Pee Dee residents say Perry Noble situation could happen to anyone

Some Pee Dee residents are expressing sympathy with Perry Noble, the ousted senior pastor of NewSpring Church, and say people shouldn’t be too quick to judge him.

The church’s executive pastor, Shane Duffey, read a statement from the church during services on Sunday that said as outlined in 1 Timothy 3 and the church’s bylaws, Noble was no longer qualified to continue as pastor of NewSpring. The decision to release Noble from his duties was made by the church’s board of directors and the pastor advisory team.

The statement said that Noble’s posture toward his marriage, increased reliance on alcohol and other behaviors were of continual concern.

“Because Perry chose not to properly address these ongoing issues and didn’t take the necessary steps toward correcting them, he is no longer qualified, as outlined in 1 Timothy 3 and the church’s bylaws, to continue as a pastor at NewSpring Church,” the statement said.

Clayton King has been hired as the interim senior pastor. According to the NewSpring Church website, King runs Crossroads/Clayton King Ministries, a nonprofit organization he founded in 1995.

Some Pee Dee residents say people shouldn’t judge Noble.

“My opinion is that it can happen to anyone,” said Carmie Thomas of Florence.

She said she’s been in situations in the past and knows how it is.

“Suddenly everyone has ideas and opinions about your family without even knowing the whole situation,” she said. “I pray for this man, as well as his family.”

Thomas said it is so easy to judge, and easy to be put in the same situation the next day.

Judy Wallace of Florence said that instead of judging Noble, people should be praying for him. She said he is not the first pastor to fall into temptation, and he won’t be the last because they are only human.

“But I personally believe that we should let God be the judge,” Wallace said. “And let us pray for all pastors because Satan is out to cause as much trouble as he can, and we are helping by keeping this going.”

Jacqueline Gattison of Darlington said if people love Noble as a pastor, it is time to support him and encourage him, not bash him.

“I’m not saying his actions were correct. I believe it was about alcohol,” she said. “Yes, he may have been under the influence and got caught, but just wonder how many in the church may also have been or be under the influence. I’m not saying he was right, but he’s human, and it didn’t stop him from going to God for his members.”

Gattison said she knows a few people who attend NewSpring, and they only have great things to say about Noble’s preaching and teaching.

“We all fall short of His glory,” Gattison said. “I pray your church (NewSpring) get understanding and back in God’s perspective place.”

Attempts to reach NewSpring Florence pastors for comments were unsuccessful. NewSpring Church’s media representative said the church is “not able to do interviews just yet.”

Noble said in a Facebook Live video that he is taking steps to get better. The video was posted Wednesday afternoon.

“I want to say to everyone at NewSpring church that I am sorry that I allowed a dependency on alcohol; I ran to it other than Jesus for my comfort and that was wrong. And I am sorry. And I am going to do whatever it takes to make it right,” Noble said in the video.

He said he is checking in to a treatment facility and will work with some excellent people who will work with him in taking his next steps.

The church plans to hire a new senior pastor.