A famed Dallas-area pastor, who resigned from the pulpit in 2024 due to a "sin" that has not been publicly disclosed, has undergone his restoration process.

The completion update for Tony Evans, former head of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church, was announced during a Restoration Sunday service on Oct. 5.

"We are pleased to report that Dr. Evans has fully submitted to the church's discipline and restoration process," Associate Pastor of Outreach Christopher Wheel said as the congregation applauded. "This restoration process has included individual counseling with outside non-staff professionals and pastoral mentoring."

It also included "evidence of genuine repentance and godly sorrow, (and) demonstrated humility and renewed desire to honor God," Wheel said.

Evans issued an apology to leaders and supporters while on stage, in part, stating, "To the flock, to the congregation, for the consternation I may have caused you with questions and wondering and uncertainty, I’m sorry. I apologize, sincerely, for any instability that this season has caused you because you are my treasure."

What does being restored mean? Will Tony Evans return as a pastor?

Being restored to ministry looks different at every church, but generally it just means that the pastor or leader who stepped down has completed the necessary steps and can return to ministry duties, which can vary. The specifics of what Evans will do at the church after being restored to ministry have not been disclosed.

But Evans will not return as a staff or leadership member at the 11,000-member megachurch in Dallas, Wheel said, adding, "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."

The 76-year-old's name is not listed on the Elders Board on the church's website. However, it does include his son, Jonathan Evans.

Wheel said the specifics about the church's next chapter will be announced on their upcoming Vision Sunday, dated Oct. 12. He noted that one of the church's key moves will involve Jonathan being "formally... installed as the lead pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship."

Evans announced the decision to step away from his pastor role last year

Last June, Evans released a statement announcing his intention to step down from his role as senior pastor at the church.

"When we fall short of that standard due to sin, we are required to repent and restore our relationship with God. A number of years ago, I fell short of that standard," the statement said. "I am, therefore, required to apply the same biblical standard of repentance and restoration to myself that I have applied to others."

Evans said he "committed no crime," but "did not use righteous judgment in my actions."

Nearly a year after publishing the statement, the evangelical pastor appeared at the FAMiLY Leadership Summit in early July. He delivered a speech titled "Principles Over Politics," in which he spoke about advocating for Christian ideals within the federal government.

Evans releases a message on YouTube

On Oct. 6, Evans posted a "Heartfelt and Personal Word" on his YouTube channel to his nearly one million subscribers. In the video, he described the last year as "extremely challenging," and "a time being separated from what I love most, and that is the proclamation of God's word."

Evans doubled down on his gratitude for the support he and his family received during his process. He also thanked the elders and the congregation of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church.

"I've been lifted up. Not only by my church, but so many of you (and) by our radio partners, television partners and online partners," he said, adding, "I'm here to thank you. To let you know I appreciate you, that I don't take you for granted. And that I would not come through this season without you."

He continued: "Anything that God chooses to do moving forward with me, to me, in me, through me, and for me, our sovereign God will do it, but he would not have done it without the cooperation and participation of his family. And you are his family. You are my family."

Tony Evans' family and origins of ministry

Evans has four children who have all largely followed his footsteps in ministry: Jonathan Evans, Chrystal Evans Hurst, singer Anthony Evans Jr. and author and actress Priscilla Shirer.

His first wife, Lois Evans, died in 2019 at the age of 70. They were married for 49 years. In 2023, he remarried to Carla Evans.

Evans founded Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas in 1976 with 10 members in his home. He has a radio program, "The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans," and previously served as the chaplain for both the Dallas Cowboys and the Dallas Mavericks. He has also authored numerous books and Bible studies.

Contributing: Emily DeLetter, Michelle Del Rey, USA TODAY

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Famed Dallas pastor who left role due to 'sin' has been restored to ministry

Reporting by Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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