Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who are the key Lifeshape staff members I will interact with as I prepare for my
project?
·Program Manager: Owns the relationship with the partner organization to set strategic
objectives and plan individual projects.
·Project Leader: A volunteer who leads Lifeshape teams, focusing on partnership strategy,
pre-project preparation and post-project reflections.
·Logistics Coordinator: Handles all travel logistics, project requirements and travel
disruptions.
·Participant’s Journey Lead: Helps move participants toward intentional missional living by
providing encouragement, direction and resources.
·Financial Coordinator: Receives all expense reimbursements and processes payments.
 

2. Where does Lifeshape work?
Lifeshape works in dozens of countries around the world, serving strategic ministry
partners who seek to alleviate risks to children and reach the nations with the gospel. Visit
our Project Page on The Compass to see where project teams are going this year.
 

3. What will I do on a Lifeshape project?
Lifeshape project teams provide a variety of support to our ministry partners including
training, coaching, consulting and serving. Each project is designed to help partners
achieve their strategic objectives.
 

4. Who is eligible to participate in a Lifeshape project?
Most project teams are composed of Chick-fil-A Operators, Restaurant Leaders, StaS,
spouses and other marketplace professionals. The partnership’s strategic objectives drive
the skillsets needed by project participants. All participants must be at least 21 years old.
Restaurant Leaders are eligible to serve on projects as recommended by their Operator.
 

5. Can I go on any Lifeshape project?

Lifeshape seeks to place participants on projects where their unique experience, talents
and skills can add the greatest value to the partner they serve. Detailed project
descriptions available on The Compass will help you decide which project best aligns with
your gifts and interests.
 

6. Who leads a Lifeshape project?
Project Leaders are participants who have previously served with Lifeshape. They have
received training and possess the experience needed to lead teams to serve ministry
partners around the world.
 

7. How long is a Lifeshape project?
Projects usually last 4 to 10 days, including travel time. International travel requires
flexibility; be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances or needs during a project.
Please note that availability of flights may require adjustments to travel dates listed on
each project.
 

8. What is the cost of a Lifeshape project?
The cost to travel overseas can vary depending on location and partner, but Lifeshape
subsidizes a portion of project expenses for Operators, StaS and spouses. Project cost is
listed under each project description on the Project Page of The Compass.
 

9. What is covered by the project participation fee?
·Airline tickets
·Travel insurance and International SOS support
·Country entrance and exit fees, visa fees
·Lodging
·Local transportation during project, including in-country domestic flights (if required)
·Cultural experience (up to $150 per person)

·Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner after departure from home airport until return to home
airport
·International cell phone service during project dates (for Project Leader and one additional
designated participant)
 

10. What is not covered by the project participation fee?
·Passport fees (new/renewal)
·Excess baggage (unless pre-authorized by Lifeshape)
·Immunizations and medications needed for project travel
·Transportation to and from the U.S. departure airport; airport parking fees
·Fees to upgrade to any class of flight other than economy (including Plus/Preferred seats)
·Additional airfare for personal post-project travel
·Snacks outside of breakfast, lunch and dinner
·International phone expenses
·Gifts, souvenirs and personal expenses
·Laundry service

Next Steps - Application

1. How do I apply?
·Review open projects on The Compass.
·Click “Apply” to complete an application.
·A Lifeshape Program Manager or Project Leader will review your application and respond.
If we are unable to accommodate your desired project, a Lifeshape representative will
contact you to discuss alternate project options.
·Please note that each project participant must create an account on The Compass and
register for their project individually. Operators and StaS have OKTA access to The
Compass. Access for Restaurant Leaders, spouses and marketplace professionals may be
requested by sending us your contact information in this chat. Please say "talk to human". 
 

2. What are the basic project requirements?
While each project has unique requirements, general requirements include items such as
completing a background check, obtaining a digital scan of your passport, and viewing
security and medical training videos. Each participant is responsible for completing project
requirements after their application is approved. All requirements must be submitted at
least 45 days before project departure.
 

3. When should I pay my project participation fee?
Your full balance should be paid no later than 45 days prior to project departure.
 

4. Can I donate money toward another participant’s trip?
Yes. If you would like to give funds on someone else’s behalf, you can do so
at Lifeshape.org/donate. Please note the participant’s name in the field titled “Name of
Project or Special Funding Need.” Gifts of this type are not tax-deductible.
 

5. Are immunizations required?
Lifeshape does not require specific vaccinations. However, we strongly encouraged you to
consult your personal physician, International SOS and the CDC for any medical questions
or concerns. Some countries require vaccinations prior to entry; your Logistics Coordinator
will notify you of any country-specific requirements.
 

6. What if I have allergies or special medical needs?
Prior to applying, contact your selected project’s Program Manager to ensure your needs
can be accommodated by Lifeshape ministry partners in-country. Please also check with
your physician before traveling.
 

Next Steps: Logistics

1. Do I book my own hotel and flights?
No. Lifeshape Logistics Coordinators are responsible for making reservations for airline
tickets, lodging and transportation for the project. We work closely with our ministry
partners to deliver these services for project participants.
 

2. Can I select/upgrade my seat for my flights?
Lifeshape seeks to honor your economy seat preference (ex. aisle or window) whenever
possible. If you wish to upgrade your seat, notify your Logistics Coordinator. Please note
that any upgrades — including Plus/Preferred seats — are at your expense.
 

3. Do I need a visa?
Visa and entry requirements vary by country. Your Logistics Coordinator will inform you if a
visa is required for entry and will work on your behalf to process visas prior to departure.
 

4. What are the passport requirements?
A valid passport is required for all travel outside the United States. Your passport must be
valid for more than six months beyond the project end date.
 

5. Do I need to purchase my own travel insurance?
While traveling, all project participants are covered by International SOS and Lifeshape’s
travel insurance policy. This provides coverage for medical needs, personal property and
emergency evacuation. Before travel, Lifeshape recommends each participant register in
the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U.S. Department of State.
 

6. Can I add personal travel to my Lifeshape project?
Yes. Lifeshape participants may modify project travel plans to add personal travel dates

and destinations. Personal travel must be done after the project has concluded; pre-
project personal travel is not allowed. If you wish to add personal travel, contact your

Logistics Coordinator to begin the process. Please note that Lifeshape does not cover
personal travel expenses.
 

Next Steps: Getting Ready to Go
1. How do I prepare for my project?
You will learn more about the project and your specific role on scheduled video conference
calls. Project Leaders will work with participants to provide additional information and
preparation needed prior to departure, including country and partner-specific details.
 

2. What happens if I need to cancel my trip?
Notify your Project Leader as soon as possible if you need to withdraw from a project. Your
Project Leader will inform the project’s Program Manager and Logistics Coordinator.

If a participant must withdraw from a project, Lifeshape may provide a full or partial
refund for fees paid by the participant. Refunds are considered on a case-by-case
basis and may be limited by non-refundable expenses incurred by Lifeshape.