I attended Anderson University from 1989-1991 before heading off to Furman. While at Anderson, I met a guy named Perry Noble. We weren't best friends, but I was around him several times. After I left Anderson, I never saw Perry again. But I followed him online while he started and served as the pastor of Newspring Church.
Earlier today, it was announced that Perry's ministry has come to an end at Newspring. Apparently he has abused alcohol, and that created further problems. I don't know any more details, and that's ok with me. It's none of my business, and I would rather not know.
But there are some things I do know....
Perry needs our prayers. We should lift him up to the Lord and ask for His healing during this hurtful time. Only God can fix this, and God is who we mostly need to talk with about it.
Perry is no worse than you and me. We all are sinners. We all do wrong. Some people drink too much. Some people gossip. Some people have an affair. Some people are full of pride. While different people do different things, all people sin one way or another. So none of us should look down on Perry. I know I won't. The way I see it, we all are sinners in need of God's forgiveness.
Perry needs friends who care about him. While everyone faces consequences for doing wrong, everyone also needs someone to love them and stick with them. A true friend will stay with those who fail and do wrong. A true friend will say, "I still love you anyway." Perry needs that, and so do we.
Perry needs help rather than condemnation. I'm glad to see that he is already getting professional help with his struggles. That's a smart move! Whenever we see someone struggling, let's not kick them while they're down. Let's not shoot our wounded. Instead, let's make sure they get whatever help they need to get back onto their feet. Let's help them get well and live again.
Finally, let me address Perry: Perry, I know there is a chance you may never see this. But I do wish you well. And I love you as a brother in Christ. Right now, you're hurting. But my prayer is that God will comfort you, your wife, and your child. And I'm sure you're probably beating yourself up a little bit too. Believe me, I've been there. I know what shame and regret feel like after failing morally. But let me remind you of this: God, who still loves you, is always willing to forgive you. He can wipe away your sin and help you move forward. I don't condemn you. I don't look down on you. And I don't judge you. Not at all. But I do wish God's very, very best for you. I love a good comeback story! And my desire is to see a good one in your life. Hang in there man. Look to Jesus. Love your wife and kid. Remember that better days are ahead for you in Jesus! P.S. This experience does not define your whole life. It's only one season. So move on and do something great, with God's help, in the next chapter of your life's story.
Well said and the way my husband and I feel about the situation. We are praying for Perry and his healing.
ReplyDeleteAmen. Praying indeed.
ReplyDeleteAmen and Amen!
ReplyDeleteAlways in my prayers....he changed my life when I battled depression. I Love My Church and Perry I stand behind you. We are here for you!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cathy and anonymous. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteI have heard many good things about him and new spring. He has helped changed many people's lives by leading them to God's word. No person on earth is perfect and we all make mistakes. I pray for perry and his family as well as his church family. The devil surely is loving this right now but I know he can overcome with God's guidance. Well written.
ReplyDeleteYou are definitely in my prayers. Just as Louise said, we have all sinned and fell short of God's glory! I also know that when we go to God in faith and repent, He takes away our yesterday's. May God give you peace as you heal and as you, once again, serve Him with your whole heart.
ReplyDeleteHis words, helped me through a tough time in my life. I pray he he gets through his. Let's lift him up like he has done so many! I am behind him 100%.
ReplyDelete#thesearemypeople #newspringstrong #prayingforpastorp
ReplyDelete#thesearemypeople #newspringstrong #prayingforpastorp
ReplyDeletePraying for him. His sermons blessed me when I was in a low time in my life.
ReplyDeletePraying for him. His sermons blessed me when I was in a low time in my life.
ReplyDeleteYou just never know why you go through trials. Maybe another one of God's children desperately needed to see someone else conquer disparity with the help of God's unfailing grace to make their own first step. My guess is that God has great things in store for him, this may just be that first unexpected step. You may stumble, friend, but you will not fall.
ReplyDeleteI do firmly believe our trials are meant to make us stronger in the end if we repent, accept God's forgiveness AND His mercy and allow Him to break those chains that keep us in an addiction or in any form of sin
Delete.
Praying for you Perry, you are not alone!
ReplyDeleteAmen David, very well said. My prayers for PASTOR and his family.
ReplyDeleteThanks Vanessa! Appreciate your feedback.
DeleteExactly!!! I love Pastor P as much today as I always have!!! The best is still yet to come!!!!
ReplyDeleteExactly!!! I love Pastor P as much today as I always have!!! The best is still yet to come!!!!
ReplyDeletePlease allow me to add my heartfelt prayers to all of the above. Perry, you have personally touched some of the people I love with your messages. You have touched me. I just learned about all of these problems this morning, and tonight, someone very dear to me told me your situation has had such an impact on them that they are themselves going to seek help tomorrow. God bless you, your family, and your loved ones !!!
ReplyDeletePraying for this Pastor and his family!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you David, as always reminding us that none of us are immune from the trials of life, but are all worthy of healing by His Grace. My prayers for Perry, his family and Newspring as they weather this storm. And all my best to you and yours!💜
ReplyDeleteWe Love you Pastor P!!! This is definitely going to be difficult at church coming and knowing your pastor ( he will always be my pastor) is going through this difficult time in his life. I will be praying for him as he rebuilds his relationships with both God and his wife and daughter. Gods Got this! Look to him. Thank you for everything. I hope to get to hear you preach again. Newspring loves you and there will always be a part missing from church. Nobody will ever measure up to Perry Noble. Miss you already. We Love You❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
ReplyDeleteAs a recovered alcoholic with 13 years of sobriety, can truly understand Mr. Nobel's, situation. I have made many comment's stating that he need's our love and support. The disease of alcoholism will take over the best of us, but it is a disease that can be cured. The first step to sobriety is admitting your wrong doing's. I could not be more proud of Mr. Nobel for taking that first step. I have turned him over to God, to help him One Day At A Time. It Work's If You Work It. My hat's off to Mr. Nobel for stepping up o the plate. God will see him through. GOD GRANT ME THE SERINITY TO EXCEPT THE THINGS I CANNOT CHANGE, THE COURAGE TO CHANGE THE THING'S I CAN, AND THE WISDOM TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE. Sending prayer's to the Nobel family.
