Perry Noble stepped down as pastor of NewSpring Church earlier this year after admitting to alcohol abuse. He promptly went to rehab, with his church family praying for his swift recovery so that he could resume his pastorship.
Unfortunately for his supporters, Perry has announced that he no plans to return as a pastor.
"After much thought, prayer and seeking godly and wise counsel, I believe The Lord has clearly shown me I am supposed to step into church and business consulting," he wrote on his blog. "While I had hoped to live out my career at NewSpring Church, that option is no longer available for me ... and it's been made clear that I can't live in the past but must seek to live for a better future."
Perry said he wants to become a church consultant next, adding that he has a lot of qualifications to back up this dream. Over the past 16 years, Perry helped plant and build NewSpring Church. He dreamed that it would achieve its maximum potential.
Some might argue that handling a church is not the same as engaging in business, but Perry would beg to differ. He said he already managed 425 employees and handled a budget of $63 million at one point. Doing so "takes way more than a prayer meeting to manage," he said.
Still, Perry shared sweet parting words to those who belong to his NewSpring family. While he eagerly awaits his new adventure, Perry said he will always have a soft spot for members of the church.
"For those who are a part of NewSpring Church, please know you will always be in my thoughts and prayers as I spent the best 16 years of my life with you," he wrote. "You will always hold a special place in my heart as no one can ever take away the memories I have of our time together. We truly witnessed Jesus do some amazing things and I am humbled and honored He allowed me to play a part in all of it."
