The next chapter has begun for Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas. On Sunday, Jonathan Evans—former NFL player and son of well-known pastor and author Tony Evans—was formally installed as the church’s new lead pastor. The milestone comes two months after church elders restored Tony Evans, 75, to ministry following his completion of a restoration process for what was described as an “undisclosed sin.”

During the emotional service, the longtime pastor of the 11,000-member congregation proudly handed the spiritual mantle to his son, presenting him with a deeply personal gift: his father’s worn Bible. “This is my father’s Bible. Well-worn, used, because he loved God’s word—teaching it, preaching it, and executing it,” Tony Evans told his son before the congregation. “What better thing for a father to give a son that can go to his grandson than the Word of God? So, I gift you my daddy’s Bible. And I love you, and I’m proud of you.”

Although stepping aside from the pulpit, Tony Evans reminded the church that God still has a purpose for his life. “He still has a purpose for my life and gifts as long as He has me here,” he said. “So don’t feel bad for Moses, and don’t feel bad for me because Joshua is going to lead you. But at the right time, God’s going to take me to the mountain He has for me to keep His kingdom moving forth. So hang in there with the new leader. Support him. Love him just as you did your founder.”

Jonathan Evans, 44, who played professional football before entering ministry, accepted his father’s blessing with gratitude. He thanked his wife Kanika, their five children, and the congregation for walking with him in faith. Quoting from Joshua 1:3, he challenged the church to join him in stepping boldly into the next season of ministry. “Everywhere your foot treads, I have given it to you already,” he said. “If we want to experience what God has already done, then from this day forward, we got to go tread on it. This is not an installation for one person. It’s an installation for the church, the future, and to go across the Jordan.”

The passing of leadership comes after a year of transition and reflection for Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. In October, the church’s associate pastor of outreach, Chris Wheel, announced that Tony Evans had completed a 12-month restoration process that included counseling, mentoring, and time away from the pulpit. Wheel said Evans demonstrated “evidence of genuine repentance and godly sorrow,” along with humility and renewed devotion to God.

“While he will not be returning in a staff nor leadership role at OCBF, we joyfully look forward to seeing how God uses Dr. Evans’ gifts and calling to proclaim the truth of Scripture,” Wheel said at the time.

Now, as a new generation takes the helm, the legacy of faith, family, and biblical teaching that has defined Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship for nearly five decades continues. Tony Evans’ prayerful handoff to his son marked not just a moment of transition, but a testament to God’s faithfulness through the generations—a reminder that the work of the Church goes on, led by those willing to “tread in the place God has for us.”