As the GA adjourned, similar to other denominations, the power struggle between high-level leaders and many other presbyters would continue. Both of those stake-holders felt significant ownership, and the clashes were not always pretty, much less resolved well. However, some leadership changes were in the offing, and various caucus groups were renewed in their desire to steer the church. For example, with dueling pro-and-con letters about the Stated Clerk’s resignation prior to the Assembly, it was hard to overlook that support of a leader was often more tied to keeping or preventing certain people from office (same for nominations) than it was to a strict impartiality. The struggle for operational control would likely continue, unless some agreement occurred to accommodate the various factions.

By the end of this third Chattanooga Assembly, many of the PCA founding cultural interests and efforts to avoid centralization were distant memories. With strong efforts, the conservatives who sought to bring the high-level officers more in line with certain notions had some success. Moreover, the progressive wing seemed more determined and efficient than ever to control the seats at the table. The next decade’s actions, leaders, and strategies would be decisive for the matters on which this Assembly was clearly divided.

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David Hall | “The Third Chattanooga PCA Assembly (2025): ‘We’re Back!'” | June 26, 2025

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Post authored by:

• David Hall

  

  Reverend David W. Hall is married to Ann, and they are parents of three grown children and grandparents of eight grandchildren. He has served as the Senior Pastor of Midway Presbyterian Church (PCA) since 2003. Previously, he served as Pastor of the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Oak Ridge, Tennessee (1984–2003) and as Associate Pastor at the First Presbyterian Church in Rome, Georgia (1980–1984). He was ordained to pastoral ministry in 1980. He was educated at Covenant Theological Seminary and is the editor and author of several volumes.

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