After leading the megachurch Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship for 48 years, Dr. Tony Evans has decided to resign from his duties. In his announcement, he acknowledged that he had fallen short of the “absolute supreme standard of truth” he aspired to uphold, citing his sin as the reason. Dr. Evans is widely respected for his impactful teaching, which has touched the lives of many not only through his church but also through his global broadcasts and his prolific work as an author.
Dr. Evans has done something that many of us have not witnessed, which is a leader both acknowledging their mistakes AND taking accountability. We have often seen individuals in positions of authority choose to fight, lie, conceal, deflect, or shift blame for their decisions instead of taking responsibility. There have been numerous instances of congregations embroiled in scandals, including pastors being investigated for ‘inappropriate behavior’ with staff, engaging in affairs, criminal activities, and even torturing, raping, and abusing their followers. Most of these individuals were ultimately forced to resign due to media exposure or legal issues, rather than choosing to step down of their own accord.
Mistakes are an inevitable part of the human experience. “The righteous person may fall seven times, but they rise again, while the wicked stumble in times of calamity,” Proverbs 24:16. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23. No one is flawless. It is unreasonable to demand perfection from people in positions of leadership.
However, we do expect a certain standard of conduct that does not result in harm.
It is problematic when scripture is misused to justify unacceptable behavior.
Mistakes cannot become excuses for continued misconduct. We fail ourselves and others when we do not demand responsibility and accountability as part of our shared humanity. Mistakes often arise because we compromise our principles, prioritizing impatience over seeking guidance from God, and allowing our desires to become idols. While we may make mistakes, there are consequences we must face, whether from God or others. Leaders don’t simply make mistakes—they learn from them.
The goal is not perfection. It’s righteousness. “In the Bible, righteousness, or dikaiosune, means living in a right relationship with God, other people, and all creation. It indicates a person’s holiness and purity in heart and action.” Righteousness shows up in our “character (nature), conscience (attitude), conduct (action) and command (word).”
Our growth is in our willingness to confess our wrongs. So many people are in denial of themselves. They will measure themselves by the faults of others and rank wrongs by public opinion instead of seeking God. I don’t think many of us are aware of this passage: “There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community,” Proverbs 6:16-19.
By confessing our sins is admitting our wrongdoing. “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy,” Proverbs 28:13. We grow as people and as leaders when we are willing to admit our faults and failures. The problem is when leaders believe they are above the law, even God’s law, and feel they are exempt from consequences.
I have great respect for Dr. Evans because he is willing to let us all witness authentic leadership in practice. It’s not our job to speculate but to support him as God restores him. This situation should teach each of us that no matter our position, we will make mistakes. Our failures do not have to be our finale. Depending on how we choose to move, we can still be restored, and finish strong.
(Dr. Froswa’ Booker Drew the founder of the Reconciliation and Restoration Foundation, and the president of Soulstice Consultancy. Visit: <drfroswabooker.com> or email: <info@drfroswa.com>.)
