Tony Evans (pastor)


Anthony Tyrone "Tony" Evans is an American Christian pastor, speaker, author, and widely syndicated radio and television broadcaster in the United States. Evans serves as senior pastor to the over-9,500-member Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas.

Early life and education

Evans earned a BA at Carver College in 1972, Th.M. in 1976, and Th.D. at Dallas Theological Seminary in 1982.

Career

Evans founded the Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas, in 1976 with 10 members meeting at his home. He also founded The Urban Alternative, a national organization that seeks to restore hope and transform lives through the proclamation and the application of the Word of God. The Urban Alternative radio broadcast, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, can be heard over 1,400 outlets daily throughout the U.S. and in over 130 countries worldwide.
Evans has served as chaplain for the NFL's Dallas Cowboys and is currently the longest-serving NBA chaplain, a position he holds with the Dallas Mavericks.
He taught evangelism, homiletics, and black church studies at DTS, and serves on its Board of Incorporate Members.
Evans was named one of the 12 Most Effective Preachers in the English-Speaking World by Baylor University.
In 2017, Evans launched the Tony Evans Training Center, an online learning platform providing quality seminary-style courses to equip Christian leaders who cannot attend a seminary.
Evans holds the honor of writing and publishing the first full-Bible commentary and study Bible by an African American. He is also the author of over 100 books, including Oneness Embraced, The Kingdom Agenda, Kingdom Man, The Tony Evans Study Bible, and The Tony Evans Bible Commentary.

Personal life

Evans was married to the late Lois Irene Evans. Their marriage produced four children: Chrystal, Priscilla, Anthony Jr., and Jonathan. They also have 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
His oldest child, Chrystal Hurst, is a worship leader, Christian speaker, and writer. She co-authored the book Kingdom Woman with her father. She has also written books titled She's Still There and Show Up For Your Life.
His daughter Priscilla Shirer is a New York Times Best-Selling Author, Christian speaker, and founder of Going Beyond Ministries.
His son Anthony Jr. is a contemporary-Christian musical artist. He has collaborated with Grammy Award-winning singer Kirk Franklin and was a contestant on season two of The Voice.
Evans' son Jonathan was a professional football player in the National Football League. He played fullback for the Buffalo Bills, the Washington Redskins, and the Dallas Cowboys. Jonathan is the current chaplain of the Dallas Cowboys.