Tony Evans Restored to Ministry After Undisclosed Sin at Dallas Megachurch

Dr. Tony Evans, founder of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, has been formally restored to ministry after completing a 12-month church discipline process for an undisclosed sin he previously described as "falling short of God's standard." Despite the restoration, Evans, who stepped down in June 2024 after nearly five decades of leadership, will not return to any staff or leadership role at the 11,000-member megachurch. The restoration process involved counseling with outside professionals, pastoral mentoring, and a year away from preaching, with church elders affirming Evans demonstrated genuine repentance, humility, and godly sorrow. Evans publicly apologized to his congregation and family for the uncertainty caused and expressed a deeper relationship with God following the difficult journey. His son, Jonathan Evans, is expected to assume the role of lead pastor, marking a leadership transition for the church. The elders intentionally withheld specific details of the sin to protect the dignity of all involved and to avoid speculation or sensationalism.