50th Anniversary | Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church

Thy Kingdom Come: Equipping Generations. Expanding the Kingdom.

“Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” — Matthew 6:10

Welcome! You have landed on the dedicated webpage for OCBF’s momentous 50th Anniversary. With immense joy and gratitude, we gather to celebrate five decades of experiencing the profound impact of God’s Hand on our church community. We invite you to reflect on the countless blessings, transformative moments, and unwavering faith that have shaped our journey together.

After half a century dedicated to the kingdom, one might assume we’ve encountered every possible experience and challenge. Yet, as we reflect on our journey, it becomes clear that the most extraordinary chapters of our story are still unfolding, and God’s greatest blessings and revelations lie ahead.

As you explore our site, get excited to dive into the amazing celebrations we have planned just for you, in recognition of your tremendous contributions over the years to our church through your time, talents, and treasure.

Timeline

1976-2026

A MILESTONE OF KINGDOM’S ADVANCEMENT

Journey down memory lane and immerse yourself in the remarkable ways God has moved in and through us, propelling His kingdom agenda forward to empower individuals, strengthen families, equip the church, and transform the community through worship, fellowship, Christian education, and outreach.

For 50 years, generations past and present have experienced the power of life-changing discipleship, each generation demonstrating an unwavering commitment to sound biblical teaching and the application of God’s Word, resulting in personal and collective spiritual growth and impact at home and abroad. Thus, we are fulfilling our mission to disciple the church to impact the world.

Then & Now Timeline Mural
1976 – 1980

The Beginnings

A small group of families steps out in faith, forming the spiritual foundation of a new church rooted in biblical teaching and shared community.

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1976 – 1980

Dr. Reuben Connor and Dr. Gene Getz challenged Dallas Theological Seminary student Tony Evans to offer the Dallas Black community a sound, Bible-based teaching experience.

Rev. Tony Evans and his wife Lois hosted Bible studies that led to the founding of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship (OCBF) with ten people in their home. OCBF was chartered on June 6, 1976.

The OCBF established a Learning Center for children, with P. Elizabeth Cannings as the first teacher. As members evangelized, Van Howard, the church’s first convert, was baptized.

After several small moves, a $200,000 loan was used to purchase its new church home at 1808 W. Camp Wisdom Road.

Rev. Martin Hawkins was the first lay elder and later Assistant Pastor. Van Howard established the Child Development Center, while the Singles Ministry and the Center for Christian Growth were launched.

Mrs. Lois Evans used her musical talents to organize and direct the first adult choir, with most members actively participating. Additionally, the first Vacation Bible School was held under the leadership of Rev. Martin Hawkins and P. Elizabeth Cannings.

Mrs. Lois Evans organized the first adult choir, with most members participating, while Rev. Martin Hawkins and P. Elizabeth Cannings led the inaugural Vacation Bible School.
1981 – 1986

Laying the Foundation

The church strengthens its vision and organizational structure as leadership develops, core ministries are established, and national influence begins to take shape.

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1981 – 1986

Pastor Tony and Lois Evans founded Tony Evans Ministries, now The Urban Alternative, to expand its impact nationwide.

Membership grew from 250 to 700 families, prompting plans and construction for a new worship center.

Rev. Tony Evans became Dr. Tony Evans, the first African American to earn a doctoral degree from Dallas Theological Seminary.

To accommodate steady growth, the church hired Rev. Carl Husband as Associate Pastor of Outreach and Rev. Larry Mercer as Associate Pastor of Christian Education.

Alternative Community Development Services, Inc. (ACDS) was established as a social outreach program of OCBF.

The church began supporting missionaries.

The ministries were organized under the four areas of discipleship: Worship, Fellowship, Christian Education, and Outreach.

Fellowship Christian Academy began with Kindergarten, with plans to add one grade each year.
1987 – 1992

A Growing Community

Rapid growth calls for new space and deeper ministry, as the church expands its facilities, programs, and care for a growing church family.

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1987 – 1992

OCBF grew to serve 1,200 families, even though it lacked a large, permanent home for everyone.

Church leaders decided to build a Family Life Center before constructing a worship sanctuary to accommodate membership growth.

On October 16, 1988, OCBF opened in the newly completed Family Life Center, accommodating around 1,800 people across two services.

The Resource Center, Bookstore, and Medical Ministry were established.

The first annual Community Fair Day was created and held on the first Saturday in July, continuing the tradition of neighborhood evangelism.

The original A-frame church building was renamed the Youth Chapel to accommodate the youth, day care center, preschool, and learning center.

Apple Ridge Day Care Center, next to the Family Life Center, was purchased, remodeled, and renamed Fellowship Christian Academy.
1993 – 1998

Building for the Future

Major construction and ministry restructuring prepare the church to support a larger congregation and broaden its reach into the community.