ReplyDeleteThis man of God whom I call my Pastor is a amazing man. Although this situation absolutely breaks my heart for Pastor Perry , Lecreshia, his precious daughter, my church brothers and sister as well as all Christians, I have to say I have never felt such admiration for a man of God as I do him. The courage it takes to admit ones down falls, short comings... Sins ( ever how you want to word it) knowing the negativity and shame that follows, (especially someone with his position and status) is to be acknowledged and smiled upon. To admit and seek help head on, not hiding, or pretending as so many "Christians" do. What a wonderful testimony as to his faith in KNOWINGLY God is forever loyal. This is just one of the reasons so many people are drawn to New Spring. HE IS THE REAL DEAL, if we are all honest about it we can all relate to his situation in one way or another. How many of Jesus disciples were sinners, even betraying him, yet he loved them so; and chose them to walk the path and spread the gospel. Pastor Perry, his family, and our church and those who will step in and continue to preach the word of God will now and forever more be in my heart and prayers. We love you P.P. And we are behind you 100% PLEASE HURRY HOME. I❤️MYCHURCH Kelly Stewart
ReplyDeleteThank you, David Richardson, for your positive blog post. I would also like to add my comments. Our Prayers are with Pastor Perry at this time and always. He has always preached acceptance by our church saying that no one except Jesus Christ was or is ever perfect. We are all a work in progress. Pastor P admitted in his letter to the church that he had put alcohol before God and is seeking help with this problem. We are praying for him now to find his way back where God is the first priority in his life. The NewSpring Board of directors and Senior Pastors did what they needed to do for the church at this time. They stated in their letter to the church that they were standing with Pastor P supporting him during this time as well as continuing to pray for him and his family.
ReplyDeletePastor Perry was so dedicated to God and NewSpring that his goal was not only to bring people to God but to change the lives of 100,000 people who were broken and help them accept Jesus Christ as their Savior, To the point he would preach 5 live sermons in Anderson and broadcast live at all of the NewSpring churches and online every Sunday. This was beside his other duties and responsibilities to the church and its Owners (members). Some told him he would burn out if he kept up at that pace. Finally after 14 years of his 16 at NewSpring Pastor P cut down to 4 live services on Sunday. He would not let up on his dream to see 100,000 people accept Jesus Christ as their Savior.
I am not writing this to make excuses for Pastor P, but to let others who try condemning him so quickly and judging by saying that they never attended or only attended once and that was enough, that Perry really does care about helping others know God. Over the next days, weeks and months some people will pull up everything negative that has ever been posted about Pastor P and NewSpring and put in the media again, but just so you know we are all praying for Perry now and those that start negative rants remember, John 8:7 NIV When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her."
I am a friend of Bill W. and a child of the King of kings. Paul's letter to the church at Rome provides us with the basis for understanding this cunning, baffling, powerful situation and delivers straightforward instructions for responding to it in a Christ-like manner. As for myself, thanks be to God for giving me grace, mercy, unconditional love, forgiveness and salvation instead of what I deserve. God bless you Perry ... you're in my prayers ... there is a solution at the foot of the Cross where "Alcoholics Anonymous"awaits all who seek the miracle we call "sobriety."
ReplyDeleteWhat an inspiration it is to see such an outpouring of grace on a hurting person. May God bless Perry, and the entire Newspring family. Many thanks to each of you for your amazing feedback.
ReplyDeleteWe are all sinners and in need of prayer. We do not have the right to judge another human being and it is so much of that going on on a daily basis. New Spring is not my church, but I was welcomed with open arms everytime I did attend. Perry is my brother in Christ and I did attend and enjoyed his teaching. Prayers to him, his family and the entire NewSpring Church Family. God will continue to do amazing things when we are his vessel.
ReplyDeleteWell said Prayers for Perry and his family
ReplyDeleteI'm one of those "jackasses" who prefers a message that is more scripturally grounded. I prefer that my pastor not use words like "you suck" when referring to people that don't like the style of music at New Spring. I feel Perry used this in your face style of preaching to compensate for his lack of education and knowledge of scripture. I simply don't respect a pastor who makes general statements such as "there is no Hebrew word for commandment" and restates the ten commandments in his own words. I am just surprised that people flocked to this church and did not question him. But again the majority of people are not looking deeper into scripture, they are following a charismatic speaker. I'm surprised that he got away with it for as long as he did. I don't think he was mature enough or educated enough to handle a church this size with so much exposure. I think deep down he must know this. I pray for him and the many people who put their faith in him rather than God.
ReplyDeleteWell said! So many people worshiping this man instead of Jesus, it was only a matter of time.
DeleteTruth! Because of people worshiping him, he felt free to use the "N" word during his sermon.
DeleteWell stated. Follow Jesus, not man.
DeleteThank you for stating what so many of us feel. I'm a bit skeptical when the cross, the symbol of Jesus' victory over sin and death, since it is believed that through his death and resurrection he conquered death itself, is not displayed in a church because it represents "hate." Bells go off when friends tell me that they are "followers" of Pastor P. I've read a lot in the past few days about how people love NewSpring and they love Perry Noble. They haven't mentioned how much they love Jesus.
