The American Family Association confirmed that Michael Johnston, the ex-gay HIV-positive head of Kerusso Ministries, had closed his ministry after numerous unsafe sexual encounters with other men.
Johnston was the star of an ex-gay TV ad, ex-gay video, and a raid upon a meeting between Jerry Falwell and the interfaith gay rights group Soulforce.
Comment and prayers — especially for the men he may have infected — forthcoming.
Peter LaBarbera of Concerned Women for America commented on the matter. LaBarbera declined to cast stones at Johnston — but he proceeded to cast stones at homosexuals.
Many thanks to XGW reader Richard R. for the early heads-up about this sad chain of events.
Having met, interviewed, and chatted with Michael on numerous occasions, I can not say that I am surprised. I can, however, say I am sad for him and for those he hurt through his encounters, his ministry, and his ambushing of Soulforce members. There is much praying to do tonight.
Natalie Davis • 8/6/03; 7:56:41 PM
I didn’t talk with Michael at the Falwell-Soulforce meeting, but I spent some time observing him. His mood throughout the meeting and reception, which together lasted several hours, seemed bitter and unhappy. He clearly knew Falwell, Falwell’s staff, and some attending ex-gay activists, and he sat with them. But he didn’t smile with them, didn’t socialize or joke amiably. I wondered how someone so persistently moody could effectively minister to the joy of freedom in conservative heterosexual Christianity.
Mike A. • 8/6/03; 11:31:45 PM
Because his ‘christianity’ was bought and paid for. He really had no choice. He had been purchased.
Dale • 8/6/03; 11:50:22 PM
You’re right about that, Dale.
Natalie Davis • 8/7/03; 11:10:06 AM
https://www.purelifeministries.org/Speaking%20Ministry/Speakers/Mike_Johnston.htm
Mike came to Pure Life Ministries in June of 2003 following a very public and painful exposure of his sexual sin. He had been living a double life which began in 2001 with dabbling in pornography and ended with the collapse of his ministry in 2002 with the revelation that he was having sexual relations with men. Mike graduated from the residential program in 2003, completed an internship, and now serves as the Director of Donor Relations for the ministry.
Since coming to Pure Life Ministries, God has accomplished a wonderful transformation in Mike. Through a series of spiritual breakings and heart-wrenching repentance, God has systematically stripped off the many masks he has worn over the years and brought down the heavily fortified walls that protected his heart from others for so long. For the first time in his life, Mike has gained a genuine understanding of what it really means to be a follower of Jesus and God has given him a fresh vision of helping others find real freedom; this time not for the purpose of self-promotion but to glorify Christ.”
I’m so glad some Christians never give up, never lose faith, and never quit on our own.