Pastor Tony Evans resigns from Oak Cliff Bible Church after 48 years, citing 'sin'

 Pastor Tony Evans resigns from Oak Cliff Bible Church after 48 years, citing 'sin'

After 48 years and countless worship services, Dr. Tony Evans of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church in South Dallas announced on Sunday that he is stepping down from his pastoral duties.

Dr. Evans, the first Black person to earn a doctorate in theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, founded Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in 1976 with his friend Rev. Crawford Loritts. Initially, the church had only 10 members and held services in Evans's home with his late wife, Lois. Since then, it has grown to over 10,000 congregants and more than 100 ministries.

“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,” Evans said in a statement. “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.”

Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship officials stated that the decision came after much prayer and several meetings with Dr. Evans and the church elders. "The elder board is committed to leading the church in line with the teachings of the scriptures," the church stated.

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"Dr. Evans and the elders agree that it's the elders' responsibility to hold any elder or pastor accountable if they don't meet the high standards of the scripture and to ensure that the church maintains its integrity."

Evans mentioned that Pastor Bobby Gibson and the elders will provide more information regarding interim leadership and the next steps for the future of the church.