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 Candidates for our 9-months mentoring program. Those who successfully complete the program become lifelong Bakos Fellows. In total, we now have 36 Fellows from all over North America! Many of our members come from evangelical, evangelical-adjacent, or other Christian traditions that haven’t always nurtured their LGBTQ members.
The next application period will be open January 15 – March 15, 2027 (or until filled) with a cohort start in September 2027. To join the wait list or inquire about the program text us at 469-708-8211 with your full name, a brief indication 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 for Scripture and Christian tradition, including affirmation of the Apostle’s Creed and/or Nicene Creed.
• Desire to dedicate your life in service to God and others (either in a ministry role or in the public/community sphere)
• Involved in a local church
• Theologically fully affirming (e.g. support transgender people and marriage for gay couple)
• Demonstrated leadership qualities
• Receptive to guidance and mentoring in order to grow in Christlike leadership and active use of God-given spiritual gifts.
• Willingness to invest in an intimate group of peer leaders, giving and receiving supportive friendship.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
• Commit for the duration of the 9-months program (September – May)
• Attend two in-person gatherings of 2-3 days each (currently near Dallas, Texas).
• Participate in monthly Zoom call on the 2nd Tuesday 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 initial 9 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 into action
• Access to resources (e.g. articles, videos)
• E-newsletter and blog (with opportunities to contribute to both)
• 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 9-months program is subsidized by CenterPeace, the parent organization of Bakos Project. We do not want finances to be an obstacle to participation.
Costs you are responsible for include:
• Travel costs to and from in-person events (initial weekend retreat and mid-program gathering).
• Lodging at one of the in-person gatherings (the first gathering’s lodging and food are covered for you)
• Minor costs for books or materials
Partial scholarships may be available, depending on funding levels and economic need.
Alumni events are not subsidized, but we make every effort 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.