John Paulk Eyes New Ministry Opportunity

Focus on the Family
Monday, 14 April 2003

Prominent ex-gay spokesman leaves Focus on the Family

John Paulk, whose story about how he overcame homosexuality has inspired millions of Christians worldwide, announced today he will leave Focus on the Family, effective May 6. He has served since 1998 as manager of the ministry's Homosexuality and Gender Department, a position that solidified his standing as one of the ex-gay movement's leading spokesmen.

"My time at Focus on the Family has been the most rewarding professional and ministry experience of my life," Paulk said. "I will always have a heart for men and women struggling with homosexuality, but after working 16 years on this contentious issue, it's time for me to pursue other endeavors."

Paulk added that while his decision to leave was not an easy one, it was also the best one for his family—wife Anne and sons Timmy, Alex and Jordan. The Paulks are moving to the Pacific Northwest to be closer to extended family.

Dr. James Dobson, founder and president of Focus on the Family, applauded Paulk's courage in putting his family ahead of his career—noting it's the same kind of courage he exhibited when he walked away from homosexuality in 1987. "Anyone who has heard John's story knows the miracles the Lord has accomplished in his life," Dobson said. "At considerable personal expense (both to him and his family), and in the face of hostile opposition, John and our Love Won Out team have presented the truth in love to thousands of hurting families and individuals across the country. While we're sad to see him go, we know God has great plans for him, Anne and the boys in the coming days."

Paulk was already a prominent figure when he joined Focus. He and wife Anne, a former lesbian and author of a soon-to-be released book Restoring Sexual Identity: Hope for Women Struggling with Same-Sex Attraction (Harvest House), were the centerpieces of a 1998 advertising campaign which consisted of full-page ads in newspapers like The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal declaring the truth that homosexuality could be overcome. The Paulks also have appeared on the cover of Newsweek and been featured on 60 Minutes, Oprah, Good Morning America and Nightline.

Paulk's departure will not affect the future of Love Won Out, the conference he created and took to more than 20 cities in the United States. More than 16,000 people have attended Love Won Out events, all-day seminars that feature psychologists, educators and former homosexuals discussing the causes and prevention of homosexuality. The average attendance at these events has grown by 25 percent over the past six years even as gay activists have intensified their attempts to disrupt the sessions. Gatherings have been planned for the rest of 2003 and 2004, under the direction of Mike Haley, a former homosexual who helped Paulk create Love Won Out and who has been a key speaker since its inception.

Paulk has no doubt lives will continue to be touched through the conferences.

"Love Won Out wouldn't be what it is today without Mike," he said. "It makes it easier to step down knowing what an excellent job he and the entire conference staff will continue to do in sharing these important truths with those who need to hear them."

For more information, or to contact Focus on the Family, see their website at: www.family.org