Pastor Tony Evans stepping down because of 'previous sin'

This past Sunday a mega church in Texas announced their pastor would take some time off 'due to sin.'

On June 9, the lead pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship church in Dallas, Texas, Dr. Tony Evans shared that he would be stepping down as pastor. 

"When we fall short of that standard due to sin, we are required to repent and restore our relationship with God," says Evans in a statement. "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."

The statement as well as the message Evans provided on Sunday did not discuss the details of what the 'sin' he committed was. He also made no apologies. 

"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."

While Evans won't be behind the pulpit, he is continuing to attend the church with the congregation as Pastor Bobby Gibson takes over the lead. 

"During this season, I will be a worshiper like you and look forward to seeing all that God is going to continue doing to make his name great as we continue to build kingdom disciples, who function as kingdom servants, in order to make a kingdom impact as He advances His kingdom agenda at OCBF."

Evans was married for 49 years to his wife Lois before she passed away from cancer at the age of 70, in 2019. Lois and Evans had four children, 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A few months ago in December of 2023, Evans got remarried to a woman named Carla Crummie. 

"I have shared this with my wife, my children, and our church elders, and they have lovingly placed their arms of grace around me," says Evans in the statement.

According to the church's website, Evans served the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks as chaplain for over 30 years. He was also the former chaplain for the Dallas Cowboys.

"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," said the elders of OCBF after the service. 

Evans has been pastor of Oak Cliffe for 48 years.