Dr. Tony Evans, senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship (OCBF) in Dallas, is stepping away from his pastoral responsibilities for a period of time in order to pursue repentance and healing for sin he committed “a number of years ago.” In written comments, Evans exhorted members of his congregation to remember that they serve God, not man.
“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 linked on the OCBF website. “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,” Evans continued, “required to apply the same biblical standard of repentance and restoration to myself that I have applied to others.”
Dr. Tony Evans: ‘Keep Your Eyes on Jesus’
Dr. Tony Evans is a widely respected pastor, author and speaker. He has pastored OCBF for over 40 years, is the founder and president of The Urban Alternative, and has a radio broadcast titled, “The Alternative With Tony Evans.”
In 2019, Evans’ wife of over 50 years, Lois, passed away from gallbladder cancer. In September 2023, Evans announced his engagement to Dr. Carla Crummie, and the couple wed in November 2023.
RELATED: Dr. Tony Evans Celebrates His Marriage to New Wife Dr. Carla Crummie
A statement on the OCBF website said that at both church services on June 9 Evans announced the news he was stepping away from his duties as pastor. “This difficult decision was made after tremendous prayer and multiple meetings with Dr. Evans and the church elders,” said the church’s statement, noting that the OCBF elders have a duty to lead the church according to God’s Word. “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.”
The statement said that OCBF elders and Pastor Bobby Gibson will provide forthcoming information regarding the church’s interim leadership.
In his personal statement, Evans described his gratitude toward God for the “glorious joy and privilege” of leading OCBF for 48 years. “This journey has been filled with a multitude of joys and sorrows, successes and failures, mountains and valleys, but God has always been there to see us through,” he said, emphasizing his debt to his family and to OCBF church leaders and staff for their support.
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