Faith Matters

Rev. John Smid has stepped down as president and CEO of Love in Action.

Smid has been at the helm of the Christian ministry, which works to counsel gays to turn away from homosexuality, since it located to Memphis in1994. 

According to LIA director Rev. Jim Scott, this will free up the longtime leader to do more speaking enagements.  

Before dedicating his life to helping homosexual teens and adults go straight, Smid was in several sexual relationships with men.

Unhappy with his lifestyle, Smid confided in a pastor who told him it was wrong but helped guide him back to heterosexuality.

Sine then, he has counseled hundreds of gays to control their sexual desires. 

The ministry earned worldwide attention three years ago when a Bartlett teen posted an emotional blog that his parents had sent him to LIA to change his sexual orientation.

The post enraged many gay advocacy groups and protests ensued at LIA headquarters, 4780 Yale Rd. in Raleigh.

LIA is currently looking for a new president to lead their ministry.

"It's kind of like a church seeking a pastor," Scott said. "That person doesn't have to be an ordained minister but has to have that heart."   

 Here are some parting words from Smid:

Under my leadership Love In Action has been transformed from a simple yet effective ministry of support and education into a fully professional residential discipleship program.

We have grown from meeting in a small office space to occupying a complete campus, allowing tremendous potential for growth and national influence.

I have worked hard throughout the years to guide the ministry to its present point, and I'm grateful and proud to see the positive results of that labor.

I firmly believe that Love In Action is positioned for an incredible future of serving in God's kingdom, and my primary concern is its success and continued growth. I also believe I have given Love In Action all that God has called me to give.

Several years ago the Lord began to burden me with a desire to disciple men and women within the church in general with the same model of ministry He has taught me over the years through Love In Action.

I have a heart to see the church body become even more ready to receive men and women with life struggles who need so desperately to find a home in the local community of the church.

Therefore, after much anguish and many sleepless nights, my wife and I have agreed that this coming May, I will transition out of leadership at Love In Action. It is time for its next leader to guide it through this next exciting season.

It is my hope that Love In Action will continue to move towards a more profound national influence. It is also my hope that the Lord will move me into a more prolific ministry as He directs this next season of my life.

I will never be able to effectively communicate the thankfulness I have in my heart for the many years I have been able to serve this organization.

Our founder and former Director Frank Worthen, the members of our Board of Directors, and the staff and clients of Love In Action have all ministered to me in incredible ways and have helped to lay a foundation of Christian maturity, an eternal and invaluable gift. I have received far more from my years at Love In Action than I could ever hope to repay.

I appreciate you deeply and thank you for your prayers and support during my time with Love In Action.

I know you will continue to love and support this important ministry as God moves it forward in His perfect plan.

I am confident that God will provide exactly what is needed to accomplish His will for His ministry.

by Rev. John J. Smid, President/CEO, Love In Action International, Inc.