Spirituality
Photo: Christina Amenta
“We share every night what God is doing in our life and what we’re learning…and I think anytime you’re with a group of Christians that you’re going to be changed and grow in some way.”
–Family Advocacy volunteer
Christian Appalachian Project is interdenominational, meaning that we do not ask volunteers to check their faith tradition and beliefs at the door. CAP volunteers are Catholic, Baptist, Pentecostal, Lutheran, Evangelical, Methodist, Nondenominational and anything else you can think of. We do not require volunteers to be Christian, but all volunteers are required to make a commitment to spiritual growth. You should come to CAP prepared to be challenged and hungry for spiritual engagement.
Personal spiritual growth is an integral part of the CAP volunteer experience, and is just as vital as a volunteer’s commitment to service and community. CAP challenges volunteers to view their time at CAP as an opportunity to deepen their personal relationship with God and to grow with their housemates as a faith community.
To foster a spiritual environment, volunteers gather for devotion after dinner Monday-Thursday. Volunteers take turns preparing devotion, which can be a reading from Scripture or a devotional book, a group activity, a song or a discussion of how you saw God in your participants that day. Many volunteers find that independent small groups and Bible studies within one or several volunteer communities enhances their volunteer experience, though these extra activities are not required. Volunteers are also encouraged to find a church home in the community they serve.
CAP sponsors two volunteer retreats during the spring and fall at either Camp Andrew Jackson or Camp Shawnee. For the weekend retreat, volunteers can socialize with other volunteers and CAP staff, meet new people and enjoy a time of fellowship and relaxation in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. The retreats also give volunteers an opportunity to reflect on their spiritual journey in a more intentional way through speakers and private reflection time.
