Pastor Tony EvansHe confessed to a secret sin several years ago and recently retired from his pastorate at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, but he remains scheduled to headline a Christian cruise to the Mexican Riviera this fall. He is president of Urban Alternative, which Evans founded more than 40 years ago. The cruise is scheduled to run from November 9th to 16th. Said The Christian Standt The event will go on as scheduled, despite Evans stepping down from his pastorate earlier this week, the organization announced Wednesday.
An agent with Inspiration Travel, which operates cruises that include suites and cost up to nearly $4,000 per traveler, told CP that the cruises will still go on because Urban Alternative is a separate organization from Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship and Urban Alternative has a contractual obligation to continue the cruises.
Evans will headline the cruise alongside his daughter, Crystal Evans-Hurst, and his son, musician Anthony Evans.
“During our cruise, we will experience the powerful teachings and encouraging messages of Crystal Evans Hurst and the uplifting music of Anthony Evans Jr. We will also find moments of pure relaxation as we immerse ourselves in the beauty of God’s creation.” Note “The trip will take in the exciting and vibrant ports of Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta, while enjoying the hospitality and elegance of Holland America Koningsdam,” Evans’ statement on the Inspiration Travel website reads.
In another video on the website, Evans said the cruise will be “a wonderful time of fun, food, fellowship and faith strengthening.”
Pastor Evans confessed on Sunday that the pastorate had failed to meet biblical standards that were put in place “several years ago,” and suggested that this was “due to sin.”
“The foundation of our ministry is a commitment to God’s Word, which is the highest standard of absolute truth to which we must adhere. When we fall short of that standard because of sin, we must repent and restore our relationship with God,” Evans said. Written statement.
“Several years ago, I fell short of that standard, therefore I need to apply the same Biblical standard of repentance and restoration to myself that I have applied to others. I have communicated this to my wife, children and the elders of my church, and they have lovingly wrapped me in their arms of mercy,” he added. “I have not sinned, but my actions lacked good judgment. In light of this, I will be stepping away from my duties as a pastor and following the healing and restoration process established by the elders.”
Evans, 74, is the first African-American to earn a doctorate in theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. The first African-American To write and publish a complete Bible commentary and study of the Bible.
A spokesman for Urban Alternative did not respond Wednesday to a question about whether Evans would complete the “healing and recovery process” before cruising this fall.
Related: Rev. Tony Evans admits to past crimes and resigns from ministry
Photo credit: Facebook/Tony Evans
