Christian TikTok influencer Niya Esperanza filed a lawsuit against Trinity United Presbyterian Church in Santa Ana, California, on February 17, 2026, in Orange County Superior Court’s Central Justice Center. The case is designated a civil labor and employment matter, which points to a dispute over her working relationship with the church rather than any other kind of claim.1UniCourt. Niya Esperanza vs. Trinity United Presbyterian Church
Why the Filing Drew Attention
Esperanza is a Christian content creator with more than a million TikTok followers, plus active accounts on Instagram and YouTube. Her audience skews toward high school and early college viewers, and she has described her style as documenting daily life and faith rather than producing polished videos.2Church Tech Today. Using TikTok and Instagram as a Christian Influencer With Niya Esperanza and Kenny Jahng
Alongside her online work, she has been employed in youth ministry at her church, running its high school ministry’s media and social accounts, leading a student leadership team, and helping create devotional materials.2Church Tech Today. Using TikTok and Instagram as a Christian Influencer With Niya Esperanza and Kenny Jahng
What the Lawsuit Claims
The case is styled Niya Esperanza vs. Trinity United Presbyterian Church and was filed in Orange County Superior Court. Its civil labor and employment designation signals that the claims arise from Esperanza’s employment relationship with the church.1UniCourt. Niya Esperanza vs. Trinity United Presbyterian Church
The specific allegations in the complaint are not publicly available, and neither Esperanza nor the church has issued a public statement about the litigation. The precise nature of the dispute is not yet known.
Her Documented Role at Trinity
Esperanza co-led Trinity’s high school ministry with Joel Mitchell. The church’s 2024 Annual Ministry Report credited both with “tremendous leadership” and described the program as “driving a huge spiritual revival in our local high schools and our community.”3Trinity Church. 2024 Annual Ministry Report
Mitchell’s professional profile describes his former role as Director of High School Ministries at Trinity, where he says he led a large volunteer team and produced events and campaigns. He now identifies himself as an author, speaker, and fundraising coach, which suggests he has since left the church.4IntCH. Joel Mitchell Profile The timing of his departure relative to Esperanza’s filing is not established in available records, and there is no indication in the record that he is named in the suit or otherwise tied to the claims.
Where the Case Stands
As of mid-2026, the case appears to remain in its early stages. Court records show it as a new filing with no publicly available information about motions, hearings, or settlement discussions.1UniCourt. Niya Esperanza vs. Trinity United Presbyterian Church Trinity United Presbyterian Church is located at 13922 Prospect Avenue in Santa Ana and has roughly 1,300 members and about 900 weekly worshipers across four Sunday morning services.5California Choir Directors Association. Trinity United Presbyterian Church Without access to the complaint, the substance of Esperanza’s claims against the church is not yet known to the public.