My dad always says the older he gets, the faster time speeds by. That’s been true for me, including this past year. Often I want to slow things down. But as a recovering workaholic, I’m constantly battling the adrenaline addiction of a hectic life. Thankfully, over the past few years, I’ve been gradually learning how to course correct, say no more, and focus on what is truly essential.
In fact, one of the best books I read this past year is Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less (associate link). If you haven’t read it, the book is well worth picking up. I’m still practicing what I’ve learned, and I’m carrying it with me into 2024.
But before we say goodbye to 2023, here’s a glimpse of what the year involved for me, including podcasts and resources that you might find interesting.
A highlight this past year was a trip to Sweden where I spoke at an evangelical conference called Jesus älskar HBTQ. The worship and fellowship were truly a tremendous blessing. My Swedish siblings now hold a new place in my heart. The conference took place in Stockholm, which is an incredible city, and Sweden itself is a beautiful country. If you haven’t been, check it out. It doesn’t require a visa to travel there (if staying less than 90 days) and everyone speaks English fairly well.
Podcasts episodes I participated in this year include conversations about the origins and interpretation of the Bible with Highrock’s Theology Lab, Gravity Leadership, Bridging Theology, Faith in a Fresh Vibe (Part 1 and Part 2), and a short appearance discussing virginity with Where Do We Go From Here.
I wrote a few articles, including “How Historical Criticism Challenged My Faith . . . Then Strengthened It,” Lament for Gay Children,” and “Overcoming Shame.”
A new endeavor, I was excited to co-launch this year is Bakos Project, a mentoring program to nurture faith and cultivate leadership gifts of LGBTQ Christians in their 20s and 30s. The first cohort is an amazing group of young leaders. A component of the program is also bringing together pastors and ministry leaders who are both theologically orthodox and affirming (see Friends of Bakos on the website menu). Applications for the next cohort opens January 1st!
I also created a new Substack dedicated to the important topic of Bible, Sexuality, and Gender. If that’s a topic that interests you, head on over to see what posts you missed in 2023, and sign up to stay tuned in 2024.
One of my great loves is reading books and making them accessible to a broader audience. I started a new blog thread on this website dedicated to book reviews (and occasional movie or podcast reviews). Don’t have time to read everything, but want to keep learning? Read reviews. Here’s the list so far:
- Ethics in Ancient Israel by John Barton
- The End of Sexual Identity by Jenell Paris
- Noah by Darren Aronofsky and Ari Handel (movie)
- The Bible Made Impossible by Christian Smith
- The Bible Tells Me So by Peter Enns
- Ethics and Old Testament Violence (three books reviewed together)
- Divine Scripture in Human Understanding by Joe Gordon
- Holy Scripture: A Dogmatic Sketch by John Webster
- Inspiration and Incarnation by Peter Enns
- Sacred Word Broken Word by Kenton Sparks
During 2023, I also continued to teach classes, facilitate retreats, and speak here and there. I expect that to continue into the New Year. I will also be busy putting finishing edits on a book manuscript I submitted this year (to Eerdmans). God willing, it will hit the shelves in 2025.
My prayer is that what I offer will be helpful to you in some way, and that it reflects what God would have me do. I continually seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance. And I’m always open to your feedback as well.
May we find closure for 2023, and look with hope to 2024. God’s peace be with you friends!