Frequent Questions

Thinking about becoming a CPTer? Here are some frequent questions:

  1. Do I have to be a Christian?
  2. Do I have to go on a delegation?
  3. Does CPT provide financial support?
  4. If I join, where will I go?
  5. How much time will I spend on a project?
  6. How much does training cost?
  7. Where do I stay during training?
  8. Can I just do the training and not join?
  9. Who can I talk to if I have more questions?

1. Do I have to be a Christian?

No. CPT welcomes both peacemakers who are committed to the nonviolent community of Christ, and other people of faith/spirituality, who seek God’s will in their work, worship, and decision-making. CPT does not have a “litmus test” to determine whether someone is a Christian. On project sites, CPT works enthusiastically with local partners from a variety of faith traditions, and we encourage the formation and development of other faith-based, nonviolent peace teams. CPT delegations are open to anyone, regardless of faith
commitment.  Read our “Statement of Identity” and our “Membership
Policy.”

2. Do I have to go on a delegation?

Yes. The delegation experience is an important part of CPT’s application process.  Delegations offer a first-hand experience with actual CPT work in one of our project locations. You see exactly the type of work you might do as a CPTer.  And it gives CPT a chance to see how you function as part of team in the midst of a sometimes stressful conflict setting.  Finally, delegation experiences are important reference points for the work done in CPT’s Peacemaker training.

3. Does CPT provide financial support?

Yes. Our stipended workers (Full and Part-Time) receive a monthly subsistence support stipend to cover basic needs. Reservists commit to fundraise a specific amount to cover the costs of their ministry. Reservists are also responsible for their own health insurance expenses.

4. If I join, where will I go?

The decision is a mutual conversation between the CPTer and the organization.  CPT does not issue “marching orders” for your placement.  Language is a factor, and all of CPT’s project have language requirements.  Some join with a particular project interest and CPT wants to support those requests.  Some join with a willingness to serve where they are most needed.  CPT recommends that CPTers stay with one project rather than serving in various project sites, allowing for better contribution in terms of knowledge and relationship-building.

5. How much time will I spend on a project?

This varies for full-time, part-time or Reservist, as well as for the specific project and visa considerations.

6. How much does training cost?

CPT’s month-long intensive training is for people who have submitted Christian Peacemaker Corps applications, participated in a CPT delegation, and have received a formal invitation to participate in the training. The fundraising expectation is $1000USD.  This includes all of your room and board plus training supplies.  All participants cover their own costs of travel to and from training.

7. Where do I stay during training?

The training group lives and trains together as a group. The group might stay at an area church, or in bunk-bed dorm rooms at a nearby retreat center.

8. Can I just do the training and not join?

Unfortunately, no. CPT is not just a nonviolence training organization. We train people who have stated an intention to join CPT and serve in conflict settings to reduce violence. We believe in our nonviolence training and wish we could offer the training to everyone, but we don’t have the resources.

9. Who can I talk to if I have more questions?

Call either of our offices and we’ll be happy to answer your questions – we love talking to people interested in joining!
CPT Chicago office: 773.376.0550
CPT Canada office: 416.423.5525

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