New allegations have emerged surrounding Atlanta pastor Bryan Meadows after a woman publicly claimed she had a long-term relationship with the church leader that resulted in a pregnancy and abortion.
According to reports, Stephanie Prescott, a graduate of Emory University's Candler School of Theology, recently revealed that Meadows was the pastor referenced in her book about spiritual abuse. In the book, Prescott previously referred to the pastor only as "Apostle Fred."
Prescott alleges that the relationship with Meadows lasted more than a decade and began when she was a young member connected to his ministry. She says the relationship involved a significant power imbalance and has since described it as involving grooming and spiritual abuse.
In her account, Prescott wrote that she became pregnant during the relationship and ultimately chose to have an abortion. She later described the experience as deeply painful and said she continues to grieve the loss.
The claims gained wider attention after Meadows discussed a long-term extramarital relationship during an appearance on the "Hardly Initiated" podcast, where he acknowledged having an affair that lasted several years while he was married.
Prescott later publicly confirmed that Meadows was the pastor involved in the story she shared in her book, which focuses on the impact of spiritual manipulation and abuse within church environments.
The situation has sparked renewed conversations within Christian communities about pastoral accountability, boundaries in ministry relationships, and the need for transparency when allegations of misconduct arise.
Prescott has also issued public statements expressing regret over the relationship and apologizing to those who were hurt by the situation, including her former husband. She says her decision to speak out is intended to help others recognize warning signs of spiritual abuse and encourage healing within the church.
At the time of reporting, no additional official statements or disciplinary actions from Meadows' church leadership have been publicly announced.
