Are you an LGBTQ Christian in your 20s or 30s eager to grow in your relationship with Christ and serve God’s mission in the world with your spiritual gifts, whether in the church or the public/community sphere? We want to walk alongside you! The Bakos Project mentors and spiritually nurtures the next generation of Christian LGBTQ leaders. We offer:
Weekend retreat. New Bakos members attend an in-person retreat at the beginning of the 10 months cohort program. There’s also an alumni retreat. These are small, intimate weekends of about 10-12 participants. Lodging and food is subsidized for the newcomer retreat (just get yourself there!), and the alumni retreat is at-cost to keep fees low.
Monthly Zoom connection. During the 10 month program, the Bakos cohort will connect and grow together through a monthly Zoom gathering.
Day gathering. At the CenterPeace Conference, which occurs every other year in the fall, Bakos Members will have a chance to fellowship and network (both the current cohort and alumni together). During off years of the CenterPeace Conference, other gatherings may occur at different fall conferences (e.g. The Reformation Project).
E-Newsletter and blog. The Bakos Project emphasizes four key areas that are covered in the newsletter and blog: 1) introduction to Christian LGBTQ role models; 2) spiritual encouragement to nurture your faith; 3) practical resources to help you grow in leadership and spiritual gifts; 4) introduction to affirming churches, pastors, and other Christian leaders. The newsletter and blog also features guests posts from Bakos Members and keeps you informed on upcoming events.
Networking with other young Christian LGBTQ leaders. Whether at retreats, Zoom gatherings, or other events, the Bakos Project creates avenues for you to connect with Christian LGBTQ peers in their 20s and 30s who love Jesus and want to make a difference in the world.
Networking with affirming pastors and other Christian leaders. Through a private Facebook group for Friends of Bakos, you have an opportunity to meet affirming Christian leaders in the church, academy, and community. We hope that these connections can lead to additional friendship, mentoring, and/or vocational opportunities.
Access to resources. The Bakos Project e-newsletter and blog expose you to helpful resources for leadership and spiritual nurture (e.g. articles and videos). Bakos Members also have access free access to certain webinars and video courses.
Are you an LGBTQ Christian interested in the Bakos Project? What we are looking for:
- Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex Christians
- Ages 22 through 39
- Deep love of Christ, high regard of Scripture, and desire to serve God (either in a ministry role or in the public/community sphere)
- Involved in a local church (or eagerly desire to be)
- Theologically affirming (e.g. marriage for gay couples)
- Demonstrated leadership qualities
- Desire to receive mentoring to grow in faith and active use of God-given spiritual gifts.
The Bakos Project strives to be an intimate and relational program. As a result, we can only accept a limited number applicants per year based on the relational resources available. But, we will always try to get folk plugged into community in other ways if the Bakos Project is not an option right now. The next application window is open January – March 2024 and the cohort begins in May 2024.