He did not hold back.
During a recent church service on May 5, Pastor Perry Noble addressed a pressing question about women in ministry. A congregant inquired about Noble’s stance on women pastors, prompting a candid response. Noble challenged the rigidity of some ministry leaders who staunchly oppose women preaching. He urged the congregation to consider whether they would invite such leaders for dinner, implying a lack of relational warmth in their approach.
Drawing from biblical interpretation, Noble contested the notion that women are unfit for pastoral roles, citing Jesus’s elevation of women throughout scripture. He questioned the selective interpretation of passages like Timothy 2:12, suggesting that Paul’s directive to Timothy was contextual rather than universally applicable. Emphasizing the pivotal role of women in proclaiming the Resurrection, Noble underscored the inconsistency of denying women the opportunity to preach.
The discourse reflects broader tensions within Christian denominations regarding women’s roles in ministry. While some, like the Southern Baptist Convention and the Catholic Church, maintain restrictions on women serving as pastors, others, such as the Christian and Missionary Alliance, have embraced inclusivity.
Noble’s own journey, marked by personal struggles and redemption, informs his perspective on second chances. Following his departure from NewSpring Church in 2016, Noble embarked on a new chapter with Second Chance Church. Despite setbacks, he remains committed to fostering a community where grace abounds.
As Second Chance Church expands its reach with plans for a second location, Noble’s message resonates beyond the confines of his congregation. Through his advocacy for inclusivity and redemption, Noble continues to challenge traditional norms and extend hope to those in need of a second chance.