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Church News

Son of megachurch pastor Tony Evans says dad's sin blindsided family

by Lydia Davies

The resignation of a Texas megachurch pastor this month due to "sin" has been addressed by his son, who clarified that their family was just as unaware of the specifics as the church congregation.

Dr Tony Evans, 74, founder of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in South Dallas with a 100,000-strong membership, made an unexpected announcement about stepping down after admitting to a sin committed years prior, without detailing its nature.

In a Father’s Day sermon, his son, Rev Jonathan Evans, reassured the congregation that his family was in the dark about Dr Evans' sin just as much as they were.

"Three days before telling the family about his decision, I was studying Psalm 46," he said. 

“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."

He was then asked by his father to preach on Father's Day, which he said came as a surprise following the revelation.

Jonathan's sermon aimed to dispel rumors of any family or church involvement in concealing the sin. He reflected on the importance of acknowledging one's weaknesses and seeking spiritual restoration - a lesson he credits to his father.

Dr Tony Evans had earlier cited a past failure to meet the high standards expected in his ministry as the reason for his resignation.

“I have committed no crime but did not use righteous judgment,” he told his congregation.

Following Dr Evans' resignation, a cruise event featuring him and two of his adult children was cancelled.

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