What is the LOVEboldly Allies Program?
The LOVEboldly Allies Program is a 10-month, cohort learning experience for 15 cisgender, heterosexual ministry leaders including pastors, ministry professionals, and those preparing for calls in ministry.
What is LOVEboldly looking for in a potential Ally?
The LOVEboldly Allies Program is designed to facilitate learning and growth among ministry leaders who (1) identify as
heterosexual and cis-gender (in other words not LGBTQIA+); (2) who consider themselves LGBTQIA+ affirming; and (3) who are actively seeking to develop their affirmation for the LGBTQIA+ community.
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LOVEboldly is strategically and missionally focused on Ohio. Therefore, preference will be given to ministry leaders living, working, and/or studying in Ohio at the start of the program, but leaders living/working outside Ohio are welcome and encouraged to apply.
Who leads the Allies Program?
The LOVEboldly Allies Program is coordinated and led by the Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp. Ordained by The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries (TFAM) and an experienced leader in nonprofit, education, and ministry spaces, Ben (he/they) is the Executive Director of LOVEboldly and Pastor at Blue Ocean Faith Columbus.
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You can learn more about Ben by clicking here and on his website.
What does the curriculum look like for the program?
Notes
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Each block is two months in length.
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Each class and discussion session is 90 minutes conducted via Zoom.
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The Opening Retreat and the Second Retreat will be day-long and conducted in-person (if participants cannot get to a retreat, we will do our best to offer a hybrid option).
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Peer groups will consist of three participants each who will be asked to meet at least once a month.
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One-to-one engagement is individual time between Ben and each participant. Each participant will meet with Ben AT LEAST once in each block.
What's the time commitment for each Allies?
Fellows should plan to dedicate approximately four (4) hours per week through out the program for reading, class/discussion attendance, peer group meetings, and engagement with Ben.​
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Each block (two months) will consist of:
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Three or four, 90-minute class or discussion sessions
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At least two peer group meetings (60 minutes per meeting, one meeting per month)
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At least one meeting with Ben (45 minutes per meeting, one meeting per block)
There are also two, one-day, in-person retreats held in/near Columbus, OH (one in March and one in November). All other activities are held remotely via Zoom. Zoom sessions are recorded and made available to fellows who cannot attend a session. LOVEboldly will do everything possible to make the retreat experiences hybrid for any traveler who cannot make the retreats for an exceptional reason.
​Each fellow will complete a capstone project as the final piece of the 10-month experience.
What are the benefits of the program?
Allies who complete the program should expect to receive the following tangible and intangible benefits:
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Increased knowledge of the LGBTQIA+ community
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Confidence to engage effectively and compassionately with LGBTQIA+ people of faith
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The skills needed to begin or continuing shaping their congregation/ministry as LGBTQIA+-affirming
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Connections with other ministry leaders doing similar work
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Recognition for your congregation on LOVEboldly's list of affirming congregations in Ohio*
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A certificate in LGBTQIA+ Ministry Leadership from LOVEboldly**
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An invitation to apply for seed money to put your capstone project into action.**
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*Requires that your congregation meets LOVEboldly's criteria for affirming congregations.
**Requires completion of 80% of the program including both retreats and the capstone project.
What does the program cost?
Cost for the 2026 Cohort - $250
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The total cost of the cohort learning experience is approximately $1,500 per ally. However, LOVEboldly is proud to offer this experience to participants for only $250.*
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*This does not include travel costs to and from in-person gatherings, books, or any other incidental costs incurred by individual allies.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2026 cohort will be available on Monday, December 1, 2025, and will be accepted on a rolling basis until all 15 spots are filled.