Are you a LGBTQ or intersex Christian in your 20s or 30s who loves Jesus and wants to use your God-given gifts to serve God’s mission in the world? Become a Bakos Fellow to receive mentoring and join a community of peer leaders!
We select ten to twelve people (Fellows) for our 10-months mentoring program, running from January-October. We just launched our third cohort in 2026! In total, we now have 36 Fellows from all over North America.
The next application period will open May 2027. To join the wait list or inquire about the program text us at 469-708-8211 with your full name, a brief indicaton of interest, and email address. We look forward to hearing from you!
Program Details
The vision of Bakos Project is to increase the number of Christian sexual and gender minorities who use their God-given gifts for building-up the Body of Christ and advancing the common good. We do this, in part, by mentoring the next generation of Christian LGBTQ leaders in small cohorts.
APPLICANT CRITERIA
• LGBTQ and intersex people between the ages 22 through 39
• Deep love of Christ, high regard of Scripture and Christian tradition, and a 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 fully affirming (e.g. support transgender people and marriage for gay couple)
• Demonstrated leadership qualities
• Desire to receive mentoring to grow in Christlike leadership and active use of God-given spiritual gifts.
• Desire to bond with an intimate group of peer leaders, giving and receiving supportive friendship.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
• Commit for the duration of the 10-months program (January-October)
• Attend an in-person weekend retreat (the retreat is subsidized for food and lodging, you just have to get yourself to Texas)
• Attend the in-person CenterPeace Conference (registration is subsidized)
• Participate in monthly Zoom call on the 2nd Monday evening of each month (5:30pm Pacific / 7:30pm Central / 8:30pm Eastern)
• Participate in monthly online discussion board
• Complete curriculum assignments (e.g. readings, written reflections). Usually two assignments per month, with a time commitment around 10 hours per month.
WHAT WE OFFER
• Intimate community, fostering deep friendships that endure well beyond the intial 10 months.
• spiritual formation that will strengthen your faith and ground you in Christlike leadership
• leadership development, including practical tools and opportunities to put your gifts in action
• Access to resources (e.g. articles, videos)
• In-person get-together at the CenterPeace Conference (biennial)
• E-newsletter and blog (with opportunities to contribute to both)
• Networking with affirming pastors and other affirming Christian leaders
• Lifetime membership as a Bakos Fellow (for those who successfully complete the program)
• Annual alumni retreats
• Opportunities to serve within Bakos Project after completion of program (e.g. advisory team, historical archive)
COSTS
Currently, most of the 10-months program is subsidized by CenterPeace, the parent organization of Bakos Project. We do not want finances to be an obstacle to participation. Costs involved include:
• Travel to and from in-person events (initial weekend retreat and closing gathering).
• Lodging at the closing gathering (e.g. CenterPeace Conference)
• Minor costs for books or materials
Partial scholarships may be available for travel costs, depending on funding levels and economic need.
Alumni events are not subsidized, but we make every efforts to keep them affordable.
Have questions about becoming a Bakos Fellow? Don’t hesitate to text us at 469-708-8211. Be sure to include your name, email address, and brief inquiry. We will reply by email.