In a year of major personal and professional transitions.

Pastor Tony Evans—a prominent leader in the Evangelical Christian community—has announced both his remarriage and his decision to step down as senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, the Dallas megachurch he founded more than forty years ago.

These events have sparked widespread discussion and reflection within both his congregation and the broader Christian world, given Evans’s deep influence and enduring legacy.

Longtime followers of Dr. Tony Evans, known for his radio show “The Alternative,” were stunned when he revealed he would be stepping down from his pastoral duties.

In his announcement, Evans cited a “sin” he committed years ago, though he did not provide specific details. He emphasized that while he had committed no crime, he had failed to exercise righteous judgment and was therefore holding himself to the same biblical standards of repentance and restoration that he has always taught others.

He shared that he had already confessed this to his family and church elders, who responded with grace and support. Evans explained that stepping away would allow him the time needed for spiritual recovery and healing, following a process established by the church’s elders.

This announcement came not long after news of Evans’s remarriage. His first wife, Lois Evans, passed away in 2019 after a battle with bile duct cancer.

\

The couple had four children together, and Tony often spoke publicly about her profound impact on his life and ministry. In November 2023, Evans married Carla Crummie, an educator and volunteer who has served as a kindness ambassador for various Christian ministries.

According to her church biography, Carla is passionate about supporting widows, children, and encouraging women and pastors’ wives to fulfill their God-given roles with joy.

As Evans steps down, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship is preparing for a carefully managed leadership transition. The church, which he founded in 1976, has grown under his guidance into a vibrant congregation of over 10,000 members.

Evans’s leadership has been marked by a commitment to sound biblical teaching, social outreach, and community service. He has also been a trailblazer in promoting racial reconciliation within the church and has addressed pressing societal issues through his ministry.

Beyond his local church, Evans is a renowned author, speaker, and broadcaster, with more than 100 books, booklets, and Bible studies to his name.

His “Kingdom Agenda” teaching—a comprehensive biblical worldview encouraging Christians to live out their faith in every area of life—has empowered countless individuals and churches to positively impact their communities.

Evans’s children—Priscilla Shirer, Anthony Evans, Jonathan Evans, and Crystal Hurst—are all accomplished in their own right and are expected to play significant roles in continuing his ministry and legacy.

In retirement, Evans plans to focus on writing, speaking, and continuing his radio and media work, while also spending more time with his family.

The Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship community, along with the wider Christian world, is taking this moment to honor Pastor Evans’s decades of faithful service. Special services and celebrations are planned to commemorate his leadership and impact.

As Evans enters this new chapter, his legacy as a devoted husband, father, pastor, and leader will continue to inspire and influence generations to come.