Perry Noble fired for alcoholism problems; NewSpring Church, Christians reacts

Several religious leaders expressed their sympathies and solidarity with senior pastor Perry Noble who got fired from the megachurch he founded, NewSpring Church, over issues of alcoholism.

The 30,000-strong megachurch in South Carolina made one of its most important announcements Sunday, July 10, first delivered by executive pastor Shane Duffey during its 9:15 a.m. service, stating that the church just fired Noble effective July 1.

Duffey explained that the painful decision became necessary after Noble failed to take corrective steps to address his alcohol dependence and strained marriage even as executive pastors tried to help him for months. He also read a statement written by Noble himself, dispelling circulating rumors that the firing episode is just one elaborate setup to be used for next Sunday's sermon.

While the NewSpring community reels from the emotional jolt from the firing of its first and only senior pastor, other Christian leaders quickly took to social media to extend their sympathies to their Christian brother.

Russell Moore, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, tweeted, "Let's pray for Perry Noble and for NewSpring."

Fuse pastor at NewSpring Church, Johnathan Foster, took to Facebook to thank Noble for his ministry and passion and gave his encouragement on God's faithfulness.

"Perry Noble we are believing for you and praying for you," wrote Foster.

Johnny Hunt, pastor at First Baptist Church of Woodstock, Georgia, also offered prayers for Noble whom he considered as a brother.

Hunt tweeted, "I am praying for God's absolute best over @perrynoble and his family in there (sic) decisions. May God bless you in going forward brother."

Matthew Barnett, pastor of the Angelus Temple and co-founder of The Dream Center in Los Angeles, California, praised Noble's achievements for the church.

"I love you @perrynoble you have pioneered an incredible church and have been so generous to the cause of missions. Forever my friend!" tweeted Barnett.

On the other hand, New Small Church Pastor Karl Vaters also reacted by picking on Noble's statement where he professed to be obsessed with reaching "100,000 and beyond" membership for his church that ultimately led to his present predicament. Vaters clarified that Noble's goal should not be taken as an excuse for his personal failures, but rather a cautionary tale.

"His obsession to reach '100,000 and beyond' does not excuse his self-confessed sins. By his own admission, it caused them," wrote Vaters for Christianity Today.