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Megachurch fires student pastor following admission of inappropriate contact with minor

by Lydia Davies

A Texas megachurch has dismissed its student pastor after he confessed to inappropriate contact with a minor during his time as a youth leader at another church.

Jerry Nickerson, 60, who served at Hope Fellowship Church, admitted the misconduct to church leadership, leading to his immediate termination on 6th January 2025.

Lead Pastor John McKinzie confirmed that Nickerson voluntarily disclosed his past actions when confronted by church leaders about the incidents that occurred nearly a decade ago, when Nickerson was a volunteer youth leader at a different church.

Following his confession, Hope Fellowship Church took swift action, terminating Nickerson’s employment to ensure the safety of the congregation.

“We believe that this behavior disqualifies individuals from holding positions of leadership and pastoral responsibility,” McKinzie said in a statement seen by Radar Online.

“Hope Fellowship is committed to supporting victims of abuse and maintaining a safe environment for all of our members, particularly students and children.”

The church issued a formal statement emphasising their dedication to upholding the highest standards in protecting the children and students in their care.

“Any violation of these standards is taken with the utmost seriousness. The safety and security of the children and students at Hope Fellowship is our top priority,” the statement read.

In the wake of Nickerson’s admission, the church has been working closely with local authorities and the organisation where the alleged incidents occurred.

Executive Pastor Aaron Alexander confirmed that the church had reported Nickerson's confession to all relevant authorities, ensuring full compliance with legal requirements.

Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Lieutenant Jason Esquibel of the City of Red Oak Police Department clarified that the police department has not yet received a direct report from Hope Fellowship. However, a third-party report from Nickerson’s former church, The Oaks Church, has been filed, and the department is conducting an investigation.

Nickerson joined Hope Fellowship in July 2021 as a youth ministry intern, passing a background check before being hired.

McKinzie reassured congregants during his sermon that all appropriate authorities were notified, and that the church responded swiftly to the situation.

“It’s been one of those weeks you never wish on anyone,” McKinzie said. “We want to make sure that when something like this happens, we handle it with transparency, and you, as our church family, know exactly what’s going on.”

"We want you to know, if you’ve been hurt, you matter to us. If you’ve been abused, you matter to us,” McKinzie added.

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