NEVADA, Mo. (AP)--A hearing for a southwest Missouri pastor accused of several counts of child abuse has been rescheduled for December.

George Otis Johnston is charged with 17 counts of child molestation and statutory sodomy stemming from allegations that he abused girls in his Granby-area church. The 66-year-old defendant has been out on bail since being charged in 2006.

Johnston's status review hearing was rescheduled Tuesday because prosecutors said they were having trouble contacting witnesses, who are now adults.

Johnston was one of six people in Newton and McDonald counties, who were charged in 2006 after a probe into alleged sexual abuse of children at two churches. Charges were dismissed against the other defendants.

Andrew Wood, Johnston's lawyer, did not return a call seeking comment.