It's a row that has split the congregation – and it's been simmering for two years.When dozens of church members walked out of Ballynahinch Congregational Church within seconds of the minister entering the room yesterday, it marked the second Sunday in a row with very public disapproval over the Rev George Speers.
Supporters want the minister to remain preaching while others want him to go and they have vowed to continue protesting until he leaves.
The protesters – around 60 of whom walked out at the beginning of the service – are in disagreement with both Rev Speers and the way in which he is leading the church.
Rev Speers follows Calvinism and protesters against him believe his views are too hardline.
Calvinism is described as a major branch of Protestantism that follows the theological tradition and Christian practice of John Calvin and other reformation-era theologians.
The nature of a congregational church means that its members decide on its direction – there is no ruling authority.
Problems first arose in 2010 when it is claimed that Rev Speers announced to the Diaconate, the body elected by the congregation, that he and his two assistants, Stephen Walker and George Galbraith, would run the church as elders.
The 13 trustees allege that when Rev Speers realised he had opposition, he set about removing them.
On June 27, 2012, Rev Speers and his two assistants were voted out of office, according to Sammy Graham, a trustee.
"Our church's solicitors have indicated that the meeting [to remove Rev Speers] was legal and valid," he said.
"These three men have been removed but have refused to step down, even though they have been issued with their P45s and P60s."
He added: "To date they have received no monies from the church."
Yesterday's protest followed on from angry scenes inside the church last weekend, when police were called to the scene amid reports that one member of the congregation was head-butted as a result of the dispute.
During last Sunday's sermon Rev Speers was jeered with chants, whistles and shouts of "out, out, out" but he continued to speak using a megaphone.
A crisis meeting was held last Tuesday, after which trustees accepted the offer of mediation through the Congressional Union of Ireland.
However, Rev Speers responded to that by issuing a defiant statement saying he intends to remain at the church.
"I will not be deterred from preaching the gospel by the illegal actions of a group of protesters," he said.
"By their actions they have violated all that scripture teaches about worship and have denied others the fundamental liberty to worship without interference.
"I have been greatly encouraged by the messages of support given to me by members of my congregation, ministers from various denominations and members of the general public.
"In obedience to God's will and with His help I intend to continue to fulfil my calling as minister of Ballynahinch Congregational Church."
The minister said he had attempted to bring about a resolution through the use of internal church structures, and had engaged in talks facilitated by third parties.
He added: "Sadly, a resolution accorded with biblical principles could not be found."
During his sermon yesterday, Mr Speers preached that righteousness was the only way out of the church's current problems.
Two police officers were on duty and they maintained a discreet presence while the Sunday service got under way.