Tony Evans (pastor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pastor
Tony Evans
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| Born | Anthony Tyrone Evans September 10, 1949 Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Occupation | Author, minister |
| Spouse |
Lois Irene Evans
(m. 1970; died 2019)Carla Crummie
(m. 2023) |
| Children |
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Anthony Tyrone Evans Sr. (born September 10, 1949) is an American pastor, speaker, and author. He is known for his work in the evangelical Christian community. From 1976 until June 2024, Evans was the senior pastor at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas.
Contents
Tony Evans: Early Life and Education
Starting His Ministry on Radio
In 1973, when Tony Evans was 24, a radio producer from Houston contacted him. The producer was looking for good sermons to broadcast for free. Evans was studying at Dallas Theological Seminary at the time. One of his professors suggested him.
Evans recorded his sermons in a small studio on the seminary campus. For several years, he preached into a microphone for listeners he couldn't see in Houston.
Growing a Ministry: The Urban Alternative
About ten years later, in 1981, Dr. Evans' sermons became very popular. People who heard his broadcasts in Houston and Dallas often asked for copies. His wife, Lois Evans, helped start a ministry called The Urban Alternative to handle these requests.
Lois Evans used her business skills to organize and expand the ministry. This helped Dr. Evans' messages reach more people.
Reaching a Wider Audience
In 1986, Evans was invited to speak at a big conference for religious broadcasters. This event brought a lot of attention to his ministry. Soon after, radio stations began to air his program.
Under Lois Evans' leadership, the radio ministry grew across the U.S. and around the world. Today, his broadcasts are heard on over 1,400 radio stations in more than 130 countries. Millions of people listen each week.
Tony Evans' College Background
Tony Evans earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (BA), from Carver College in 1972. He then continued his studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. He received a Master of Theology (Th.M.) in 1976 and a Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) in 1982.
Tony Evans' Career and Achievements
Founding a Church and Organization
In 1976, Tony Evans started the Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship church in Dallas, Texas. It began with just 10 members meeting in his home. He also founded The Urban Alternative. This organization aims to bring hope and change lives by sharing and applying Christian teachings.
His radio show, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, is broadcast daily. It reaches over 1,400 places in the U.S. and more than 130 countries worldwide.
Working with Sports Teams
Evans has served as a chaplain for professional sports teams. He was a chaplain for the NFL's Dallas Cowboys. He also worked as a chaplain for the NBA's Dallas Mavericks.
Teaching and Recognition
Tony Evans taught classes at Dallas Theological Seminary. He taught about evangelism (sharing faith), homiletics (preaching), and black church studies. He is also on the seminary's Board of Incorporate Members.
Baylor University recognized him as one of the 12 most effective preachers in the English-speaking world.
Online Learning and Books
In 2017, Evans launched the Tony Evans Training Center. This is an online platform that offers courses similar to those taught in a seminary. It helps Christian leaders learn and grow, especially if they cannot attend a traditional seminary.
Tony Evans has written and published many books. He is known for writing the first full-Bible commentary and study Bible by an African American. He has written over 100 books. Some of his well-known works include Oneness Embraced, The Kingdom Agenda, Kingdom Man, The Tony Evans Study Bible, and The Tony Evans Bible Commentary.
Recent Changes in His Role
In June 2024, Tony Evans stepped down as the senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. He resigned for personal reasons.
Tony Evans' Family Life
Tony Evans was married to Lois Irene Evans from 1970 until her passing in 2019. They had four children together: Chrystal, Priscilla, Anthony Jr., and Jonathan. They also have 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
In September 2023, Tony Evans and his children announced his engagement to Carla Crummie. Later that year, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship shared that they had married.
His Children's Careers
- His oldest child, Chrystal Hurst, is a worship leader, Christian speaker, and writer. She co-wrote the book Kingdom Woman with her father. She has also written books like She's Still There and Show Up For Your Life.
- His daughter Priscilla Shirer is a best-selling author and Christian speaker. She founded Going Beyond Ministries.
- His son Anthony Jr. is a contemporary Christian music artist. He has worked with Grammy Award-winning singer Kirk Franklin. Anthony Jr. was also a contestant on season two of the TV show The Voice.
- Evans' son Jonathan was a professional football player. He played fullback for the Buffalo Bills, the Washington Redskins, and the Dallas Cowboys. Jonathan is now the chaplain for the Dallas Cowboys.