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1993 – 1998

The church restructured its four primary ministries into six ministry areas: Fellowship, Education, Worship, Outreach, Discipleship, and Administration.

Construction of the 99,000-square-foot Worship Center began to accommodate growth in membership and ministries.

A Reach and Rescue program was launched for members who infrequently attend services, along with a new leadership and ministry-based discipleship track.

On October 1, 1995, the OCBF congregation marched into the new Worship Center in a ceremonial procession.

Fellowship Christian Academy expanded to the sixth grade.

Project Turn-Around, a social community-based outreach program, was organized.

The Center for Christian Growth, Wednesday Night Service, and AWANA increased with the addition of space.
1999-2004

Beyond the Sanctuary

The church’s influence extends beyond weekly services through youth engagement, education initiatives, technology, and community-based outreach.

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1999-2004

The Next Level Youth Ministry was introduced to reach more youth.

Next Level Youth held its first Back-to-School Rally, presenting the gospel to 3,000 attendees.

Dr. Tony Evans’ 50th birthday and the 30th church anniversary were celebrated at the Project Turn•Around Banquet, with Texas Governor George W. Bush as the featured guest.

The membership expanded to over 3,900 families.

The Arts Institute was established.

The church’s first website was created.

The Education Center, a 172,000-square-foot facility, was completed.

Fellowship Christian Academy moved into the newly built Education Center, adding a middle school, grades 7th and 8th.

The Education Center, a 172,000-square-foot facility, was completed.

Under Project Turn-Around, the Technology Institute expanded, and the Family Care Pregnancy Center opened.

Dr. Martin Hawkins retired as Assistant Pastor after 29 years of dedicated service to OCBF leadership and family.

Dr. Lois Evans and the Women’s Fellowship hosted the first Desperate for Jesus Women’s Conference, featuring speaker Lisa Bevere and musician Beverly Crawford.
2005 – 2010

Equipping the Church

The church invests in discipleship, leadership development, and family-focused ministries, equipping members to live out their faith beyond the church walls.

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2005 – 2010

Dr. Tony Evans initiated several organizational changes, including new logos for Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship (OCBF), Fellowship Christian Academy (FCA), and The Turn-Around Agenda (TTA, formerly Project Turn-Around).

New comprehensive websites for OCBF and FCA were launched.

Men’s Fellowship hosted the first annual No More Excuses Men’s Conference.

The Women’s Fellowship hosted a weekly Life on Life Women’s Bible Study and a quarterly Gathering of the Girls, based on the principles in Titus 2.

The Couples’ and Singles’ conferences were launched.

A new state-of-the-art youth center was completed in the Education Center.

Fellowship Christian Academy launched its college preparatory curriculum

TTA launched a comprehensive school-based mentoring program and abstinence-only education in five high school clusters, serving more than 65 public schools in Dallas County.

Oak Cliff Christian Federal Credit Union was chartered on September 22, 2008, and officially opened for business on February 27, 2009.
2011 – 2016

Celebration & Renewal

The church celebrates key milestones and anniversaries while renewing its commitment to worship, leadership training, and meaningful connection within the church family.

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2011 – 2016

The Second Mile Ministry Leadership Training was offered to leaders and volunteers to improve customer service.

The OCBF Volunteer Handbook became available to ministry leaders and volunteers.

New Year’s Eve Celebration with Kirk Franklin.

The Turn-Around Agenda on Clarice Tinsley’s Hometown Heroes.

Church-wide small groups were launched so that members can experience God and connect with one another as part of their spiritual growth.

The Ministers in Training program was successfully launched and later relaunched as the Leadership Development Program, which includes a pilot to empower women to minister in line with the church’s stance on women’s roles.

Members rang in 2016 and kicked off the 40th Church Anniversary at OCBF’s New Year’s Eve celebration.

OCBF celebrated its 40th Church Anniversary Gala with gospel artists Erica Campbell and Fred Hammond, hosted by comedian John Gray.

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A MILESTONE OF KINGDOM’S ADVANCEMENT

50 Years of Faith, Growth, and God’s Faithfulness. From a small home gathering to a thriving church with national impact, discover the moments that shaped OCBF’s story.

| 2:45

A MILESTONE OF KINGDOM’S ADVANCEMENT

50 Years of Faith, Growth, and God’s Faithfulness. From a small home gathering to a thriving church with national impact, discover the moments that shaped OCBF’s story.

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Commemorative Souvenir Book

A keepsake for the years

Together, let’s reflect on our rich legacy while looking forward to a year filled with unity, inspiration, and continued impact. We invite all members and partners to partake in this joyful celebration of faith and service.

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