What has driven Dr. Tony Evans’s decision to step down from ministry due to an unspecified sin committed years ago? The lack of details in his statement impacts ministry followers, leaving many confused.

BY CARRIE WALKER // EEW MAGAZINE ONLINE

The faith community was left bewildered when Dr. Tony Evans, a stalwart figure among pastors, announced he is stepping back from ministry due to an unspecified sin he committed years ago.

The lack of clarity in his statement—and the church’s—has sown confusion among his followers and supporters, leaving many to wonder about the specifics and timing of this revelation.

In his personal statement, neither the nature of the sin nor the timeline of the incident is disclosed, raising questions about the motivations behind his sudden departure.

Dr. Evans, known for his stable and scandal-free leadership, has always been a trusted voice in Christendom, particularly among African American pastors. Unlike others who frequently find themselves embroiled in controversy, Dr. Evans has maintained a reputation for integrity and scriptural fidelity.

“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 stated in his June 9 announcement to Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, which was posted on the church's 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, required to apply the same biblical standard of repentance and restoration to myself that I have applied to others.”

Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship was launched on June 6, 1976 with ten members, holding worship services in the home of Pastor Tony and Lois Evans. The ministry has flourished and grown to thousands. (EEW Magazine)

Though his actions remain undefined, Evans, 74, emphasized they were not criminal. “While I have committed no crime, I did not use righteous judgment in my actions,” he added. “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, the founder of the Christian Bible teaching ministry The Urban Alternative, has led the congregation for nearly 50 years and is widely known for his radio broadcast, "The Alternative with Tony Evans," which is aired nationally. His non-specific confession has left many speculating about the gravity of his actions.

What could be so severe that it necessitates stepping down from ministerial duties now? Will there be further disclosures, or is a forthcoming exposé being preempted by this statement?

This ambiguity only adds to the confusion. If Dr. Evans is attempting to adhere to the principles of James 5:16—“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed”—his vague confession falls short. By not providing specifics, he leaves room for dangerous speculation and misinterpretation, potentially leading the public to create its own narrative.

A supplementary statement from the church indicated that Evans made the announcement about stepping away during both of the congregation’s services on Sunday.

“This difficult decision was made after tremendous prayer and multiple meetings with Dr. Evans and the church elders,” the statement read. “The elder board is obligated to govern the church in accordance with the Scriptures. 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 also mentioned that lead associate pastor Bobby Gibson and the church’s elders would provide more details about future leadership plans. Evans noted that he had shared this development with his family and church elders, who “have lovingly placed their arms of grace around me.”

Evans’s wife of 49 years, Lois, passed away in 2019. He remarried in November, with the church introducing his new wife, Carla Crummie, as “Mrs. Carla Evans” in December.

Tony Evans, the first African American to have both a study Bible and a full Bible commentary bearing his name, has consistently encouraged leaders to practice what they preach. In a previous sermon titled “How to Turn from Sin and Back Towards God,” Evans elaborated on his views on sin and repentance.

“Whenever we violate, transgress the standard of God, God says that’s sin,” he explained. “The Bible describes God as perfect and righteous in all of His ways. He is a perfect being. In the same way that you don’t like trash or garbage, God doesn’t like sin, because of His nature.”

Discussing repentance, Evans stated, “Repentance is the internal resolve and determination to turn from your sin. Without that internal resolve and determination, thus no real repentance, then you and your consequences must learn to live together the best way you can, because you are stuck with them.”

He added, “If God says it’s a sin, don’t call it a bad habit. If God says it’s a sin, don’t call it a mistake. If God calls it a sin, don’t just say, ‘I’m only human.’ You must call it what God calls it in order for God to address it and to repair the relationship.”

While the specifics of his sin remain unknown, it is clear that Evans and his leadership team are taking what they believe to be the necessary steps to address and remedy the situation.

For those feeling disappointed by this latest turn of events in his ministry, Evans offered reassurance in his statement: “Remember, you serve the Lord Jesus Christ, not a man.”