What will be the affect of Ray Boltz’ decision to ‘come out’?

ORLANDO (FBW)–Ray Boltz was one of the shining lights of contemporary Christian music.

And for very good reason.

Over his 20-year career, the singer/ songwriter recorded 16 albums, sold almost 4.5 million copies and won three Dove awards (the Christian musicequivalent to the Grammys).

Back on September 14, the 55-year-old musician was in the news again, but this time for a very different reason. In an article published by the Washington Blade, a homosexual publication, Boltz announced that he was gay, saying “If this is the way God made me, then this is the way I’m going to live.”

The news sent shockwaves throughout the Christian community, leaving many saddened by the announcement.

One of them is John Westcott, Executive Director of Exchange Ministries, a Christian outreach in Orlando whose vision statement is “Offering Hope, Healing and Wholeness to the Relationally and Sexually Wounded.” Westcott was actively involved in the gay lifestyle until giving his life to Christ.

“When I heard the news about Boltz, my heart was saddened,” he said. “It grieves me to hear that this man who has struggled with this for 30 years, got involved with predominately gay-identified church and bought into the deception that ‘because I struggled with this issue my whole life, it must be who I am.’”

Westcott laments Boltz’ decision.

“He has some amazing songs out there and I love his music. The tragedy is, he is walking in deception. God does not create any of us homosexual or lesbian. Unfortunately, we are in a culture today that follows itsfeelings, where we say, ‘I’m going to live by what I feel and what makes me happy, rather than walk in obedience.’”

Westcott said there is no justification for such thinking.

“When people say this to me, I tell them, ‘Where do you see this in the Word of God that we are to be happy and it’s all about our feelings?’ It’s not about feelings, but about obedience.”

Westcott is also concerned about the effect Boltz’ decision will have on others.

“Here is this amazing worship leader who is known by so many people and looked up to,” he said. “And now, for the young people of our culture who are struggling with this issue, what does [Boltz’ announcement] say to them? And not even young people. What about those in their 30s and 40s who are struggling with the issue [of homosexuality]? What Boltz has done is endorse the lifestyle rather than turn them away from it.”

But Westcott certainly holds no animosity toward Boltz. In fact, he embracesa completely opposite view.

“My hope (and I pray this happens soon) is that Ray, as a prodigal son, returns home quickly,” Westcott said. “I hope he will find that this is a dead-end street, and not who God created him to be. I also pray that when he comes back, that the Body of Christ will restore him, and God will continue to use him to proclaim freedom in this area.” 

According to Westcott, those struggling with or actually engaged in the gay lifestyle but want out, have a friend in God. “God is out to heal people who struggle, and He wants to heal Ray Boltz. In the meantime, I have no idea what the ramifications of [Boltz’ decision] are going to be, but I pray for the protection of our young people. This issue is huge with our young people and I don’t want to see them look at Boltz and say, ‘He loves the Lord and it’s right for him, so it must be right for me.’”

Instead, Westcott prays for healing.

“God has created us to live for Him,” he said. “He is there for us, but we have to seek Him first. That is my hope and my prayer, that those struggling will seek Him.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with homosexuality or other areas of sexual and relational brokenness, call John Westcott at Exchange Ministries at 407-514-4356 or visit Exchange at www.exchangemionistries.org.