BREAKING NEWS! WATCH: Dr. Tony Evans Has Been Restored to Christian Church Fellowship, BUT NOT TO THE PASTORATE OR TO ANY CHURCH LEADERSHIP MINISTRY; The Age of JONATHAN EVANS Commences at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship—No Mention of the Sin Committed by Dr. Tony Evans
Tony Evans Restored to Christian Fellowship, but Not the Pastorate; Jonathan Evans Takes the Helm at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship
Tony Evans’ Restoration: Why the Lack of Public Confession Disappoints Millions
The New Era: Jonathan Evans Assumes Leadership as Dr. Tony Evans Steps Back from Pastorate
BREAKING: Tony Evans Restored, But Not as Pastor—And Still Silent on His Sin
Daniel Whyte III, President of Gospel Light Society International, says he thanks God that the leadership of the Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church has taken this matter very seriously. He thanks God for Dr. Tony Evans doing what he is doing and showing great meekness and humility to accept the decision of the board of his church he founded. However, Whyte is very disappointed that Dr. Evans has not humbly and publicly confessed the sin he has committed from the beginning, as this will leave a bad taste in the mouths of millions of people around the world who stood with him and supported him, although it is a small local victory for Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. Whyte says it is his prayer that this decision was not made by the Oak Cliff Church leadership and Dr. Tony Evans as a business/financial decision to keep the millions of dollars coming in from book sales and other merchandise that the disappointed people will continue to buy for years to come. If that is the case, Whyte says, as he said in his last article, to remember Proverbs 28:13: “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Notice the article below by Daniel Whyte III which was published on August 25, 2025, at Blackchristiannews.substack.com
The Un-Triumphant Return of Tony Evans by Daniel Whyte III, President of Gospel Light Society International
Why Dr. Tony Evans’ return to the “pulpit” does not feel triumphant for him or anybody else
- A Broken Return: Why Tony Evans’ Reappearance Falls Short
- More Than a Sermon: The Cost of Silence in Tony Evans’ Comeback
- The Un-Triumphant Return of Tony Evans
- Tony Evans’ Public Silence and the Path to True Restoration
- Beyond the Pulpit: A Critical Look at Tony Evans’ Ministry in Limbo
- Why Dr. Tony Evans’ return to the “pulpit” does not feel triumphant for him or anybody else
- Dr. Tony Evans did the right thing by taking an extended leave from the ministry due to sin. However, he did the wrong thing by not confessing that sin and allowing God and his worldwide church audience to decide whether or not he should return. That decision is up to God and the church—not only the local church but, in his case, the universal church—and not just to him.While Dr. Tony Evans was right to take a long leave from the ministry after his sin, he was wrong to not confess it. The decision to return should have been left to God and the universal church, not just to himself.
- Full Disclosure: Daniel Whyte III has stated multiple times that Dr. Tony Evans has done something for Whyte, his ministry, and his family that Whyte believes is unprecedented in the history of the church. Although Dr. Evans and Whyte have never met personally, God touched Dr. Evans’ heart to provide support for Whyte’s ministry and family, allowing Whyte to remain full-time in preaching the Gospel and the Word of God. This support was initiated by Dr. Evans; Whyte never requested it, and they have never spoken on the phone or exchanged emails. For this reason, Whyte has nothing but deep respect, honor, Christian love, and gratitude for Dr. Evans and his nearly 20 years of behind-the-scenes support.Despite this, Whyte maintains that the way Dr. Evans has handled this serious matter, as well as the way other Dallas Theological Seminary graduates have handled their scandals, is wrong and will ultimately fail. Whyte offers four reasons why Dr. Evans’ return to the pulpit does not feel triumphant for him or for anyone who loves, honors, and respects him:
- Lack of Public Confession: Dr. Tony Evans has not publicly confessed or divulged the sin he committed. As he well knows, the Bible states, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Without public confession and a turning away from the sin, there can be no true prosperity or restoration.
- A Political Platform, Not a Preaching Venue: The Family Leadership Summit in Des Moines, Iowa, is a conservative political conference, not a conference for preaching the Gospel and the Word of God. This is a departure from the type of ministry Dr. Evans has historically excelled in.
- From Pastor to “Motivational Speaker”: From what Whyte has gathered, Dr. Evans appears to be taking a route similar to that of T.D. Jakes, shifting from his divine calling as an evangelist, prophet, and pastor to a “motivational speaker.” Whyte believes Dr. Evans is aware of this distinction, as both men shared the same Bible-believing mentor, Dr. John McNeal, Jr. It is possible that God has told Dr. Evans he can no longer speak for Him, or perhaps Dr. Evans has made that decision himself. It is also possible that his church board of elders, who may be aware of the sin, have told him he can no longer represent the Lord and the church in the same capacity. It may be a combination of all three possibilities; at this point, only God and Dr. Evans know for sure.
- Institutional Silence: It is notable that both the Oak Cliff Bible Church spokesperson and the Urban Alternative spokesperson have no comment regarding Dr. Evans’ public speaking. This silence is unusual and raises significant questions about the nature of his return.
we come to you not just as leaders
but as fellow believers
who love this church and want to share
where we’ve been and where we’re point.
