FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30, 2026
JOINT STATEMENT OF COUNSEL
Four Jane Does Accuse Steve Thomason, Long Associated with North Point Community Church, of Sexual Abuse
*Please note that contents herein may be triggering or difficult for individuals who have experienced sexual abuse in a faith-based institution. Please proceed with care.
This Joint Statement is issued with our clients’ authorization and in good faith to address matters of substantial public safety concern, including sexual abuse, child sexual abuse, survivor safety, and institutional accountability. Our purpose is to give voice to those we represent and promote the protection and well-being of others who may be at risk. We remain committed to pursuing our clients’ claims through appropriate legal channels while respecting the rights of all parties involved.
We represent four women who have allegations of clergy sexual abuse and/or child sexual abuse against an individual, Steve Thomason, who was a North Point Ministries (“NPM”) and/or North Point Community Church (“NPCC”) representative. Horrendous acts were perpetrated by Steve Thomason against our clients during time periods when he was a representative of NPM and/or NPCC. Thomason’s bad acts include, but may not be limited to: grooming, coercive control, spiritual manipulation, kissing, fondling, groping, soliciting sexual acts, clergy sexual abuse, and child sexual abuse. During the time periods of the abuse, our clients ranged in ages from approximately 14 to 22. These allegations have been reported to the appropriate law enforcement agencies by our clients.
It is our belief that Steve Thomason held roles in the NPCC band and videography team and participated in many NPM/NPCC programs. Upon information and belief, it is our understanding that Steve Thomason also held roles in other church and/or parachurch ministries, including but not limited to: North Georgia Bible Chapel (presently known as “North Georgia Church”); Orange (presently known as “The reThink Group, Inc.”); Camp KidJam; and BigStuf.
On or about July 26, 2025, we notified NPM/NPCC leadership, including Andy Stanley and registered agent Richard Holliday, that: “Mr. Thomason used his spiritual position, Church sponsored-authority, and access to youth to perpetrate devastating conduct against our client[s].” Upon information and belief, there are concerns Thomason was working a North Point youth production as recently as on or about October 2025. We mention this solely to raise awareness about institutional safety concerns.
These four brave women have chosen to speak out at this time to raise awareness for the wrongs that have been committed against each of them. Their voices matter:
“Steve Thomason took my virginity when I was 17. He was 34. I was introduced to Steve Thomason through the High School Program at North Point Community Church when I was 16 years old. The grooming started almost immediately, and the abuse shortly after that. I’ve spent the last two decades reconciling that abuse. Last year, four of us went into this with open minds, hoping that the people in charge would enact meaningful changes. Instead, we were met with re-traumatization.” - Jane Doe 1
“At 18, I lost my faith, my church, and my friends because of Thomason’s abuse and the silence of those entrusted to protect me. Over 20 years later, NPCC continues to fail survivors, choosing to protect abusers over accountability. The betrayals of those who claimed (and still claim) to stand for faith and compassion have left wounds that time cannot heal.” - Jane Doe 2
“I was barely out of middle school when Steve Thomason moved from grooming to sexually abusing me. He threatened me into silence, and he told me that my community would reject and blame me if they discovered the details of how he treated me. 20 years later, after finally finding the strength to come forward, I was hopeful we’d be met with grace, compassion, and support. However, I’ve experienced re-traumatization by an institution that has created a culture of protecting abusers. To anyone who may also be battling in silence, I am with you. It is not your fault, and you are not alone.” - Jane Doe 3
“The abuse impacted every area of my life and relationships. But perhaps the most wounding aspect is the realization that people I once looked up to and respected as followers of Jesus, those who could do their part to take a stand against abuse by supporting victims, are still choosing silence more than twenty years later. You might read this and ask: Why now? I am standing for women—for those who were harmed and ignored—and doing now what should have been done for me twenty years ago. I stand for you. I believe you. Your stories deserve to be heard.” - Jane Doe 4
“After nearly two decades, this is the first time each of us is sharing our story publicly. Today you are hearing only a small portion of the abuse and institutional betrayal that we experienced by Steve Thomason, compounded by the lack of care from NPCC. We have decided to come forward at this moment for accountability, bringing truth to light, transparency, and most importantly, as a matter of public safety.
Twenty years ago, two of us sat in a North Point Community Church office reporting to two leaders on staff that we had been groomed and sexually abused by Steve Thomason, a North Point Community Church musician and videographer who was very well known in NPCC circles and was platformed in multiple NPM/NPCC environments regularly. Due to recent efforts of survivor advocates, Georgia law now criminalizes clergy sexual abuse. Georgia law now recognizes the power dynamic that occurs and creates accountability when individuals use their position of power over another to harm and abuse.
In April 2025, after Reggie Joiner’s victim came forward, we learned there are four total known victims of Steve Thomason. After experiencing Thomason’s abuse and NPCC’s subsequent silence while continuing to platform our abuser, we speak in hopes of raising public safety awareness about Steve Thomason, and being a resource in the event there are other victims.
We also speak to raise awareness and transparency in this time of institutional change. The impact of this abuse and institutional betrayal has been great. We speak now because we do not want anyone else to have to endure the pain we have undergone. We can no longer remain silent.
It is possible there may be other victims who read this with their own experience in mind. Please know that you are not alone, and we stand with you. May our truth-telling spur you toward yours.”
~Jane Doe 1, Jane Doe 2, Jane Doe 3, and Jane Doe 4~
The church should be a sacred, safe place. Individuals who abuse their position of authority to harm the vulnerable need to be held accountable. This moment should be met with honesty, integrity, and courage. Our commitment to these women, their dignity, and their pursuit of justice will not waver.
To the broader Christian community, Christ says in His Word: What we do unto the least of these, we do unto Him. As a Christian community, there is a watching world. More importantly, there is a watching King of the World, to whom we are all chiefly responsible.
ISSUED JOINTLY BY:
Amy Stier, J.D.
Attorney & Founding Partner
The Stier Group PLLC
Fort Worth, Texas
Scott Stier, J.D.
Attorney & Founding Partner
The Stier Group PLLC
Fort Worth, Texas
Jordan Van Matre, J.D.
Founder & Principal Attorney
The Van Matre Law Firm, P.C.
McDonough, Georgia
Zeke Fortenberry, J.D.
Attorney & Founding Partner
Fortenberry Firm PLLC
Dallas, Texas
*If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual abuse, we encourage you to please report these crimes to your local law enforcement agency. For reference, below are some available resources for reporting suspected sexual abuse:
FBI Atlanta Field Office: (770)-216-3000
Atlanta Police Department: (404)-658-6666
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: 1-800-843-5678
Georgia Office of the Child Advocate: 1-855-422-4453 or (404) 656-4200
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 800-656-HOPE
Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
If you seek mental health resources or are experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 24/7 hotline at (800) 662-HELP.
