elders will provide more information in the future about interim leadership and next steps for the future of their church.

READ Dr. EVANS’ STATEMENT TO THE CHURCH