FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I apply, or join YWAM?
A: You can serve with YWAM on a mission trip, as a student, or as a staff member or volunteer . To join as staff, you must first complete a Discipleship Training School (DTS), which is offered in over 600 locations around the world. YWAM has no centralized application process. You can search on this website for YWAM’s training programs, mission trips and volunteer opportunities, and when you find one that you think God might be leading you explore further, just fill out the Get More Details form and you will hear from that location directly. You can then ask more questions, including how to fill out their application forms.
Q: What is the Discipleship Training School (YWAM DTS) and how do I find one?
A: The Discipleship Training School (DTS), YWAM’s five-month introductory training program, is offered in over 600 locations around the world. It’s a full-time program of learning who God made you to be, and what He wants you to do, all in a community environment. To find a DTS, use the Explore tool above, or the search bar.
Q: What does the DTS cost?
A: DTS fees vary from one YWAM location to another. The fees usually cover housing and food as well as the costs of the training itself. Usually transportation to the training program is not included in these fees. When you find a DTS that you want to explore more, fill out the Get More Details form and you will hear back from the YWAM location that runs this DTS. You can ask them about tuition, outreach fees, scholarships, and special rates they might have for couples, families, single parents, or people from the Two-Thirds World. Also, check out our DTS Fund Raising Guide.
Q: How can I give a donation to a YWAM staff person or student?
A: Since YWAM staff do not get paid, they rely on the generosity of people like you to be able to serve God through YWAM. If you would like to give a donation to a YWAM worker, student, or ministry, please see this page for more information.
Q: Do YWAM training programs like the DTS provide credit for other universities?
A: The Discipleship Training School (DTS) is one of the YWAM courses registered with YWAM’s University of the Nations (UofN). The UofN offers credits for the DTS which can be applied to U of N degrees (Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s). Students receive 12 credit hours for the DTS lecture phase and 8 credit hours for the outreach phase. Also, some UofN students have received transfer credit for some of their UofN courses. This credit has been granted by other higher educational institutions rather than by accrediting agencies. Also, certain universities have accepted UofN degree graduates into advanced studies (usually Master’s programs).
Q: Is this mission only for young people or only focused on young people?
A: Youth With A Mission began as an organization to help young people get involved in the global purposes of God and this will always be a primary focus for YWAM. However, now many people join YWAM as a second career or after retirement. Some of YWAM’s Discipleship Training Schools (DTS) specifically focus on providing mission training for families or older students. To find a DTS like this, go to the search bar above and type in “All Ages” or “Crossroads.”
Q: What are the age restrictions for YWAM’s mission trips?
A: YWAM offers mission trips for people of almost any age. To find out the age limits of a trip you are interested in, search for an outreach using the Explore tool on the search bar above, or type in the names of countries you are interested in or a type of ministry, like “sports.” Scroll down to find “Mission Trips and Events” in the search results. When you find an outreach you are interested in, click on it and then click on the button for more information and then you will see the minimum age. In some cases, people younger than this age can participate if accompanied by a parent. Fill out the Get More Details form for this mission trip to find out more.
Q: What is YWAM’s statement of faith?
A: YWAM exists to know God and make Him known. All of our locations are expected to agree to and demonstrate YWAM’s foundational beliefs and values. YWAM’s Discipleship Training School (YWAM DTS) teaches these beliefs and models these values.
Q: Who is the leader of YWAM and what is the leadership structure of the organization?
A: YWAM was founded in 1960 by Loren and Darlene Cunningham. Today it operates as a family of ministries. On this website you can find out more about YWAM’s leadership and YWAM’s history.
Q: How do I find University of the Nations degree information?
A: YWAM’s University of the Nations (UofN) offers Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from seven colleges, such as Christian Ministries, and Education. You can explore degree programs on the University of the Nations website.
Q: Can you help me locate a person who currently is in YWAM or was at some time?
A: YWAM does not have an international administrative office that maintains a database of every YWAM staff person and all YWAM alumni. If you want to connect with a person in YWAM, please contact the location they work with directly or their last known location. Another avenue is to try social networking sites like the YWAM Facebook page .