Branches of the Presbyterian Church represented in Abilene
Presbyterian Church USA–First Central Presbyterian, 400 Orange St., and Westminster Presbyterian, 4515 S. 14th St. Click here to learn more about the Presbyterian Church USA.
Presbyterian Church in America–Christ the King Presbyterian Church. Will begin services in the Abilene Convention Center on Sept. 13. Currently meeting in the Boy Scouts of America building, 3811 N. 1st St. Click here to learn more about the Presbyterian Church in America.
Orthodox Presbyterian Church–Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2742 Buffalo Gap Road. Click here to learn more about the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.

By Loretta Fulton

A new church plant began meeting in Abilene on Easter Sunday, a day of new life and new beginnings.

It was the beginning of a new branch of the Presbyterian Church in Abilene, and the beginning of a new pastorate for Rev. Robert Hasler. A launch team had been meeting for a year and a half before calling Hasler in November 2025. His first Sunday was Easter 2026. 

Christ the King Presbyterian, affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), currently is meeting in the Boy Scouts of America building on North 1st Street but will move to the Abilene Convention Center for services beginning on Sunday, Sept. 13. Sunday school classes will begin on Sept. 20.

“It’s been a long process, but we’re really thankful,” Hasler said. 

Abilene now is home to three branches of the Presbyterian Church. First Central and Westminster are affiliated with the Presbyterian Church USA, Covenant Presbyterian on Buffalo Gap Road is an Orthodox Presbyterian Church congregation, and Christ the King is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in America. Christ the King is in the North Texas Presbytery of the PCA. 

Hasler said his new church is based on three pillars:

• Gospel-centered worship service
• Christ-like community
• Kingdom-minded mission

Hasler grew up in the Presbyterian Church in America tradition in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He was baptised in the church and is a graduate of Covenant Theological Seminary, which is the PCA seminary in St. Louis. Before moving to Abilene, Hasler was an assistant pastor at Christ Presbyterian Church in Burke, Virginia, with the vision of being the lead pastor of a church plant.

“That was always in the back of my head,” Hasler said. “That was something I wanted to do.” 

Robert Hasler, his wife, Kirsten, and their children

Hasler got his chance when he was called to Abilene. The family consists of his wife, Kirsten, and four boys, ages 8, 4, 3, and nine months. While living in Virginia, Hasler also was involved with an organization called Ministry to State, which is sponsored by the Presbyterian Church in America. The purpose of Ministry to State is to minister to aides and staffers for elected officials, with the unofficial motto, “People, not Politics.” Hasler also was commissioned as an Army Reserve chaplain in 2022. Kirsten worked as an executive assistant to congressman in Washington. 

For one more Sunday, the new church will meet in the Boy Scouts building before moving to the Convention Center for services beginning Sept. 13. However, that may not be the end of the moving. Hasler said the long-term plan is to have a building of their own. Until then, they’ll be on the move.

“We’re going to be sort of tabernacling,” Hasler said.

Loretta Fulton is creator and editor of Spirit of Abilene