Wesley was raised Southern Baptist in Alabama, and now finds himself as the Minister of Music at Eastwood Christian Church, a Disciples of Christ church here in Nashville. Wesley has his Bachelors of Education in music from the University of Alabama, and is currently attending Lexington Theological Seminary. He's also the incoming Artistic Director for the local affirming choir, Nashville in Harmony. Wesley identifies as gay, with the gender pronouns he/him/his.

Our conversation is a journey through Wesley's gradual shift from the strict and literal adherence to scripture growing up, to asking questions about everything, particularly when he arrived here in Nashville. As he's been able to be more true to himself and how he identifies, we hear him living into his role as a minister at his church and in his community.

Find Wesley on Instagram and on Tumblr.

For Reflection: How have your beliefs changed over your lifetime? And how do you manage conversations today with those who believe differently from you?

Episode Sponsor: West End United Methodist Church -In-person worship times are Sundays at 8:45AM and 11AM. To learn more and view their livestream worship, visit westendumc.org or give them a follow on Facebook.

Resources: 

• Nashville in Harmony: Website and Instagram
• Sweet Home Symphony: Facebook and Instagram

Out Loud is a podcast by and for queer people of faith in the South. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and join our mailing list for updates. Support the show financially by becoming a Patreon member and receive exclusive content and merchandise. Or leave a one-time donation on our website.

Editing by Cariad Harmon

Music by JP Rugierri

Recorded at We Own This Town in Nashville, TN