The son of a Texas megachurch pastor, who recently resigned due to unspecified “sin,” has addressed his father’s decision to step down, emphasizing that his family knew “no more, no less” about the matter than the congregation.
Dr. Tony Evans, 74, the founder of the 10,000-member Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in South Dallas, unexpectedly announced his departure, admitting to a sin committed “a number of years ago.” Despite this revelation, details about the nature of the sin remain scarce.
His 42-year-old son, Rev. Jonathan Evans, spoke to the congregation on Father’s Day, clarifying that he had no prior knowledge of his father’s transgression.
“Three days before my dad called the family, I was doing a Bible study in Psalm 46,” Jonathan Evans said, according to EEW Magazine. “Little did I know that three days later, my dad would call us and tell us the exact same thing he told you—no more, no less.”
The former Dallas Cowboys fullback-turned-associate pastor recounted that his father then asked him to preach on Father’s Day. “Then, on Monday, he said, ‘Hey, I need you to preach Father’s Day for me.’ I said, ‘Okay.’”
Jonathan Evans’ remarks may have reassured some church members who speculated that the family and church staff were aware of the “sin” and involved in a cover-up, according to the magazine.
During his sermon, Jonathan Evans referred to 2 Corinthians, stating, “I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell on me.” He added, “You have to be willing to boast about your weakness. That’s why my father is still teaching me, who can get up and say, ‘Hey, I’m going to take time for spiritual restoration and be restored, because I fell short.’ That’s a hard thing to do because people don’t like talking about weaknesses. They only like talking about strengths.” The audience responded with applause.
Jonathan Evans also urged the congregation not to worry about his father’s departure. “We’re praying. But I know God’s going to work it out, so we’re going to keep going. We’re going to do what God has called us to do. We’re going to celebrate on the return. We already won,” he said.
His sermon came a few weeks after his father’s resignation. Tony Evans released a statement on June 9, citing a vague confession as the reason for stepping down. He explained that the ministry he founded adheres to “the absolute supreme standard of truth to which we are to conform our lives,” and when that standard is not met due to sin, repentance and restoration are necessary. “A number of years ago, I fell short of that standard,” Dr. Evans wrote.
He further clarified, “While I have committed no crime, I did not use righteous judgment in my actions.”
In light of his resignation, organizers canceled a planned cruise featuring Tony Evans and two of his adult children. The cruise, which started at $1,198 per person, was scheduled from November 9-16 for the Mexican Riviera, according to EEW Magazine.
