Pastor Terry Jackson of True Vine Apostolic Church of Christ in Hampton Virginia is at the center of a heated controversy after a video surfaced showing a 15-year-old church member being publicly reprimanded for her pregnancy. The video, which has gone viral, depicts the visibly emotional teenager standing at the altar as she apologizes to the congregation, asking for forgiveness and prayers.

In the video, Pastor Jackson informs the young girl and the church members that she will not be allowed to have a baby shower. While the pastor has yet to comment publicly, the clip has ignited a firestorm of reactions across social media.

Some viewers have defended the pastor’s actions, and commended him for upholding traditional beliefs.

“I grew up Apostolic in the old ways. I love the Apostolic way even though I’m not where I should be with God. When I was growing up all churches had this practice. She had a choice not to show up at church but she did and I respect her for that. If yall are mad at the action of the Pastor action we don’t believe in the Trinity. We know the Trinity theory was made up at the Council of Nicaea and not mentioned in the Bible. Act2:38forlife I have to line up with the word of God. The word of God don’t have to line up with me. God’s words are true.”

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However, the majority of responses have condemned the pastor’s approach as harsh and harmful.
“This pissed me off! Cancel Pastor Terry Jackson at True Vine Apostolic Church of Christ. I wish I could just hug that poor girl. That pastor really made her come in front of the church and apologize for being pregnant as a teen out of wedlock. What happened to “Only God Can Judge” I’m sure she’s going through enough as it is but to publicly humiliate her isn’t very “Christian” like. And are they raising the baby? No so why is she apologizing to the church? Their life isn’t changing. Her mom, dad or guardian should’ve taken her out of that church and I would’ve turned it upside down. That’s not the churches business. I wish someone would’ve tried this with my mom when she was pregnant with me as a teen! I was a gift and she is lucky to have birthed me TF!”

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The incident has reignited debates about the church’s role in addressing personal issues like teen pregnancy and lgbtqia relationships. Many argue that the pastor’s actions could push young people away from seeking support and guidance within their faith communities.

Although the teen has not come forward her mother Dee Myles took to social media to share that she was sticking by her pastor and asked that everyone leave her and her daughter alone. She also removed her daughter’s Go Fund Me page at the pastors request.

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As the church faces scrutiny, the question remains—how can religious communities balance their values with empathy and understanding for their members, especially In an era where social media has amplified voices from all sides of the debate.
One thing is clear: the intersection of faith, discipline, and compassion remains a deeply polarizing issue.