DeleteYes you got the word you called yourself right! Also I have attended NewSpring for over 14 years and have never once said or even heard anyone say they are followers of Pastor P...really???? That is an outright lie. He ONLY preached following Jesus! I have been in church ALL my life.I am in my fifties and also was a preachers kid. I sat in church and saw so much judgement and hypocrisy that as I grew up and and hit my Thirties I was so disillusioned with church. Church people can be the worst people on the earth...but also a lot of good people too! When I started attending NewSpring I learned of Gods Grace and Mercy and my freedom in Christ! I also got Saved and started really following Jesus not Perry. As I sit and read some of your comments it takes me back to the days of cruel,judgmental so called christians in "Church". There is nothing christian about some of your Holier than thou comments on a man who just wanted to reach the state of South Carolina and beyond for Jesus! Have any of you critical people even led one person to Christ...I don't see how because you sure aren't projecting the love of Christ.Its because of a lot of the attitudes Im hearing your churches aren't growing because you're too bound up in your religion and making sure others are living what you think is right. You better be careful how you judge what someone else does because thats not your job Its God's. We are commanded to Love one another, and thats exactly what I found at NewSpring! Perry is a man who I believe truly wants to follow Jesus! To the person who said they have heard people say they love NewSpring and Perry but not Jesus...well I have news for you we do Love NewSpring and Perry but its because of this place and person I truly learned to love Jesus...maybe you should try it!
DeleteGod tells us to be aware of false teachers. I prefer a pastor who his more intellectual, educated and had more knowledge of scripture. I think Perry was lacking in these areas and it caught up with him. You can only keep up a facade for so long. I feel he alienated mature Christians because they would question him. He didn't have the answers other than to say, you suck or you are stupid
DeleteIf you prefer that loulou then continue to worship at Your church. I work with many people of different faiths & backgrounds. And that attend other churches besidesign My church. Which is Newspring. Every person I work with expressed their opinions with me, knowing Perry is my Pastor. These coworkers are Baptist, Lutheran, Church of God and Catholic. They all told me that their pastors asked them to pray for Newspring members, attendees, Staff of NewSpring, Perry and his family. NOT to speak negatively against anything. I guess you being a self proclaimed Jack ass didn't receive the same msg at your "church". You truly are an example of the "devil in disguise" making all of us that Love Jesus because of Perry & Newspring Church angry with your vile words. I'm certain you nevery crossed a threshold that displayed a monitor broadcasting Perry's msg, and certainly not the Anderson campus where he preached Live.
DeleteMay God bless you and we all pray for You and your bitter and ignorant tongue.
Kimberly Stepp Newspring Owner
Wow! It is possible for one to speak the truth, and pray for someone at the same time. Truth is not negativity, but according to Perry it is, because how dare you challenge him with facts and scripture, when you suck as a human being, because that is what he says. It just amazes me the bitterness and vile attitudes that come out from Newspringers when anyone questions the grest a mighty Perry, and that is a tRade mark of a cult btw. Sometimes the truth is hard to hear, but it's not negative. It doesn't matter if the message was preached in Anderson or on a jumbotron. If he uses the N word. It's broadcast live. If he calls you stupid, it's broadcast live, if he stops to talk about sex in the middle of a tithing sermon, it's broadcast live. If he allows his youth pastor to preach on how teens can have the best sex ever (remember the series sexed?), or allow him to freely use the bamf, google it to see what it means.How is it as a Christian negative to try to bring light to this area? Well, I guess it is because darkness loves sin. It is true Perry has little education, if he did, he would know that God's commandments are not promises. They are commandments. Bitter Spring should be the name of this church/cult. I have never met anyone from there who was plesant. Yet, what can someone expect when their leader openly encourages harassment of individuals who don't agree with him. How many people do you know have successfully sued a church, over harassment and won? James Duncan did, because Perry refused to be corrected. See a pattern here? The saying goes as the sheppard, so the sheep. He's not your pastor anymore, he has been removed, because, once again, he refused correction. Do you not get it, can you not see? He is a wolf in sheep's clothing. You shouldn't love Jesus because of Perry Noble and Newspring. You should love Jesus because he has redeemed you, and paid for you with his blood, and because he is a good God. The only ignorance I see is coming from Newspring members who refuse to 1) Acknowledge that Perry has been removed 2) That are begging for an alcoholic to return to the pulpit and 3) Are refusing to acknowledge that God is trying to clean up this mess you call your church. That is ignorance. You can love someone, pray for them, restore them, but that does not mean that their deceptions should be covered up. Darkness and light can not cohabitate.
DeleteWow! It is possible for one to speak the truth, and pray for someone at the same time. Truth is not negativity, but according to Perry it is, because how dare you challenge him with facts and scripture, when you suck as a human being, because that is what he says. It just amazes me the bitterness and vile attitudes that come out from Newspringers when anyone questions the grest a mighty Perry, and that is a tRade mark of a cult btw. Sometimes the truth is hard to hear, but it's not negative. It doesn't matter if the message was preached in Anderson or on a jumbotron. If he uses the N word. It's broadcast live. If he calls you stupid, it's broadcast live, if he stops to talk about sex in the middle of a tithing sermon, it's broadcast live. If he allows his youth pastor to preach on how teens can have the best sex ever (remember the series sexed?), or allow him to freely use the bamf, google it to see what it means.How is it as a Christian negative to try to bring light to this area? Well, I guess it is because darkness loves sin. It is true Perry has little education, if he did, he would know that God's commandments are not promises. They are commandments. Bitter Spring should be the name of this church/cult. I have never met anyone from there who was plesant. Yet, what can someone expect when their leader openly encourages harassment of individuals who don't agree with him. How many people do you know have successfully sued a church, over harassment and won? James Duncan did, because Perry refused to be corrected. See a pattern here? The saying goes as the sheppard, so the sheep. He's not your pastor anymore, he has been removed, because, once again, he refused correction. Do you not get it, can you not see? He is a wolf in sheep's clothing. You shouldn't love Jesus because of Perry Noble and Newspring. You should love Jesus because he has redeemed you, and paid for you with his blood, and because he is a good God. The only ignorance I see is coming from Newspring members who refuse to 1) Acknowledge that Perry has been removed 2) That are begging for an alcoholic to return to the pulpit and 3) Are refusing to acknowledge that God is trying to clean up this mess you call your church. That is ignorance. You can love someone, pray for them, restore them, but that does not mean that their deceptions should be covered up. Darkness and light can not cohabitate.
