One Prayer Pastor: Perry Noble
We’re underway with our One Prayer initiative to unite the church… big C. Recently I interviewed some of my friends partnering with us this year.
This week I’ll share their thoughts with you. We’ll start off with Perry Noble. He’s the pastor of New Spring Church in Anderson, SC. Here’s what he had to say…
1. What is the biggest leadership lesson you’ve learned over the past year?
Leadership is as easy as listening to God! Actually, I first said this back in 2007…but I seem to be in a state where I am constantly relearning this. As I continually journey through Scripture I am discovering that great leaders were desperate for the voice of God…and when He spoke, they obeyed!
2. What is God showing you personally?
That a move of God cannot necessarily be planned out…but it MUST be prepared for. In Acts 1 the disciples didn’t plan Acts 2…but they did prepare for it!
3. What is the top ministry challenge you’re currently facing?
Pacing myself…we began NewSpring Church 10 years ago and I’ve basically had one speed! Now I am trying to shift gears…and it has been one of the greatest challenges I’ve ever faced.
4. What do you do for fun?
Uh…not a lot…which STINKS! I am trying to discover things that would be fun and enjoyable. I know that is a weird answer…but it’s true! I am open to suggestions. (I do not want to hunt!!! Getting out of a perfectly warm bed, venturing out into the cold, pouring deer “pee pee” on me and then sitting in a tree stand is NOT my idea of fun!)
5. What books are you reading?
- How the Mighty Fall by Jim Collins
- Leading on Empty by Wayne Corderio
- Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson
- The Brethren by Jon Grisham.
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Great post Perry. What are you doing to pace yourself now that you didn’t do in the past?
[...] has started their One Prayer thingy where Craig has the nerve to let other Pastors preach in his place. In his church AND on his [...]
Tom,
Pacing myself is tough because, at times, I think that everything is my responsibility…so…
I am trying to focus more on the Sovereignty of God and reminding myself that He was doing this church thing for thousands of years without me.
I am also trying to stop always having to be in a hurry!
AND…finally I am REALLY trying to listen to the Holy Spirit more; after all, He already knows what should be done!
:: great insights :: i always find it amazing to read through the thoughts and minds of great church leaders, really helps me… being younger to TAKE A CHILL PILL.
Perry :: how have you battled the feeling or urge to control those who do not follow guidance after they consult you? Do you just let them leave and follow what they feel is “the Lords calling?”
Dear “ihatechurch”,
I heard John Maxwell say a long time ago, “I am responsible TO people…but I am not responsible FOR them!” That has REALLY helped me out because…
My job as a leader is not to control people…and if I screw up control and leadership then I will live in a constant state of frustration.
Everyone who asks my opinion on something will not always agree with me…and if I have a hard time dealing with that then it means that pride is dominating my life.
Good insight and post! The last comment was great! Makes a lot of sense and something that I need to work on!
Thank you for doing what God has called you to do sir!
Perry,
I thought of this quote as I read your comment #3 above. Don’t know if you’ve seen it already, but I thought you might appreciate it:
“Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.” — St. Augustine
please pray to dear god/jesus for me - i am suicidal and want to end everything in my life - i am very confused and depressed and have a tormenting unclean spirit inside me that needs taking out for good. my health is very poor and i often ask dear god/jesus to end my life but it never happens