Ligonier’s Stephen Nichols says St. Andrews Church excommunicated him, after report of suspected abuse of daughter

Following the announcement of his departure from leadership roles at Ligonier Ministries and Reformation Bible College, church historian Stephen J. Nichols and his wife, Heidi, revealed they have been excommunicated by Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Florida. The couple asserts that this disciplinary action followed their January 2025 report to the church regarding the suspected sexual abuse of their daughter by then-associate pastor Stephen Adams. According to the Nicholses, their report led to a fundamental impasse with church leadership over how the situation was handled, eventually resulting in church indictments against them for slander and breach of vows after they attempted to transition to a new congregation.

In contrast, Stephen Adams, who has since resigned from his position, vehemently denies the allegations, labeling them as “wicked slander” and claiming he was the one to involve civil and ecclesiastical authorities to clear his name. While the church reportedly found the Nicholses guilty of “contumacy”—a failure to submit to church authority or appear for proceedings—the couple maintains that there was never a formal trial or adjudication of the underlying facts. Despite being excommunicated by Saint Andrew’s in March 2026, the Nicholses stated they have found refuge and remain members in good standing at a different congregation, New Hope, while continuing to emphasize that the focus should remain on the protection of their daughter.