Regarding how the restoration process and transition out of church leadership has been for him, Evans said it has been “bittersweet” and painful, but he has sought God through it. He said that it is important for him not to resume church leadership because he needs to submit to the same discipline requirements that any member does.
That decision has been easier, said Evans to his son, “knowing that there was not just going to be an empty seat but a new chair, and [knowing] that you would be sitting in it made losing my chair durable, manageable, because I know who’s in that chair.”
“The most important and hardest” part of Evans’ experience “was disappointing the Lord,” followed by disappointing his family and disappointing his church family.
“Then you add to that what was happening on social media,” Evans said, “many things that were not true being said. The way they beat up on my wife, who knew nothing about any of this, and then the way they came after my children and then came after the Lord.” He described the experience as “overwhelming.”
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Evans nevertheless encouraged anyone listening who might be in the position he was in to surrender instead of hesitating out of fear because it is through surrender that people receive healing.
Evans thanked his wife, Carla, for her faithful support of him during the restoration process, especially when she had no idea that she would be facing what she went through. “She had nothing to do with any of this,” he said. Evans apologized to her for the pain he had brought her and also apologized to his four children, his 13 grandchildren, and his five great-grandchildren.
Evans said he was “so proud” of Jonathan and grateful for the elders. Evans also apologized to the congregation and to the deacons, deaconesses, and ministers. “I’m sorry for any inconvenience or hurt that I brought to you in this process,” he said. “But I’m thankful that you have followed the teaching that the church is not about a man. It’s about Jesus Christ.”
