Who is Tony Evans? Pastor who stepped down from church over ‘sin’ committed years ago
Evangelical radio host Tony Evans has resigned as senior pastor at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas because of an unnamed "sin."
The decision for church's founder to step down was made after "tremendous prayer and multiple meetings" with Evans and church elders, Evans wrote in a statement posted Sunday on the church's website. While he said he has "committed no crime," he "did not use righteous judgement in my actions."
"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," he said. "This will afford me a needed time of spiritual recovery and healing."
The 74-year-old Baltimore native said that he will "apply the same biblical standard of repentance and restoration to myself that I have applied to others.
Pastor Bobby Gibson and church elders are expected to share more information regarding interim leadership later this week.
Here's what we know about Tony Evans.
Evans founded church in 1976
Evans founded the Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in 1976. The Dallas church started out with just with 10 members in his home but now has over 10,000 members.
The former church leader hosts radio program, "The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans," which airs globally across more than 1,000 stations. He also previously was the chaplain for both the NBA's Dallas Mavericks and the NFL's Dallas Cowboys.
"As a pastor, teacher, author and speaker, he serves the body of Christ through his unique ability to communicate complex theological truths through simple, yet profound, illustrations," his online biography reads.
Evans has written several books, including 2019's "The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Advancing God's Kingdom." He also co-wrote a book with daughter Chrystal Hurst: "Kingdom Kindness: A Movement to Bring Calm to the Culture." His next book, titled "Kingdom Kindness: A Movement to Bring Calm to the Culture," is slated for release on July 16.
Wife Lois Evans passed away from biliary cancer
Tony Evans' first wife, Lois Evans, died on Dec. 30, 2019, at the age of 70 after battling bile duct cancer, according to the Baptist Press.
“As she slipped away, we told her how much we love her, how proud we are of her, and how thankful we are for the life she has lived," Evans said in a Facebook post. “We are what we are because of her.”
The two shared four children: Hurst, Christian musician Anthony Evans Jr., motivational speaker Jonathan Evans and actress Priscilla Shirer.
Daughter Priscilla Shirer is an author and actress
Evans' daughter Priscilla Shirer is also a best-selling author and motivational speaker.
She is the author of "Discerning the Voice of God: How to Recognize When God Speaks" and "Gideon: Your Weakness God's Strength." She is also an actor with appearances in films "Overcomer," "War Room" and "I Can Only Imagine."
The Christian media personality, with over 1.7 million Instagram followers, is married to Jerry Shirer, with whom she co-founded faith organization Going Beyond Ministries. The two have three sons.
Shirer and Hurst will present at the virtual Desperate for Jesus Women's Conference on July 26 for women.
Evans remarries new wife Carla Evans
In November 2023, Evans remarried new wife Carla Evans, formerly Carla Crummie.
Carla is an educator and volunteer with two decades of experience in early childhood education, according to her church bio. She previously served as a kindness ambassador for a Christian Bible teaching and resource ministry and is a certified life coach.
"Carla’s personal vision is centered around supporting widows and children, as well as encouraging women and pastors’ wives to fulfill their God-given roles and responsibilities with joy," the church's website states. "She now aims to help women heal, learn, serve, practice self-care and develop unshakable confidence, guided by her faith in Jesus Christ."