Tony Evans ‘fell short,’ steps down from pastoral duties

  |  Source: Baptist Press

Senior Pastor Tony Evans announced he has stepped away from his staff role at Oak Cliff Bible Church in Dallas due to falling “short of the high standards of scripture.” (BP File Photo)

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DALLAS (BP)—In a statement posted on the Oak Cliff Bible Church website, Senior Pastor Tony Evans announced he has stepped away from his staff role at the church due to falling “short of the high standards of scripture.”

Leaders of the Dallas church stated the “difficult decision” was made with tremendous prayer and after multiple meetings with Evans and church elders.

“The elder board is obligated to govern the church in accordance with the scriptures,” said a statement on the church’s website. “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.”

Pastor Tony Evans preached at the National African American Fellowship’s June 12, 2022, worship service at Friendship Baptist Church in Yorba Linda, Calif. (BP Photo by Sonya Singh)

Evans, who has served at the church for 48 years, wrote a letter to members stating the reason for the decision happened “a number of years ago.”

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

“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. I have shared this with my wife, my children, and our church elders, and they have lovingly placed their arms of grace around me.”

Further details related to the case were not released. Evans says he intends to continue to worship at Oak Cliff during the process.

“I have never loved you more than I love you right now, and I’m trusting God to walk me through this valley. Thank you for your love, prayers, support, and forgiveness as I continue my spiritual healing journey,” Evans said. “As we walk this journey together, keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.”


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