The faithful at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church are confident that their senior pastor, Tony Evans, will return strengthened to the evangelical ministry he led for 48 years.
On Sunday, June 16, hundreds of people attended worship service at the church, located at 1660 Camp Wisdom Road in Dallas, waiting for more news about the congregation’s future after Evans announced he was stepping down from his role.
“He will come back, I’m sure,” said Mary Smith, member of the church for more than 20 years. “I don’t think a lot of people is capable of this, of stepping back and trying to make it right. Many people talk about doing the right thing, but they don’t do it, and he is doing it.”
Evans, who helped found the church in 1976, announced to his congregation June 9 that he was stepping down from his pastoral duties “due to sin” and for a “healing and restoration process.”
“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,” wrote the leader in a statement. “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.”
His church members are confident that Evans made a decision that is worthy of a true leader.
“Him stepping down is right for biblical standards,” said Natalie Rodriguez, a church visitor for a few years. “It’s a good sign that someone so theologically smart would live through the standards he is preaching and submitting to the Lord.”
The mood among those attending Sunday’s service was one of anticipation. People wanted to hear more about the next steps and be assured that the church’s work would continue as normal.
“I’m looking forward to knowing what is next. I am just trying to be open-minded and not being defensive,” said Shawna Flaherty, a four-year church member. “Whatever happened, I respect all of them [the elders of the church], and I know if there’s something serious going on, it is taken seriously.”
Those attending the service acknowledged that this is a rough patch for the congregation and agreed it sets a precedent of trust in their church authorities, as it speaks to the integrity of Evans’ leadership.
“He is a great pastor, and I think this is a great sign of spiritual maturity to be humble enough to step down and rectify his path; we have all made mistakes,” said Ed McGlue, a congregant for four years. “I think the church will emerge more united and strong from this.”
In a statement read during Sunday’s worship service by Pastor Bobby Gibson, church elders acknowledged that this is a challenging time but said they are prepared to lead their church.
“We understand that many of you are stunned, confused, and even uncertain about the direction of our church in light of recent events,” read Gibson. “Please rest assured that we are prayerfully and diligently working to provide you with the necessary spiritual and practical support, guidance, and healing as we move forward.”
Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church began in 1976 with 10 members and today has more than 10,000, according to the church’s own records. It has more than 100 ministries.
