What is YWAM?
Youth With A Mission (YWAM) is one of the world's largest Christian missionary training and sending organizations. With bases all around the world, their largest location resides in Kona, Hawaii, where I have been serving at the past few years. There, thousands gather to fulfill founder Loren Cunningham's vision of sending waves of young people from every nation to every nation with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
What Is A DTS?
Every YWAM journey starts with a Discipleship Training School (DTS). DTS is a six month experience designed to help you "know God and make Him known." It begins with three months (lecture phase) spent at your base of choice studying the Bible, praying for the nations, worshiping God, learning how to hear God’s voice and follow Jesus wholeheartedly. All while surrounding yourself with community that will help you overcome your past and find your God-given calling. It continues with the second three months (outreach phase) where you get to travel the world with a team, meet real needs and show people the love and power of the gospel. During this period you will experience new cultures, work alongside local believers and lead people to Jesus.
What Does Staffing Look Like?
Before the DTS begins, every staff is expected to complete a three month training period called Leadership Track. During this time, you will be challenged and grown, stepping into a role where you are expected to wholeheartedly seek after Jesus, develop and step out in leadership.
When the lecture phase of a DTS starts, each staff is assigned a room of 9 students that you live with and disciple daily, meeting one on one and as a small group. Additionally, you are required to plan a three month outreach. This looks like communicating with contacts in your designated country; working out a budget; finding housing, transportation and meals; planning a full schedule of ministry; and beginning to walk alongside your team of around 15 students.
Once you are sent off to your outreach location, you must oversee the safety and well being of your team and dedicate time together to seek the Lord and have fun together as a family. All while serving alongside each other in the local community and sharing the love of Jesus with the world.
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