Dallas church store’s director says milestone provides an opportunity ‘to really see what the Lord has done’

Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Bookstore in Dallas celebrated its 25-year anniversary in 2013. 

 Bookstore Director Terri Williams said the store’s approach to Christian retailing aligns with the mission statement of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship (OCBF), led by pastor and best-selling author Tony Evans: “Discipling the Church to Impact the World.”

“One thing Dr. Evans asks us is, ‘How does your ministry area help to advance the kingdom, or respond to that mission statement?’ I feel that’s what we do. We provide products that foster discipleship—the books, Bibles, music and every type of resource that we sell. They’re all Christian products, so they absolutely
support the mission statement of the church,” said Williams, who has been with the store since the first day it opened.

Reflecting on her own 25 years at the store, Williams said: “I love Christian retail. I love the products we sell and opportunities that we have to make a major impact on people’s lives. We’re really making a difference.”

Because the church’s longtime pastor is so well-known, it’s no surprise that many of the store’s best-sellers are his books and resources, along with books written by his wife, Lois, and their children, Chrystal, Priscilla and Jonathan. Son Anthony Evans also has found success as a singer-songwriter. 

Referring to Evans, president of The Urban Alternative ministry, Williams said the store sells “literally thousands of his books a year.”

Evans’ books include Oneness Embraced and How Should Christians Vote? (both Moody Publishers) and Kingdom Man (Tyndale House Publishers).

Since its founding in 1976, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship has grown to nearly 10,000 members and has three weekly services and more than 100 ministries.

The store’s top marketing tools are its website, promotional mailings with coupon and word-of-mouth, Williams said.

“In 25 years, we’ve developed such a loyal following from our congregation,” Williams said. It’s an honor to make it to 25 years, and to really see what the Lord has done.” 

Offering 1,300 square feet of selling space, the store opened its doors in 1988 and is now in its second location, which has been its home for 18 years. Plans are in the works for a store expansion in a new building.

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