DeleteThank you. Kimberly Stepp, Perry used the term Jackass for anyone who believes or prefers anything other than what he does. I'm not angry or vile. You seem very bitter and angry.
DeleteYou people are the kind that kick when one is down. Newspring is not a cult religion nor has it ever offered the wrong message or anything but love to thy neighbour and God. Pastor Perry founded somethin so great and it grows because of his ability to reach people with God's message. I pity you if your only interpretation of God's love is scripture and words. Wake up! The word suck just means distasteful. Pastor Perry has never condemned aanother faith, church or person for having different views, only offered a home to those who are homeless. To bad you hadn't found it, you might not be casting stones and spewing bitterness on a man who has helped thousands to find Christ. Newspring does that and this man, this man you point fingers at, this man did that for humanity. What have you done? #PrayingforPastorPerry#Weloveyou#NoStonesFromMe#
DeleteListen. I don't go to Church, but I have had concerns with NS for a long time. These people are addressing concerns, I see nothing wrong with that, but I do see Perry being off the chain mean. You couldn't pay me money to go to this church. I've done my research, and I agree with the concerns.
DeleteShould say Perry supporters.
DeleteYes, because Scripture is so overrated. Why read Scripture when you can have an unbiblical sermon by Perry? *rolls eyes* That's how ridiculous they sound when they fuss about sound concern. All we have is our scripture and words, and they have Perry. I think I'll stick with the word of God. And I'll keep raising my voice. Thanks, you let me know I was doing something right!
DeleteYou guys are jealous. Your own churches are on the decline because of the attitudes you reflect.
DeleteOur "attitudes" are a reflection of knowing God's Word, and the ability to weigh what is right vs. what is wrong. All these hardcore Perry supporters can do is attack verbally, they can not refute anything with Scripture to defend their position, nor can they defend these ungodly sermons with Scripture. When people take what their preacher says a Gospel, without using the Word of God as a guide, that's how you end up with a hot mess like this. I'll ask one more time, What is so Godly about a man that uses the N word, that refuses correction, that refuses to be there for his flock, that allow his youth minister to teach sex seduction, or allow him to use bamf openly, or is an alcoholic, has severe marital issues, calls people jackasses, serves on the board of, and is known friends with a cult leader, a man who is seeking numbers and refusing God, a man who openly encourages harassment against people who disagree with him, who stops off subject of tithing to graphically talk about sex, a man who refuses to be accountable and release his salary to the church, while claiming 44% of all money goes to missions, when in reality 44% goes to salaries, and there is no evidence of money given to missions (based on NS's own financial statement) and why is it that only the other "preachers" such as Furtick, Driscoll, etc. vote on his salary, why not the board of NS, just like the wolf robbing the sheep. Why does he call God's commandments promises? Why does he tell you that you don't need medication, but takes it himself, why does he say that you can participate in any sin you wish too, as long as God tells you its o.k.? What is Godly about this? In the end times, there will be a remnant of believers, and if you want to be in that remnant, you better know the Word of God so you don't fall for deception like this.
DeleteJudge Not That Ye Be Not Judged”
DeleteMatthew 7 : 1 Judge not, that ye be not judged !
Introduction: Matt. 7:1. Men often stretch this little verse out of shape.
1. They make it mean what it never did.
2. If you mention the word “sin” this passage is often parroted.
3. However, Jesus did not leave this statement without clarification.
Discussion:
I. Righteous Judgment Not Included
1. John 7:24. When men gather evidence and come to a conclusion (even if that conclusion is that a man is in sin) this is righteous judgment.
2. 1 Thess. 5:21. Prove all things.
3. Acts 8:21-23. Peter made a conclusion that a man was in sin and told him so. This is not what was meant by “Judge not…”
II. False Judgment Then is What is Meant
1. False standard, false evidence, false reasoning.
2. Matt. 12:1-8. Condemning the guiltless. False standard.
3. Matt. 26:59-60. Bringing false witnesses.
4. Matt. 22:23-33. False reasoning.
Conclusion:
— We don’t err when we point out the sins of another and use the right standard, right evidence, and right reasoning
I borrowed this from a Pastor's Page on FB. I think it speaks for its self.
DeleteThank you for this. I love Pastor P he has changed so much in my life and the lives of others. I went to Gauntlet 2015 and I seen nothing I have never seen before. I watched as God used Perry to speak to those kids and change their life forever. We all have issues and its ok but its not ok to stay that way was something that Perry said often and I believe that. I also believe that through Gods grace Perry will be healed and he will be back.
