A former Lawrence church youth leader convicted of having a sexual relationship with an underage girl was supported by about two dozen people during a sentencing hearing Tuesday morning.

The family members, friends, former members of the church youth group and pastors had nothing but good things to say about Christopher L. Cormack, 38, who was found guilty of aggravated indecent liberties with a child on Oct. 6. The crime happened about eight years ago.

Douglas County District Judge Robert Fairchild did not sentence Cormack. The hearing was instead continued until 1:30 p.m. Dec. 4 because of court conflicts.

Prosecutors say Cormack, who currently lives in Billings, Mont., had a sexual relationship with a teenager for three years, including having sex with her before she turned 16.

The victim, who was 24 when Cormack was convicted, came forward with the allegations in late 2007 after she heard he was taking a ministry job as a chaplain at Kansas State University after he attended seminary in California. According to trial testimony, the allegations ruined Cormack’s career in the ministry before criminal charges were filed.

Twenty-three people, from at least three states, spoke on behalf of Cormack on Tuesday, calling his sex crime a mistake and urging the judge to sentence him to probation instead of prison.

Cormack faces 55 months to more than 20 years in prison, depending on his criminal history. Cormack’s attorney said Tuesday that his client has no criminal record and has asked Fairchild to consider sentencing Cormack to probation.