I had no idea. If I had known, I think I would have run the other way. I actually remember being very afraid that my “past” would come out as I followed God’s call to pursue ministry in what I thought would be teaching in a Christian college setting.

God made it clear during seminary that the very thing I was trying to hide was the very thing he wanted to use to bring others to him.  God had also made it clear two years before seminary that he wanted me to “speak to the Church.”  I just didn’t know homosexuality was to be the issue he wanted me to speak about!

My greatest joy is the freedom I have to speak and write and to minister to churches and individuals. I also am a part of a loving local community at First Presbyterian Church of Orlando, and my colleagues from Exodus International work five miles down the road.

The price I pay for the joy of ministry is my complete transparency. It is not easy to “bare all” in front of so many people. Also, this calling is extremely controversial. It is not fashionable or politically correct to say that homosexuality is not God’s will for our lives. I have tasted persecution for the sake of the gospel, but I can say as Paul said, “I count it all joy…” 

Q: Tell us about the Conference coming up in February. What is your goal for this conference?

The goal for this conference in Orlando on February 16&17 is to equip and educate the Church to minister Christ’s transforming power and love to those who struggle with or who are affected by homosexuality. Nationally renowned speakers will educate and provide useful workshops to equip church members and leaders to reach out to their congregations and to the communities around them. To learn more about the conference and to register, go to www.oneby1.org.