Just over one year ago, the Elder Board
of Oakliff Bible Fellowship determined
that Dr. Tony Evans needed to step down
from all pastoral responsibilities
and entered a period of spiritual
restoration due to sin.
We recognize that this has been a deeply
emotional and challenging time for many
in our church family.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you for your continued prayers,
patience, and trust throughout this
season.
Today on behalf of the elders,
[Music]
I want to share a thoughtful and
prayerful considered update regarding
three important areas. One, our biblical
rationale and guiding principles behind
the elder board’s decision. Two, our
overview of discipline and restoration
process concerning Dr. Evans. Three, our
vision and leadership plans for the
future of OCBF.
As we present this update, our desire is
to communicate with integrity,
clarity, and humility,
firmly rooted in the truth of God’s word
and the hope of his redemptive grace.
a biblical approach to discipline and
restoration.
For over 48 years, Oakliff Bible
Fellowship has followed a biblically
grounded process for addressing sin
and restoring repentant members
and spiritual leaders.
This approach reflects both the
seriousness with which we uphold God’s
standard
and deep hope we place in his redemptive
grace.
As Lamentations 3:22-23
reminds us, the steadfast love of the
Lord never ceases.
[Music]
His mercies never come to an end.
They are new every morning.
Great is your faithfulness.
The heart of biblical discipline is
never punishment for its own sake, but
rather restoration through
accountability,
humility,
and grace.
Galatians 6:1 outlines the spirit in
which correction must occur.
Brethren,
if anyone is caught in any
transgression,
you who are spiritual
should restore him in a spirit of
gentleness.
[Music]
[Applause]
Keep watch on yourself
lest you too be tempted.
Restoration
[Music]
when pursued
with gentleness and self-awareness
reflects the very character of Christ
and safeguards the health of the entire
church body.
In keeping with this biblical framework,
the elder board exercised deliberate and
prayerful discretion regarding the
timing, the manner of disclosing
specific details throughout the
restoration process.
This was not done to conceal wrongdoing,
but rather to uphold the integrity of
the process,
to protect the dignity of all involved,
and prevent unnecessary speculation
or sensationalism.
Our desire has always been to handle
this matter in a way that honors both
truth and love.
Dr. Evans discipline and restoration
process.
Upon being made aware of the situation
and following a period of careful and
prayerful investigation,
the Elder Board responded in accordance
with Oakliff Bible Fellowship’s longest
established process for addressing sin
among members and leaders.
Dr. Evans acknowledged in a public
statement falling short of God’s
standard and a need to submit to the
church’s discipline and restoration
process.
We are pleased to report that Dr. Evans
has fully submitted to the church’s
discipline and restoration process.
[Applause]
[Music]
[Applause]
This restoration process has included
individual counseling with outside
non-staff professionals and pastoral
mentoring,
evidence of genuine repentance and godly
sorrow.
Demonstrated humility and a renewed
desire to honor God.
a public stepping away from all formal
ministry roles at OCBF.
Dr. Evans also took a 12-month period of
absence from pulpit ministry to focus on
personal growth.
In alignment with biblical principles
and unanimous affirmation of the elder
board, Dr. Evans has successfully
completed this restoration journey.
Heat
[Applause]
up here.
[Applause]
[Music]
While he will not be returning in a
staff nor leadership role at OCBF, we
joyfully look forward to seeing how God
uses Dr. Evans gifts and calling to
proclaim the truth of scripture with
clarity and conviction for the
strengthening of the body of Christ.
We rejoice
and how God will continue
to use him to advance the kingdom
agenda.
And we invite the OCBF family to join
the elders
in rejoicing and praising God for his
restoration and his future kingdom
impact.
[Applause]
Looking forward
leadership and vision for OCBF.
As we move into a new chapter in the
life of our church, we do so with hope
and anticipation for the future.
The board of elders is committed to
leading with integrity,
humility, and vision.
Key steps include
Jonathan Evans has been appointed as an
elder
[Applause]
[Music]
and our expectation
is that he will formally be installed as
the lead pastor of Oakliff Bible
Fellowship.
[Applause]
We ask for your continued prayers as he
grows into his role by God’s grace.
A renewed vision for OCBF is actively
being shaped and will be shared with the
congregation on vision Sunday.
It reflects our continued commitment to
the kingdom agenda and our call to
disciple the church to impact the world.
As we stated at the beginning,
this season has tested our hearts,
refined our focus,
and drawn us into a deeper dependence on
Christ.
While hindsight
has brought clarity to areas where
communication
and decision-m could have been stronger,
we are deeply grateful
[Music]
for your prayers
and patience
as we have walked this journey together.
[Music]
Now with hearts humbled and hope
renewed,
we turn our eyes to the future.
May we continue to be a church rooted in
the truth,
shaped by grace,
and committed to reflecting the
character of Christ in every aspect of
our life together
with love and sincerity.
The OCBF Elder Board. Amen.
Today
we come to you not just as leaders,
but as fellow believers
who love this church
and want to share where we’ve been and
where we’re going.
Just over one year ago, the Elder Board
of Oakliff Bible Fellowship determined
that Dr. Dr. Tony Evans needed to step
down from all pastoral responsibilities
and entered a period of spiritual
restoration due to sin.
We recognize that this has been a deeply
emotional and challenging