ReplyDeleteYes. We do need to pray for Perry, on that I do agree. I knew Perry from AC as well, and as a female, he always made me feel uncomfortable. Like, dont leave me in a room alone with him uncomfortable. I knew him fairly well. However, Perry has had problems for years. The way he supported the harassment of Dr. Duncan and his family, go to pajamapages.com to read about it,his vulgarity behind the pulpit, his association with known cult like leaders (Futerick/sp?), and the fact that he played highway to hell as an opening praise and worship song on Easter Sunday morning, should've been a clue to anyone. Apparently he feels that he is above reproach. This is not the first time he has tried to be corrected in accordance with Matthew 18, and he has refused. What does that say about him. Yes, we all sin, but to keep doing something after several corrections/rebukes, tells me that you have no sincerity because if you did, you would feel heartbroken, and convicted. I see very clearly now that people are worshiping Perry, and have made him their idol. All I'm seeing is poor Perry, but no one really has raised concern over the new babies in the faith, and those on the brink of salvation. How will this affect them? People can preach the gospel out of wrong motives, and not everyone who preaches is saved. The Bible tells us that we will be able to tell true believers by the fruit they show, and it's more than mega churches. He always told people that if you're close to God you don't need antidepressants, but he was taking them, yup, he was a shepherd who truly loved his flock, because, if they're good enough for him, why aren't they good enough for someone who is clinically depressed? I'm sorry, but the vast majority of people in that church have no spiritual discernment. They couldn't have, because if the did, they would see right through him, and he knew that. That's how he got away with preaching things with no substance, and people (especially vulnerable young people) flocked to his church in droves. We need to call a spade a spade. God has chosen to expose him, and posting all this idol loving praising Perry stuff, should show you why. The dude talked out of both sides of his mouth. He would say he loved his congregation, but that he didn't have time to be around any of them, that he didn't want to hang out with them, oh, but he loved you, and Y'all love him. Right. Yet, the very next breath, he could drive to Atlanta to eat. He put all of this on Twitter. I'm not making any of this up, but people missed it, because they were so focused on him. Just like they are with his recent statement, you have to understand, that when Perry releases stuff refuting accusations, you better believe he's done that very thing. His poor followers have no clue who he really is. Yes, the devil is having a field day because he's been able to deceive so many into idol worship, not because a mighty man has fallen.
ReplyDeleteYou have a huge hand full of rocks... And you wasted a considerable time of your life throwing them... Trust the Word... God will judge. And rightfully so. The purpose of Matthew 18 is restoration... Not EXPOSURE. God knows all. And He had the power to put a stop to sin. (He's got this) The Bible also says when a brother is caught in sin those of you who are spiritual RESTORE him gently. God's plan is redemption. My prayer for you is that you can find it in your heart to drop your rocks and pray for God's healing for him and his family.
DeleteTruly your words are a reflection of Christ's forgiveness and grace. You should be proud.
DeleteHi there, anonymous! Thanks for taking the time to reply. If you were at Anderson then, we may actually have met before too. Anyway, I'll just say this: You're more than welcome to disagree with me. I respect your right to your opinion. I guess I just hate to see anyone go through this kind of experience. But maybe you and I can agree on this: God forgives sinners and changes lives. I've seen His hand of grace on my life with my failures, and my deepest hope is that Perry, regardless of what he has done, will experience the same thing. Anyway, thanks for your feedback. Have a wonderful day!
DeleteActually, I did say he needed our prayers, but we must also use sound reason. I'm not throwing rocks, I'm using discernment and trying to help people see the deeper issue here that goes way beyond this issue. Jesus called out the religious leaders of his day, he called them vipers, whitewashed tombs, etc, and he called us sheep, that was not a compliment. To be honest, Matthew 18 also teaches that if you rebuke someone in private and with witnesses and they won't listen, tell it to the church, and if they still don't listen, treat them as a tax collector or a pagan. The old prophets called out the sins among the people/nations. The Bible does warn us that everyone who preaches/teaches is not of God, and that we must use discernment. There is a reason many believers will be deceived at the end of days. I agree with restoration, but, I feel that there is idol worship going on with Perry's followers, not all members of the church, but a lot of them. Esp. Vulnerable people. Is it throwing rocks by noting his connections to cult like leaders, or stating that we will know real believers by the fruit they show? Jesus called out sins, remember the den of thieves, the woman at the well, etc? Without exposure, there can not be restoration. There comes a point when enough is enough. It's not throwing rocks to point out the exploitation of God's people. That's how stuff like this thrives because people are afraid to speak the truth. The church has fallen silent on many issues, and that's why our nation is in so much trouble. You're right. God's got this, and he's beginning to clean His house, so we will se more stuff like this with other so called leaders and probably in the natural world as well.
DeleteActually, the "funny" thing about this is that everyone, except for David Richardson, accused and judged me, the very thing they accused me of. Is it not judging me to say I have a handful of rocks. Or that I've wasted my time? Or, how about the ever so subtle put down of my relationship with Christ, and I must be so proud. It's easy to judge isn't it? Especially when someone disagrees or says something you don't like. How does that make you any different than what you're accusing me of?
DeleteI believe you are a very wise woman. You have made some valid points that needed to be made. Yes, he and his family need our prayers now more than ever, but he chose to not take instruction. Did he feel he was above being corrected?? He did the right thing by seeking treatment. The board did the right thing by removing him as pastor. I did not see judgement in this lady's post.
DeleteYep the Devil is having a field day but its with you and your hate
DeleteOr could it be because New Spring is a cult? Let people say stuff about NS and PN and all the hate from bitter springs comes out. As the shepherd so the sheep. I guess when the Antichrist steps onto the scene we can't use Godly judgement bc that would be hate....wow. That's how cults thrive, on people's lack of knowledge.
DeleteI don't go to Church. This lady's right. I know Jesus. I was invied to NS and I said no didn't feel right.
DeletePraying for God's complete healing. I feel God has given Pastor P an awakening and it will only get bigger and better. Look at what he had already done for the Lord and he will not walk alone on this journey.
ReplyDeleteWell said David!! Prayers for Perry and his family!!
ReplyDeleteAmen! I sat in preacher Perry's sermons one Sunday and his main point was "it's okay to not be okay...but it's not okay to stay that way" in other words, preacher Perry is one who others would go to for help with struggles...not because he's perfect but because he is there to help and get you back on track with the lord. As a Christian family that's exactly what we need to do with him. Preacher Perry and his family are in my prayers!
