GASTONIA, N.C. -- A former church leader accused of sexually assaulting a teen is now on trial. His attorneys are calling him a good family man, but the prosecution says that’s not the case.

Prosecutors say the victim’s parents considered Paul Shives family. They’ve known each other for years.

Then, when the victim turned 12, prosecutors say Shives’ relationship with the child changed into something sexual.

Shives, 42, was a deacon at New Hope Baptist Church in Gastonia.

During opening arguments Monday, prosecutors described in detail some of the alleged abuse including oral sex when the girl was 12.

Back in May, the now 14-year-old told a teacher Shives had been sexually abusing her.

Police had the girl record a phone conversation in which prosecutors say Shives basically admitted to sexually abusing her on a recent camping trip.

Defense attorneys decided to wait and will make their opening statement after the state rests its case.

The state will call its first witness in the morning and although we don’t know when, prosecutors say the teenager will take the stand.