A former vicar who led an evangelical movement between 1986 and 1995 has been found guilty of 17 counts of indecent assault against nine women.

Chris Brain, 68, appeared at Inner London crown court accused of sexual offences against 13 women who were members of the Nine O’Clock Service (NOS), an influential Sheffield-based Christian worship group that was likened to a cult.

He was found guilty on Wednesday of 17 counts of indecent assault during the years he led the movement. The jury cleared him of 15 counts of indecent assault but were still deliberating on four counts of indecent assault and one count of rape.

Prosecutors previously told jurors that the NOS was aimed at younger people and “presented itself to the outside world as a progressive force for good”. They said the NOS became a cult in which Brain abused his position to exert control over the lives of his female followers and ostracised them from friends and family.

The court heard that a “homebase team” was set up to “care for” Brain – referred to as the Lycra lovelies or the Lycra nuns – and witnesses reported seeing the defendant surrounded by attractive women in lingerie at his home, looking after his needs.

Prosecuting, Tim Clark KC relayed accounts to the court from complainants who said Brain groomed them and would touch them during massages.

Brain denies all the charges against him.

Jurors will return to court at 10am on Thursday to continue deliberations on the remaining charges.