Sharing the gospel on a Shelter trip is very much about sharing the hope that you, personally, have found in Jesus. There is no special formula or knowledge required to do this successfully. A good preparation strategy involves prayerfully reflecting upon your story. Consider the following prompts:

• When has God shown up for you in a significant way in your life?

• Was there a time that you had to depend on God for something beyond your control or reach? What was that experience like?

• How has your personal journey of faith influenced your life or decision-making processes?

• Why do you believe, personally, that faith in Jesus matters?

After reflecting, consider how you can articulate your unique experience of faith. During family connection times, you may notice common experiences between yourself and the families you're connecting with (such as being a young parent, a single parent, financially struggling, caring for aging parents, or being the primary provider). Acknowledging these shared experiences can create an opening for sharing your personal journey of faith.

The Key Ceremony provides an excellent opportunity for sharing the gospel as well. A team leader or member usually has an opportunity to speak to the group as a whole as well as directly to families that you have gotten to know. Strategies for this time can include:

ADD simple steps to sharing the gospel with the use of bible verses here

Team members are not required to speak or pray, and they are permitted to decline if asked. Leaders should establish connections with team members during the months of preparation to assess their comfort levels and incorporate this information into their planning. For instance, they may pair someone inexperienced or uncomfortable with someone confident who can serve as a model for growth.

Throughout the week, leaders may observe that team members who initially felt uneasy about praying out loud, for example, become more willing to try as they witness others and grow more comfortable within the group. However, it is perfectly acceptable if this progression does not occur for every team member.

Team members are not required to be Christian in order to participate in a Shelter trip. However, it's essential for them to understand that Shelter is a Christian organization, and sharing the gospel is fundamental to its mission. Therefore, team members should be comfortable and respectful of others' sharing their beliefs, praying, or reading the Bible together. Regardless of faith, all team members are expected to show respect for one another, Shelter staff, and community members at all times while participating on a Shelter team.

"Pushing religion" is not a goal of Shelter. There's a significant distinction between pushing religion and sharing one's personal experience with the love and faithfulness of Jesus. Team members are encouraged to reflect on their personal stories and be open to sharing them with others throughout the process.

Allowing the Spirit of God to work in people's hearts without forcing a conversation that someone is unwilling to have is far more effective than manufacturing or manipulating an outcome to advance a religious agenda. It's important for team members to approach these interactions with authenticity and sensitivity, respecting others' boundaries and beliefs.