Tony Evans Steps Away from Ministry He cites an old Sin

Tony Evans, the longtime leader of a Dallas megachurch and best-selling author, has announced that he is stepping back from his ministry due to sin he committed years ago.

Adelle M. Banks – Religion News Service4-4 minutes 10/06/2024

“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 declared in an June 9 announcement for his Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship church which was published on their website.

“When we do not meet the standard due to our iniquity, we are obligated to repent and rebuild relationships with God. Some time ago I failed to meet the standard. I am therefore obliged to follow the same biblical standards of repentance, and restoration to myself as I have applied to other people.”

Evans who is 74, was not clear about his actions, but he said that they were not illegal.

“While I have committed no crime, I did not use righteous judgment in my actions,” said the pastor. “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.”

Evans is the Founder of The Urban Alternative, the Christian Bible teaching ministry The Urban Alternative has been the leader of the congregation for over 40 years. He also has an audio broadcast, The Alternative with Tony Evans, that is broadcast by hundreds of radio stations all over the world.

A second statement posted that was posted on the official website for the predominantly Black nondenominational church stated that Evans announced his decision of taking a break from his primary pastoral duties in both services of the congregation on Sunday.

“This difficult decision was made after tremendous prayer and multiple meetings with Dr. Evans and the church elders,” the second statement states. “The elder board is required to oversee the church according to the Scriptures. The Rev. Dr. Evans and the elders recognize that when an pastor or elder falls short of the highest standards set by Scripture the elders are accountable for ensuring accountability and maintaining integrity within the congregation.”

The second statement stated that the associate pastor in charge of the fellowship Bobby Gibson and the church’s elders will give more information on the next steps regarding interim leadership.

Evans stated in his statement that he’d discussed this information with his family as well as church leaders who have, he added “have lovingly placed their arms of grace around me.”

The wife of Evans for nearly 49 years Lois was pronounced dead in the year. He married again in November as well as the Church declared his wedding to ex-wife Carla Crummie in December, she was christened “Mrs. Carla Evans.”

Tony Evans, the first African American to have both the study Bible as well as a complete Bible commentary that bears the name of his father, has urged other people to take responsibility.

In 2021, during an interview on Religion News Service, he talked about the way He ” corrected” gospel singer Kirk Franklin, who then apologized for an audio laced with obscenity which had been released by the singer’s eldest son following an disagreement.

Evans stated at the moment that Franklin “was confronted and corrected for it. This is one of the aspects of accountability that every human being needs in his daily life.”

The pastor then informed his congregation that he was going through a process that will be “spiritual recovery and healing.”

“During this season, I will be a worshiper like you,” said the man. “I have never loved you more than I love you right now, and I’m trusting God to walk me through this valley.”