‘It Was a Punch to the Gut’—Dr. Tony Evans’ Son Reflects on His Father Stepping Away From Ministry Due to Unnamed Sin

‘It Was a Punch to the Gut’—Dr. Tony Evans’ Son Reflects on His Father Stepping Away From Ministry Due to Unnamed Sin

May 7, 2025 | Dallas, TX — The Christian community continues to process the sudden and emotional announcement by Dr. Tony Evans, longtime pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, who revealed this past Sunday that he would be stepping away from his ministry due to what he described as an “unnamed sin” in his personal life. Now, in a heartfelt and candid interview, his son, Anthony Evans Jr., a well-known Christian artist and worship leader, has opened up about the emotional toll the decision has taken on their family—and on him personally.

“It was a punch to the gut,” Anthony told a packed congregation during a special family-led service on Wednesday evening. “You grow up seeing your father as a man of faith, a leader, someone you trust and believe in completely. And then to hear him say he’s stepping back—not because someone forced him, not because of public scandal, but because of something between him and God—it hit me in a way I didn’t expect.”

Dr. Tony Evans, 74, is one of the most influential evangelical voices in the U.S. A pastor, author, and founder of The Urban Alternative, his sermons have reached millions through radio, television, and conferences. His work has long been praised for its theological depth and cultural relevance, especially within the African American Christian community.

On Sunday, May 5, Dr. Evans told his congregation that after a period of “self-examination, prayer, and pastoral accountability,” he had come to the conviction that he needed to step away from the pulpit due to a personal failing—what he referred to as “a sin from years ago.” Though he did not disclose specific details, he said it was not illegal, but still fell short of the moral standards expected of spiritual leadership.

“I wanted to share this with you directly, not because it’s easy, but because integrity matters,” Dr. Evans told a visibly emotional congregation. “God is not just concerned with what we do in public, but who we are in private.”

His son Anthony echoed those sentiments. “This wasn’t something any of us expected, but it reminded me that no one—no matter how gifted, how anointed, or how beloved—is immune from failure,” he said. “What matters is how you respond when God convicts you.”

The announcement has stirred a wide range of responses. Many church members and faith leaders across the country have expressed their support, praising Dr. Evans for his transparency and humility. Others have expressed concern and confusion, especially given the lack of detail surrounding the nature of the sin.

“Dr. Evans is a giant in the faith, and this is a difficult moment for everyone,” said Bishop T.D. Jakes, in a brief statement. “But grace, repentance, and restoration are at the heart of the Gospel.”

For the Evans family, the journey ahead appears to be one of healing and reflection. Anthony emphasized that while the moment is painful, it is also an opportunity for deeper faith. “Our family is walking through this together. We’re not turning our backs on Dad. We’re turning our hearts toward God.”

Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship has announced that a pastoral team will oversee preaching and leadership responsibilities during Dr. Evans’ absence. Church elders have asked for prayer and discretion as the community navigates the transition.

“This is not the end of the story,” Anthony said. “It’s a chapter—one that none of us would have written, but one that God can still use for His glory.”

As the Christian world watches this unfold, the Evans family and their church find themselves in a season that blends pain with hope, vulnerability with faith, and accountability with love.