FILE -- Dr. Tony Evans, a well-known evangelical pastor in Texas, has stepped down from a leadership position at his church. (christinlola via Canva)
Dallas
A longtime pastor in Texas is stepping down from his leadership role at his church.
After 48 years, Dr. Tony Evans of the Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church announced to his congregation that he was stepping away from his pastoral duties due to sin.
“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 shared in a statement over last weekend. “When we fall short of that standard due to sin, we are required to repent and restore our relationship with God.”
Evans continued, “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.”
Evans said he has “committed no crime,” but “did not use righteous judgment in my actions.”
According to Evans, he has shared the news with his family and other church leaders.
Bobby Gibson, a fellow pastor at the church, and church elders are expected to provide more information regarding the ministry moving forward.
“During this season, I will be a worshiper like you and look forward to seeing all that God is going to continue doing to make his name great,” Evans said. “I’m trusting God to walk me through this valley.”
Evans thanked everyone for their support and blessings as he was able to grow his congregation from a group of 10 to where it is today with more than 10,000 members.
“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,” Evans wrote.