Popular pastor Tony Evans announced that he is stepping away from his ministry because of a sin he committed years ago. Metro Voice reported the news earlier this week in a breaking news brief.
“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 posted on the Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship 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.”
Evans, 74, was not specific about his actions but said they were not criminal.
“While I have committed no crime, I did not use righteous judgment in my actions,” he said. “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 Bible teaching ministry The Urban Alternative, has led the congregation for more than 40 years and has a radio broadcast, The Alternative with Tony Evans, is carried on hundreds of radio outlets across the globe. He was also a popular speaker at Promise Keepers events.
An additional statement on the website of the predominantly black nondenominational church said Evans made the announcement about stepping away from his senior pastoral duties 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 said. “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 second statement said Pastor Bobby Gibson, lead associate pastor of fellowship, and the church’s elders will provide more details about future steps concerning interim leadership. Evans noted in his statement that he had shared this development with his family and church elders who, he said, “have lovingly placed their arms of grace around me.”
Evans is the latest Christian leader to step down over current or past issues. The recent scandal around International House of Prayer founder Mike Bickle led to the dissolution of the church associated with the ministry after his firing. He admitted to sexual sin and a lawsuit over the allegations is proceeding.
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice
