Recently, Pastor Tony Evans announced he would be stepping away from his pastoral leadership at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas. According to Evans, he had fallen short due to “sin” and required time to step away for “healing and restoration.”
Despite being removed from his church leadership, Evans will still headline a Christian cruise to the Mexican Riviera later this fall. The Christian ministry group The Urban Alternative, which Evans represents, is set to host the cruise from November 9 to 16.
Evans is quoted on the Inspiration Travel website, the company organizing the cruise, reads, “Throughout the cruise, we’ll experience powerful teachings, encouraging messages from Chrystal Evans Hurst and uplifting music from Anthony Evans, Jr. We will also find moments of pure relaxation as we soak in the beauty of God’s creation. We’ll visit exciting and vibrant Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta ports and take in the hospitality and elegance of the Holland America Koningsdam.”
The Christian Tribune reported on the news that Evans was stepping down from his pastorate, which has sent shockwaves through the Christian community. The elder board of Oak Cliff Fellowship released a statement on the matter, noting the integrity of the church must be maintained.
“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 board said. “We serve a God that is merciful to forgive and gracious to restore. In the days ahead, Pastor Bobby Gibson and the elders will provide more information regarding interim leadership and the next steps for the future of our church.”
Evans stated, “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. When we fall short of that standard due to sin, we are required to repent and restore our relationship with God.”
The Christian leader admitted that he “fell short” of the high standard he is called to as a Christian leaders are held to. Without specifying what the sin was, other than it was not a crime, Evans explained he had confessed it to his family and other church leaders.
“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. I have shared this with my wife, my children, and our church elders, and they have lovingly placed their arms of grace around me,” Evans said. “While I have committed no crime, I did not use righteous judgment 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.”
The pastor concluded, “I have never loved you more than I love you right now, and I’m trusting God to walk me through this valley. Thank you for your love, prayers, support, and forgiveness as I continue my spiritual healing journey. As we walk this journey together, keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.”
Featured image credit: The Urban Alternative, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tony_Evans_The_Urban_Alternative.jpg