Renowned Evangelical Pastor Tony Evans Steps Down Due to Undisclosed Sin

Dr. Tony Evans, center, has announced he's stepping down from the Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church, an organization he founded in 1976

After 48 years of preaching, Dr. Tony Evans, a prominent evangelical pastor, is stepping away from his role as senior pastor at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church in Dallas. The decision stems from an undisclosed sin he committed, as revealed in a written statement to his congregation.

Surrounded by their children, Jonathan Evans, left, Priscilla Shirer, back center, and Anthony Evans, Lois and Tony Evans listen to their daughter, Chrystal Evans Hurst, right, talk during OCBF's 40th Anniversary Gala at Omni Dallas Hotel on May 19, 2016.

In his message, Evans emphasized his commitment to the Word of God as the standard of truth and acknowledged falling short of that standard due to sin. While he clarified that the sin was not a criminal offense, he admitted to lacking righteous judgment in his actions. Evans did not specify whether he plans to return to the pulpit after undergoing a healing and restoration process overseen by church elders.

The auditorium where Evans delivered his passionate sermons to hundreds of congregants

The announcement came shortly after Evans shared a sermon clip urging Christians to rely solely on Jesus Christ for victory in life. His ministry, which began in 1976 with a small bible study group, has since grown to encompass over 10,000 members and numerous ministries targeting different demographics.

Evans is also known for his daily radio show, 'The Alternative,' broadcasted on over 1,400 stations worldwide. It remains unclear whether he will continue hosting the show amid his stepping down from pastoral duties.

President George W. Bush listens to applause with Pastor Tony Evans at the dedication of the Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship's Youth Education Center, October 29, 2003 in Dallas, Texas

The decision was made after extensive prayer and discussions with church elders, according to a statement from Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church. Bobby Gibson, another pastor at the church, will provide further details on the future of church leadership in the coming days.

Evans has previously garnered attention for his outspoken views, including his criticism of then-President Barack Obama's support for gay marriage in 2012.

Tony Evans, pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship church, preaches on March 31, 2018, in Dallas.