ReplyDelete#stilllovemychurch #prayingforP
ReplyDeleteI stand behind Pastor Perry 100%. I pray that he continues to allow God to help him through this situation. Ive learned more through his teachings than I have learnd during my 66years of life and have only attended NewSpring for maybe a year. His messages and God have brought me out of depression. May God be with Pastor P walking beside while going through this difficult journey. Praying for Pastor P and his family. We love you Pastor P.
ReplyDeletePastor P we all still love you and are praying for you and your family. I pray that God will heal you and the best is yet to come. I have learned so much under your leadership. One thing you taught me is not to judge and to forgive. You made me see how we all make mistakes and that God does forgive.
ReplyDeleteWe will add Perry and his family to our prayer chain in hampton, SC.
ReplyDeleteThe tough part about this story is the fact we don't know all the details. Were there any other redemptive acts the church could have done? Perhaps the church could have gave Perry a sabbatical leave for a few months to get him counsel and the help he needed? The church today wants to be so outreach oriented to save sinners; but, doesn't know how take care of their own afterwards. Especially their leadership. Ummmm I thought WE were family?! But, it's much more Easier to fire the pastor instead of walking with the pastor to a place of restoration. Moses was a drunkard; yet, God still used him in a leadership capacity. Just sayin. Once the church can realize WE are all in this TOGETHER, the better testimony will eventually be shone to the world. God is not done with Perry. Praying for him and his family in Jesus Name.
ReplyDeleteI have the same question...could the leaders have worked with Pastor Perry through this issue?
***It was not Moses, it was NOAH. ***
DeleteThe Bible records one instance of Noah being drunk after he had planted a vineyard. Given his son's reaction to finding his father in this condition, because there is no other mention of any other occasion in the Bible where Noah was drunk, and because Genesis 6:9 states, "Noah was a just man and perfect in his generation and Noah walked with God," it's probable that the recorded instance was an isolated one.
DeleteKeep in mind, also, that Noah preached while building the ark for what is generally thought by Biblical scholars to have been 120 years. To accomplish such a great feat he would have had to have worked consistently and diligently, something that isn't likely for a drunkard to have accomplished. Again, the Bible doesn't say he was a drunkard but merely records the one instance.
If a person smokes one cigarette would you consider the person a smoker?
Likewise, it seems quite a stretch to me, to label Noah a drunkard given the above circumtances.
The church statement indicates other options were offered to Perry and he refused. I would imagine the ones you mentioned and more were discussed. I doubt very seriously the church leadership wanted him to step down as their first choice, and were careful to follow the outline in Gods word for church discipline as hard as that was.
DeleteI have never been to this church nor have I meet Perry, I was once part of the Acts Metro program, that helps those in need. I was welcomed and nourished by this group of people and without them I would not have had been able to feed my family on some days. There was lots of emotional support as well as spiritual support, things I needed during this time.
ReplyDeleteI hope God will see that Perry gets the proper nourishment and support he needs during this time. May God lift him up in spirit as well.
God has a plan for Perry and his family, and only God knows this plan. Sending my thoughts and prayers to the Perry family, may God give you and your family the support and nourishment you need as was once so graciously show to me.
So, this horse may be dead, but I'll throw a few thoughts into the mix:
ReplyDelete- David is correct in that the pastor, his family and the entire church need to be lifted up in prayer. Our love for him should be unconditional, regardless of our opinions of how he has conducted his ministry.
- The official statement from the church clearly indicated that the governance board (elders?) did in fact confront the pastor regarding several issues and he failed to respond. If any of those commenting haven't read the statement, I'd suggest they consider doing so at http://ns.downloads.s3.amazonaws.com/newspring/editorial/NewSpring%20Church%20Statement.pdf .
- Given their concerns, those in authority over and responsible for the pastor fulfilled their New Testament responsibility. Read 1 Timothy and Titus, and it becomes clear that the Pastor had probably disqualified himself through very public actions and words during the past few years, and these issues were ongoing. In reading the church's statement, it indicates the concerns are several and ongoing, and have been addressed numerous times without an appropriate response.
- As a loving and just father, God corrects those who belong to him. My heart grieves that the pastor didn't respond to the biblical authority as outlined, but I trust in God's Sovereignty.
- I have seen dozens (if not hundreds) of comments indicating a desire for the pastor to be given "time off to heal" and displaying anger with the church leadership. These comments have been from both non-members and members (self-professing). For the life of me, and from my understanding of scripture, how could this be biblical?
- I interact with dozens of the "owners" (their word for members) of this church on a regular basis, and the regard they have for the pastor can easily be described as idolatrous in tone and nature. Many are openly disappointed when there is a guest teacher, and their defense of his questionable behavior over the years supports that.
- There is no doubt that many people have grown in their walk with God, and some have began that walk, as a result of the ministries of this church. Like any church, there are both sheep and goats among the flock. My prayer is that God will use this season to demonstrate that the church is about Him, and not the pastor, and that great depth will be added to the relationships of Christ followers at the church.
As an elder in a local church, I know it how critical pastoral accountability is for his spiritual health. My fear is that in this age of "celebrity pastor", that accountability is becoming harder to instill. I praise God for the leadership at the church being discussed, and pray for their wisdom in the coming weeks, months and years. I also pray for the pastor and his family, that they focus on their relationship with God, and with one another. God provides for those faithful to Him - just not always in the manner we expect or desire. His plan for this pastor may be to protect him from himself, and the temptations of "celebrity pastor" status.
Exactly. Well said.
DeleteExcellent words and wisdom!
Deletepraying for you pastor p and your family, please come back to us
ReplyDeletei will pray for pastor perry . he is the reason that after 40 years away from the church , i was reborn . every one has problems and right now he needs our love and prayers !
