DALLAS — Tony Evans, who has served as the senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church for nearly 50 years, announced at services on Sunday he would be stepping away from his duties.
In a statement, the church said this decision was made after multiple meetings between Evans and the church elders.
"The elder board is obligated to govern the church in accordance with the scriptures," the statement reads. "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."
In a written statement to the church, Evans said the foundation of the church has been its commitment to the word of God as the absolute supreme standard of truth to which they are to conform their lives.
"When we fall short of that standard due to sin, we are required to repent and restore our relationship with God," Evans wrote. "A number of years ago, I fell short of that standard."
Evans said that, while he hadn't committed any crime, he hadn't used righteous judgment in his actions.
Evans added that Pastor Bobby Gibson and church leadership would keep its members informed on how things will continue moving forward.
"I have never loved you more than I love you right now, and I’m trusting God to walk me through this valley," Evans concluded. "Thank you for your love, prayers, support, and forgiveness as I continue my spiritual healing journey."
Evans resignation has community members questioning what the longtime pastor did.
Just minutes up the street from the megachurch is Brown's Barber Shop, where Andre Sewell has cut hair for the last three years. He read the news hours before he got to work and it sparked confusion in his mind.
"Everybody is wondering what did he do," Sewell said.
Sewell says he thinks Evans did the right thing in stepping down. However, he believes Evans should tell his congregation what happened.
"I think that's going to be the most responsible thing for him to do," he said.