A year-long legal conflict over a contested leadership election at a US megachurch has come to an end. 

A court in the US state of Virginia has dismissed a lawsuit against the McLean Bible Church, led by best-selling author and Pastor David Platt. 

It was dismissed with prejudice, which means it cannot be refiled. 

"I know that many churches across America have faced and are facing similar challenges during these days, and it is vitally important that we move past division and live out John 13:35, demonstrating love for one another and love for a world in need of Jesus," Platt said in a statement on Monday.

Last year, dissident members of the congregation lodged the complaint following an election of church elders. 

The group argued the church's constitution had been violated - they believed the leadership had abused its power and had manipulated the votes. 

Following the dispute, a second election, this time asking members of the church to sign their votes. However, dissidents argued leaders had violated the church's policy of using secret ballots.
 
A third election was then held earlier this month, using secret ballots. All six elders received at least 86 per cent of the votes, more than 75 per cent required. 

The lawsuit has also prompted members to share other concerns regarding the church's leadership and doctrine. 

For the group, the church is now "woke" and believes it promotes "unbiblical teachings" like Critical Race Theory and social justice. 

Wade Burnett, a pastor at McLean Bible Church said: "Every time this lawsuit has been filed or amended or refiled, it has resulted in a dismissal," he said. 

"We believe the same thing would happen on appeal in this matter, as our church has now voted and revoted in ways that are crystal clear. We want to move forward in unity and we do not believe any appellate court would restrict us from doing that."

Lawyers representing the group will appeal the decision.