ReplyDeletePraying for Perry and the NS family. God is not done with you guys. I am looking forward to seeing the man that come out of this fire, on fire for Christ like never before.God bless
ReplyDeletePraying for Perry and the NS family. God is not done with you guys. I am looking forward to seeing the man that come out of this fire, on fire for Christ like never before.God bless
ReplyDeleteI am praying for Perry and his family. I know how easy it is to stumble and fall. I may not have agreed with everything Perry said or did from the pulpit but I do believe he preached the Gospel and he loves the Lord. I am thankful I serve a Savior who can pick me up and renew my strength. Isaiah 40:29-31.
ReplyDeleteFrieda Thomas, it is wonderful to read that you're praying for Perry Noble and family.
ReplyDeleteYou stated in your post that Moses was a drunkard. Where did you get that information?
Perry this is Mrs. (Allen) Smith your junior high school science teacher. I am sending you my prayers today and I know that the Lord will help you through this period of your life. I know you are a strong person and all you need to do is keep your heart close to Jesus and he will care for you. My love and prayers.
ReplyDeletePerry, I have no clever sayings or cute quips.
ReplyDeleteGod speed in your personal struggle. I have every confidence you will beat this. Thank you for all that you taught me. If you ever want someone to have a coffee with, give me a shout. Dnoonan172@gmail.com.
Perry preached about Jesus and how He could be our Savior and Lord. If people idolized him, I think that as their own fault and not Perry's intention. Perry is a man, flawed just like every single person on this forum. We need to get off our spiritual high horse and lift the man up in prayer. He needs healing and restoration, not our judgment. Like him or not, many people have been lead to know Jesus through his teachings.
ReplyDeleteJust my two cents...but there has been a lot of concern with new spring being a cult. People can be taken in without knowing it. When a preacher says the commandments are not commandments, but promises,that is false teaching. A command is God saying you must....a promise is God saying I will....HUGE difference. How about that I basically suck as a human being for not liking his music? Yup. I just can't understand why people overlook sound Biblical teaching because of him.That is not of God, no matter how you justify it. Seeker Sensitive churches are always at risk for becoming cultish, because seeker sensitive people will follow their leader with out question, and never bat an eye. We need to pray that God has mercy on Perry. God removed him for a reason. There is a difference between judgement and wisdom. There has to be voices of reason in this. Do not be deceived for God is not mocked, for what a man sows, that shall he reap. God does not bless those who make light of his word. Yes, we do need to pray for him, but not for him to be the leader of a church, we need to pray that God will help him to true repentance. You can not override the truth of God. Simply can't be done. Perry is no exception.
DeletePerry is a great man and I hope God will guide him in the right direction to get better. I love him he was the best pastor I ever had and if it wasn't for him I wouldn't have gave myself to Christ last year at Gaunlet X. I love you Perry!!
ReplyDeleteI also went to Anderson with Perry. We all make mistakes. I have been through struggles and God has helped me through. I pray he relies on God get him through. I pray for him and his family...Sheila Ferguson
ReplyDeleteI also went to Anderson with Perry. We all make mistakes. I have been through struggles and God has helped me through. I pray he relies on God get him through. I pray for him and his family...Sheila Ferguson
ReplyDeleteI also went to Anderson with Perry. We all make mistakes. I have been through struggles and God has helped me through. I pray he relies on God get him through. I pray for him and his family.
ReplyDeleteI also went to Anderson with Perry. We all make mistakes. I have been through struggles and God has helped me through. I pray he relies on God get him through. I pray for him and his family.
ReplyDeleteI have been where Pastor P is also. It's a dark place. All we can do is pray for him and his family. I have faith that he will bounce back from this and be better than ever.
ReplyDeleteI believe that GOD will use this and Perry will be back stronger than ever.Everything happens for a reason. Im praying for Perry and his family. The best is yet to come
ReplyDeleteAmen. Couldn't have said it any better myself
ReplyDeleteI'm just not sure God designed us to reach superstar status and minister to tens of thousands every week. As Perry admitted, the pressure was consuming him and he paid a heavy toll. Obviously he was a bit of a rebel at heart besides. So even though it is very sad that he personally fell victim to his too liberal stance, it is not surprising. You and I will do the same if God slips from being #1 in our lives. By trying to convince himself and others that drinking (social or otherwise) didn't pose any dangers, the trap was set and allowed Satan to come on in. That is a danger of making Gods Word into our own image. With all that said, I pray for all involved especially Perry and his family. Anyone who serves in the church needs this type of Biblibal based accountability in our lives so we can get back on track, heal, be restored and serve again. There is no doubt with Gods help and in HIS timing that Perry can do that again.
ReplyDeleteI would question the so-called Christian beliefs of the Board Members that '"fired" Perry. Wouldn't the more 'Christian' thing to do.....be to give him a 'Leave of Absence' while he recuperated? Don't 'Christian People' help other 'Christian People' in times of need? There's got to be more to the story.
ReplyDeleteThey tried - read the comment by anonymous at 5:41 pm on July 11 and the comment by anonymous at 1:18 a.m. on July 12. Read the statement released by the church. The board attempted restoration following scriptural guidelines - Perry failed to comply.
DeleteI am confident this was a last resort option for the board. Perry has great appeal and his presence brings many people to the various campus locations. I applaud them for having the courage and conviction to follow biblical standards while fully knowing how unpopular their decision would be.
There's more to the story. If you read the church release, they stated they tried to help him, but he did not make the necessary changes.
ReplyDeleteThe devil and his demons have temporarily got a hold of Pastor P. He can and will beat this! We love him and stand by him!!! We miss him terribly and want him to come back soon.
