Advertisement Megachurch announces removal of founding pastor Perry Noble leaves NewSpring Church Share Shares Copy Link Copy

Leaders of the NewSpring megachurch have removed founding pastor, Perry Noble.Pastor Shane Duffey made the announcement from the main campus in Anderson during services Sunday morning.The decision was based on Noble's personal behavior, which included alcohol and marital issues, Duffey said.The message was broadcasted throughout all 17 campuses that belong to the church, and was available to its more than 30,000 parishioners across South Carolina.Duffey read a statement from church officials that said, "Perry has made some unfortunate decisions," and that he "is no longer qualified" to continue as pastor.Noble wrote in a letter, "In the past year or so, I have allowed myself to slide into, in my opinion, the overuse of alcohol. This was a spiritual and moral mistake on my part, as I began to depend on alcohol for my refuge instead of Jesus and others. I have no excuse, this was wrong and sinful, and I'm truly sorry."Noble's letter went on to state, "Let me clear, neither Lucretia nor I have committed any sort of sexual sin. I have not stolen money, I've not been looking at porn, and there is absolutely no domestic abuse."In 2005, Noble wrote publicly on his blog about how he overcame an addiction to pornography that he said started as a teenager.Noble's departure from the church was effective July 1.Noble founded NewSpring 20 years ago after holding services in a living room, according to the NewSpring website.Church officials said the new building is still set to open as planned in early August in Powdersville.Duffey said Executive Pastor, Clayton King, will serve as interim pastor while the church begins the search for a permanent replacement.Duffey said Noble is now being treated by a psychiatrist.Brandy Singleton has gone to NewSpring since 2006 and said Noble needs support from members now more than ever."You don't really think about how you put people on a pedestal and how they are just regular men and women like we are," Singleton told WYFF News 4's Mandy Gaither. "(Leaders) sin and falter like everybody else."Singleton said she believes the church will be able to move on through this."Because of the design of our church, I feel like we have the opportunity to have a lot of additional guest speakers come in (like) Clayton King, Mr. White. We have a lot of different folks coming in, and so I feel like we're used to seeing not just the same person every single week, so I feel like as long as we keep with the positive momentum that the church will be okay," she said.NewSpring Church officials weren't available for an interview on Monday, but Suzanne Swift, NewSpring Church's chief public relations and marketing officer, did answer questions from WYFF News 4 via email:1 - How is the church family doing after all this?We have been overwhelmed by the positive support of our church. Everyone processes things in different ways, but the feedback we've received is so encouraging. 2 - What’s the future hold for NewSpring Church?NewSpring Church is made up of really great people who are committed to making a positive difference in our state. We believe our future is bright. 3 - What message do you want all members/prospective members to know?NewSpring Church was founded on a vision from God and has grown because of the work of God's people in our church. We are a strong church built on a strong foundation in Jesus. We will continue to work together to reach our state with the Gospel, remain in community with one another, and continue to make a difference in the lives of people around us.