A former megachurch pastor who left his position after admitting a drinking problem and issues related to his marriage says he won't be returning to frontline church ministry.

Perry Noble left NewSpring church in South Carolina earlier this year and began rehab treatment.

Five months on he now says he won't be seeing a swift return to the pulpit as some other high-profile figures have done when in a similar position.

"After much thought, prayer and seeking godly and wise counsel," he wrote on his blog, "I believe the Lord has clearly shown me I am supposed to step into church and business consulting."

Having spent 16 years building up NewSpring, which he founded and has 11 campuses, Noble said it was a big wrench to leave.

"I've actually planted and built a great church, and really do believe that what the Lord was gracious enough to teach me in the 16 years I was at NewSpring could be used to encourage, challenge and advance the church/ministry you are wanting to see achieve its maximum potential," he said.

At the time on his removal from leadership, a church statement said, "Perry has made some unfortunate choices and decisions that have caused us much concern. Over the course of several months our Executive Pastors met with and discussed at length with Perry these concerns regarding his personal behavior and spiritual walk."