DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING SCHOOL

The DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING SCHOOL (DTS) is a prerequisite for all other YWAM schools and is a requirement for becoming staff anywhere in YWAM. Even though each DTS has a specific focus involving your particular interest (Sports, MAD, Beach to Bush or Frontiers), every DTS has the same core structure and vision…

The DTS is an intensive training experience involving 3 months of discipleship classes, balanced with 3 months of practical missions in Australia and abroad. The DTS is designed to help you cultivate a deeper relationship with God, strengthen your character and discover your unique purpose and calling. Cross-cultural exposure is a special emphasis throughout the course, preparing you to answer Christ’s call to "Go into all the world and disciple all nations" (Matt. 28:19)

During your DTS, you will be challenged to…

Learn to hear God and follow His leading
Explore your strengths and find your unique identity in Christ
Expand your vision and discover God’s plan for your life
Live out what you say you believe
Overcome apathy and live a passionate Christian life

You know all those questions you’ve had about how to have a better relationship with God? During the first 12 weeks of the DTS—known as the “Lecture Phase”—you’ll find answers to those questions and many more. Your classes will explore different aspects of God’s character, how He relates to us and how we can best relate to Him. You will learn how to develop consistency in your daily devotional (quiet) times, as well as how to effectively study the Bible. Most of all, you’ll learn how your spiritual life fits in with the rest of your life. And speaking of the rest of your life, DTS isn’t just about filling you up with head knowledge you’ll never use—it’s about giving you opportunities to put your faith into action.  

In the second half of your DTS—known as the “Outreach Phase”—you will spend 7-12 weeks taking part in an overseas missions experience. From building houses and playing with children in orphanages, to teaching English and sharing the Gospel in unreached villages, outreach will allow you to impact lives in powerful and practical ways. This part of DTS is about showing you how you can creatively and strategically reach out to others—no matter where in the world you are.

Ultimately, the DTS is about CHANGE—changing your perspective on what it means to walk with God and allowing Him to change you into someone better than you ever thought you could be.