Prosecutors said Patrick Edouard used his position of power at Covenant Reform Church to coerce four women members into having sexual relations with him.
Edouard is charged with three counts of third-degree sexual abuse, and four counts of sexual exploitation by a counselor, therapist, school employee or clergy.
Monday morning, the state called an elder of the church to the stand.
Clarence Hettinga got emotional, even wiping away tears as he talked about finding out about Edouard's alleged sexual contact with members of the church.
Hettinga said that one of the women's husband approached him about it. Hettinga then set up a meeting with the other elders to ask Edouard questions.
Prosecutor Laura Roan asked Hettinga how Edouard responded when asked if he had had inappropriate conduct with anyone in the congregation.
"His answer was 'Yes,' one person, and that she kissed me in the study," said Hettinga.
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