ReplyDeleteSatan cannot force anyone to do anything against their will - at least I cannot find evidence of that in scripture. The pastor chose to engage in inappropriate behavior, and chose to not respond to corrective actions prescribed by those who hold biblical authority for the church. Should we show grace to him? Absolutely! We should love him, pray for him, and be merciful in our attitudes. But make no mistake about it - according to the church he established (and presumably he had a great deal of influence setting up the system of accountability), he is disqualified. This type of response is exactly why so many have hesitance about this church - the allegiance to the pastor over scriptural truth. Yes, we should pray for the pastor - not for restoration to his ministry, but for repentance and obedience in his walk with Christ (and I am not referring so much to the issues with alcohol as I am the other ongoing behaviors referenced in the church statement regarding his firing). I am sure God has plans for this pastor - they just may not be the plans we desire.
DeletePraying for you and your family! God is not done with you yet perry! You are not alone on this. So stay strong and lean on god.
ReplyDeleteWell said David!
ReplyDeleteCaroline, thank you! A pleasure to hear from you, my friend.
Deletehttps://youtu.be/oRClKINUATA
ReplyDeleteIf this video doesn't make you sick, I don't know what will. How can this happen in a "Church"? This is not o.k. this is not right. God is a Holy God, and this is an abomination. To teach young people how to defile themselves. Lord have mercy! And the church said "I heart my church" "I heart my Pastor" "I heart Pastor P" instead of raising their voices over this dangerous path they are being led down.
Praying for Perry and his family! Perry, you are so very loved by so so many people that would do anything for you and your family! You are being prayed for in a mighty way! God is not finished with you. Can't wait to see the rest of what He has for you!!
ReplyDeleteSo this is the guy that called members of the body of Christ jack**** if they say they want to go deeper in their knowledge of Christ. hrmm Another twist and turn of the emergent church saga. Sadly the percentages of young people continue to drop in our churches. I really wonder if there is a connection.
ReplyDeleteI've never been to NS but I've read all the information about Perry Noble and chose not to. My Pastor has always been available to our members. We started with about 50 people and now we have over 2000. He sometimes has 6 funerals or more in one week. He starts his day early in the mornings making his rounds at the hospitals to visit and pray with those in need. My concern with Perry Noble is that when a member needs him he isn't there for them. I've seen 2 families that needed him when a "owner" passed away through suicide or killed in an accident. In these cases our local ministers stepped in and took care of the families and preached the funerals. I'm praying for Perry and his family. He will have people to help him and minister to him at this difficult time. However if one of the " owners" have a difficult trial in their life who ministers to them? Both of the families that I am writing about were faithful "owners" of New Spring. I am a member of my Church because it is Gods house not mine.
ReplyDeleteThere is so much I would like to say about the comments posted but I will only post two of my thoughts......
ReplyDelete1. Thank you David Richardson for posting a kind, sincere, and true reflection of God's grace blog post.
2. For all of those who are not extending grace and love, please take a few minutes of your time and truly think about how you would feel if this was your husband, father, brother, cousin, or best friend. Your immediate response may be that you would feel the same way but stop and think about that person in your life. Yes, there have been times in their lives they were on top of the world. They had it all together. They were happy. They had lots of friends and people who loved them. But there was something about them that just rubbed you the wrong way. They made some crazy decisions and they hurt some people, maybe even you, and yet they still prospered. They may even be arrogant, self righteous, and a jerk. BUT even through it all you loved them and would never want to see them hurt nor enjoy seeing them get what they "deserved." If you heard others talk badly about them or criticize them, you have something swell up inside you and start to become defensive for them. Your immediate response would probably be, "They aren't perfect but deep down he's a good person. He's hurting. He has a hard time dealing with his pride. He means well!"
So, I ask you, before you speak negatively about Perry, put someone you love in his shoes. Put yourself in his wife's and daughter's shoes. How hurt would you be and how much damage would be done to you by the words of others? Words...even the harsh truth...hurts! Extending grace and love doesn't mean you agree with the persons actions. It simply means you agree with what the bible teaches us to do and are modeling the love of Christ!
What an excellent comment!! And so true. Thanks for this. I've been thinking the same thing you just said. Regardless of what Perry has said or done, I don't take pleasure in seeing him or his family hurt. Not at all. Thanks for your wonderful remarks.
DeleteI dont think anyone is gleeful that Perry and his family are hurting, thats not what I read at all. Yes, grace and love are good, and I don't think anyone is denying that, what is being brought up, is his ministry, and his gross misconduct in the church, or that is my interpretation of what is being said. See, people have this false idea that we are to coddle sin, yes, we can show mercy and grace,restore, heal, etc., but we can not allow such sin, weather it be open, or hidden in the Church. That's what people these people are addressing, and people have been addressing these issues long before this incident, and as someone pointed out, he has failed multiple times to heed correction. Maybe some posters didn't word things right, but that doesn't mean they don't feel, or that they're wrong. I think some of them were just trying to help others see what was really going on in that church. It is a terrible thing, and no one is denying that. I think there was a lot of wisdom in the comments where people are questioning things, it may not be plesant to hear or to read, but to correctly heal that curch, and Perry, these issues need to be corrected or they will carry from one leader to another. Like always attracts like.
DeleteThis blog post is about the fall of Perry Noble and the pain he is going through. It's not about the positives and negatives of his ministry. And while I do understand the obvious connection between the two, my approach in writing this is simple: A minister has fallen and is hurting. As a pastor myself, I simply hurt for Perry and am pointing to God's grace. Critiquing his leadership style and ministry methods is another topic for another day, in my mind. People who are close to him and who at least try to hold him accountable can deal with him on specifics of what he needs to do differently. I'm just not going to slam a hurting guy on the internet. That's not how I roll.
ReplyDeleteDavid, very true. It is hard for people to separate the two, the hurt of him, and his leadership style. We must love above all else.
ReplyDeletePraying for Perry and his family!
ReplyDelete#thesearemypeople #thebestisyettocome