Published on December 3, 2023, 2:03 am

Image source: Fox News

Perry Noble, the founder and senior pastor of Second Chance Church, recently expressed gratitude for his return to the megachurch space. This comes approximately seven years after he was dismissed from NewSpring Church in South Carolina due to alcohol abuse and a series of “unfortunate choices and decisions.”

In a Facebook post, Noble made it clear that he never anticipated being a pastor following his 2016 dismissal. The prospect of revealing plans for a Greenville campus of the Second Chance Church, or even creating another campus at all, seemed highly unlikely.

The journey that led him back into church leadership was laden with doubt. When the doors of their first location, humorously referred to as “the liquor store”, opened, he admits harboring uncertainties about whether anyone would show up. This sentiment held when they relocated to its present spot in Anderson in 2018.

Despite these doubts, Noble mentions being content with how things were progressing. He openly stated that if he never received any more blessings in life — acknowledging already having received more than he deserved — it would suffice.

However, God had different plans according to Noble’s narrative. He described God continually urging him forward with reminders that local churches can spur significant change in world affairs more than any individual or entity can. These consistent messages from God paved the way for the new Greenville campus.

As they embark on this new chapter, Perry expressed mixture feelings of excitement and fear: excitement for what lays ahead and fear over inevitable allegations about his qualifications along with reminders of his past indiscretions but also certainity in God’s grace advanceing his stride besides relentless pursuit.

Back in October 2016 – three months after being discharged from NewSpring Church – Perry went public with details surrounding his marriage collapse, alcohol struggles, and other aspects embodying the double life that contributed to his departure from church leadership.

Though NewSpring leaders resisted his return to ministry work at first, Perry returned to ministering seven months after his dismissal, having completed a rehabilitation program. He had the support of Pastor Steven Furtick of Elevation Church in North Carolina, a trusted friend and confidant. Noble still preaches at other churches while managing a consultancy firm, The Growth Company, which instructs churches on growth strategies.

Details regarding the progress of the new Greenville campus remain unclear as Second Chance Church did not respond to inquiries promptly. As we continually strive to provide real and trusted news from Christian worldviews, we will keep you updated with any developments.