A pastor in Texas is leaving his congregation after nearly 50 years over a mysterious ‘sin’ he committed a ‘number of years ago.’
Dr. Tony Evans, 74, resigned as the lead pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church in Dallas on Sunday, breaking the news to his followers in a statement on the church’s website.
HIS OFFICIAL STATEMENT
‘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,’ Evans wrote in his statement.
WHY HE IS CALLING IT ‘QUITS’
‘A number of years ago, I fell short of that standard,’ Evans said. ‘I am, therefore, required to apply the same biblical standard of repentance and restoration to myself that I have applied to others.’
Evans, the former chaplain for both the Dallas Cowboys and the Mavericks, stated he ‘committed no crime’ but ‘did not use righteous judgment in my actions.’
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‘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 wrote.
‘This will afford me a needed time of spiritual recovery and healing.’
The ‘elder board’ of his ministry said they are ‘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 church’s statement read.
HE REMAINS A WORSHIPPER
Evans says he intends to continue to worship at Oak Cliff during the process.
Evans is the author of several bestselling worship books, hosts the daily, worldwide radio show The Alternative, which airs in over 130 countries.
