Virginia Appeals Court Reopens Church Governance Battle After Disputed Election

Faith Facts

• A Virginia appeals court has reinstated a lawsuit by longtime members of McLean Bible Church challenging a 2021 elder election they claim violated church bylaws
• The original case was dismissed under Virginia’s “ecclesiastical abstention doctrine,” but the appeals court ruled the dispute involves verifiable secular matters like election procedures
• The conflict centers on allegations that Pastor David Platt’s leadership has moved the church away from its traditional foundations

The Court of Appeals of Virginia breathed new life into a contentious legal battle this week, overturning a lower court’s dismissal of a lawsuit brought by longtime members of McLean Bible Church against Pastor David Platt and church leadership. The case revolves around a disputed 2021 elder election that has divided one of northern Virginia’s most prominent evangelical congregations.

The appeals court found that the lawsuit presents questions that can be resolved through neutral principles of law rather than theological interpretation. This decision reverses a Circuit Court ruling that had dismissed the case under Virginia’s “ecclesiastical abstention doctrine,” which typically keeps civil courts from intervening in internal church matters.

The plaintiffs—members with deep roots in the church community—argue that the 2021 election of new elders violated the church’s own bylaws and proper governance procedures. Their concerns extend beyond procedural matters to fundamental questions about the church’s direction under Platt’s leadership.

Allegations have surfaced that McLean Bible Church has drifted from its traditional conservative moorings toward more progressive positions on social and theological issues. These longtime members contend that such changes represent a betrayal of the church’s founding principles and the faith commitments that originally drew them to the congregation.

The dispute highlights broader tensions within American evangelicalism between maintaining biblical fidelity and engaging contemporary culture. For many traditional Christians, church governance isn’t merely administrative—it’s about preserving doctrinal integrity and ensuring accountability to both Scripture and the congregation.

Pastor David Platt, who gained national prominence through his bestselling book “Radical” and previous leadership roles including president of the International Mission Board, has been a polarizing figure. While some appreciate his global missions focus, others have expressed concern about his approach to social issues and church leadership.

The appellate court’s decision means the case will return to the lower court for further proceedings. The members bringing the lawsuit will now have the opportunity to present evidence supporting their claims that election procedures were not properly followed.

This case serves as a reminder that faithful stewardship of our churches requires both spiritual discernment and procedural integrity. When church leaders operate outside established bylaws and governance structures, they undermine the trust that holds Christian communities together.

The outcome could have implications for how Virginia courts handle future disputes over church governance, particularly when allegations involve violations of an organization’s own written rules rather than purely theological disagreements. Churches operate under both spiritual principles and legal frameworks, and both deserve respect.

For the congregants who have invested years or even decades in McLean Bible Church, this legal battle represents more than a procedural dispute. It’s about preserving the character and mission of a church they love and ensuring that leadership remains accountable to both God’s Word and the congregation’s covenant.

As this case moves forward, it will test whether civil courts can appropriately adjudicate disputes over election procedures and bylaw compliance without improperly entangling themselves in religious doctrine. The appeals court believes they can, setting the stage for the next chapter in this ongoing conflict.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.