Texas Megachurch Pastor Tony Evans Resigns Due to 'Sin' Committed a 'Number of Years Ago'

Evans did not disclose the nature of the sin, but said he "committed no crime" and "did not use righteous judgment"

Texas megachurch pastor Dr. Tony Evans has announced he is stepping away from Cliff Bible Fellowship Church due to a "sin" he committed a “number of years ago.”

In a statement shared Sunday, June 9 on the church’s website, Evans revealed he is “stepping away from my pastoral duties” after having previously fallen short of his “commitment to the Word of God.”

"When we fall short of that standard due to sin, we are required to repent and restore our relationship with God," he wrote. "I am, therefore, required to apply the same biblical standard of repentance and restoration to myself that I have applied to others."

“I have shared this with my wife, my children, and our church elders, and they have lovingly placed their arms of grace around me,” he added.

The nature of the sin Evans, who has been a pastor with the church for 48 years, committed remains a mystery. In his statement, he merely said that he "committed no crime" and "did not use righteous judgment."

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In a separate statement, also posted on the website, church elders said, “this difficult decision was made after tremendous prayer and multiple meetings” between themselves and Evans.

“The elder board is obligated to govern the church in accordance with the scriptures,” they explained. “Dr. Evans and the elders agree that when any elder or pastor falls short of the high standards of scripture, the elders are responsible for providing accountability and maintaining integrity in the church.”

By stepping away from his role, Evans said he is “submitting to a healing and restoration process established by the elders.” This will give him some much-needed time to explore “spiritual recovery and healing,” he added.

“During this time, it is critical that the ministry of OCBF continue as vibrantly as ever,” Evans stated. “Remember, you serve the Lord Jesus Christ, not a man.”

Evans then thanked the congregation for their “love, prayers, support, and forgiveness," adding, “I have never loved you more than I love you right now, and I’m trusting God to walk me through this valley."

PEOPLE has reached out to Evans and the church for additional comment.

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Evans founded OCBF in 1976 with just 10 people at his home in Dallas, according to USA Today. Now, the church has approximately 10,000 members.

In addition to his pastoral duties, Evans is an author, speaker and radio host, per CBS News. He was also the former chaplain for both the Dallas Cowboys and Mavericks.

Related: Married Pastor, Who Stepped Away After Messaging Another Woman, Cheered as He Returns to Pulpit

"Him and his family, they truly believe what they preach, and they act on it," worshipper James Harris Jr. told CBS News, "so this is just another showing of faith in God and forgiveness and healing and grace."

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