Tony Evans (pastor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dr. 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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Dr. Tony Evans (born September 10, 1949) is an American pastor, speaker, and author. He is known for his radio and television programs. From 1976 to 2024, Dr. Evans was the main pastor at the Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship church in Dallas, Texas. This church has over 9,500 members.
Early Life and Education
Tony Evans was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He began his journey in ministry at a young age. In 1973, when he was 24, a radio producer from Houston asked him to share his sermons. Tony was studying at Dallas Theological Seminary at the time. One of his professors suggested him. This was the start of Dr. Evans' public broadcasts. He recorded his sermons in a small studio. People in Houston listened to his messages.
In 1981, Dr. Evans and his wife, Lois Evans, started a ministry called The Urban Alternative. People wanted copies of his sermons from his radio shows. Lois Evans used her business skills to help the ministry grow. She helped organize and expand their outreach.
In 1986, Dr. Evans spoke at a big conference for religious broadcasters. This event brought a lot of attention to his ministry. Soon after, more radio stations began to play his program. Under Lois Evans' leadership, the radio ministry grew across the country and around the world. Today, his broadcasts are heard on over 1,400 radio stations. They reach millions of people in more than 130 countries every week.
Dr. Evans studied at Carver College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1972. He continued his education at Dallas Theological Seminary. He earned a Master of Theology degree in 1976. Later, he received his Doctor of Theology degree in 1982.
Career and Ministry
Dr. Tony Evans started the Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship church in Dallas, Texas, in 1976. It began with just 10 members meeting in his home. He also founded The Urban Alternative. This organization helps people find hope and change their lives. It does this by sharing and applying the teachings of the Bible. The Urban Alternative's radio show, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, is very popular.
Dr. Evans has also served as a chaplain for sports teams. He was a chaplain for the NFL's Dallas Cowboys. He also worked with the NBA's Dallas Mavericks. A chaplain provides spiritual guidance and support to the team members.
He taught classes at Dallas Theological Seminary. These classes included evangelism, preaching, and studies on the Black church. He is also on the seminary's Board of Incorporate Members. Baylor University named Dr. Evans one of the 12 most effective preachers. This honor recognized his powerful speaking style.
In 2017, Dr. Evans launched the Tony Evans Training Center. This is an online learning platform. It offers courses like those taught in a seminary. It helps Christian leaders learn and grow. This is especially helpful for those who cannot attend a traditional seminary.
Dr. Evans has written 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 in total. Some of his well-known books include Oneness Embraced and The Kingdom Agenda. He also wrote Kingdom Man and The Tony Evans Study Bible.
In June 2024, Dr. Evans announced he was stepping back from his role as senior pastor. This was due to a personal matter from many years ago.
Family Life
Dr. Tony Evans was married to Lois Irene Evans. She passed away in 2019. They had four children together: Chrystal, Priscilla, Anthony Jr., and Jonathan. They also have 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
His oldest child, Chrystal Hurst, is a worship leader. She is also a Christian speaker and writer. She wrote the book Kingdom Woman with her father. She has also written other books like She's Still There.
His daughter Priscilla Shirer is a very successful author. Her books have appeared on the New York Times Best-Seller list. She is also a Christian speaker. Priscilla founded Going Beyond Ministries.
His son Anthony Jr. is a contemporary Christian music artist. He has worked with the Grammy Award-winning singer Kirk Franklin. Anthony Jr. was also a contestant on season two of the TV show The Voice.
Dr. Evans' son Jonathan used to play professional American football. He played fullback for teams like the Buffalo Bills and the Dallas Cowboys. Jonathan is now the chaplain for the Dallas Cowboys.
In September 2023, Dr. Evans announced his engagement to Dr. Carla Crummie. They were married later that year.
