DTS - Frequently Asked Questions
|
What is YWAM's Discipleship Training School (DTS)?
YWAM's DTS is a five-month, in-depth discipleship program that includes a ten-week teaching phase followed by an eight-week mission trip. It’s a “heart-change” course designed to give you a solid foundation of personal growth and relationship with Jesus – whether you’re interested in career missions or simply taking time to get to know God better. How old do I need to be to do a YWAM's DTS? DTS is open for high school graduates and older. We’re called “Youth With A Mission,” but there’s no age limit. Whether you’re a married couple, a family with children, college graduate, or fresh out of high school, you’re welcome! How does a typical day in DTS look like? We like to start our day off right. That’s why we begin each morning with time set aside to connect personally with the Lord through prayer and Bible study. Afterwards you’ll join your teammates in the classroom where we’ll focus on a different topic each week. Our classroom time is interactive, with an emphasis on personal application and real life change. Other regular activities include:
What teachings will be covered during the lecture phase of DTS? Each week we’ll bring in speakers who have experience in ministry and in walking with the Lord. They’ll teach us on a foundational aspect of following Jesus. Our class times are interactive and challenging, focusing on real-life application. Our goal is for the truth to sink deep into our hearts, changing us from the inside out. Topics include:
How's the housing like at YWAM? YWAM staff and students live together in separate houses for men and women. You’ll find it’s a lot like a family home. You’ll be sharing a room with other YWAMers and hanging out in the shared space (like the living room and kitchen). This community style of living isn’t a matter of convenience or budget-stretching so much as it’s a part of who we are: God has called us to deep relationship and day-to-day discipleship. Will I get time off during DTS? Keep in mind that DTS is not your typical university setting: it will require all of your attention and most of your time. In any DTS, some evenings and weekends will be scheduled with ministry or other training-related activities. Many evenings and weekends, however, may be available for students to study, relax, or hang out together. It is best not to make plans for any personal holidays or overnights away during a DTS. What should I bring to DTS? We’ll send out a thorough packing list, as well as other helpful information, after you’ve applied. In the meantime, bear in mind that you’ll be sharing space with others, so don’t feel the need to bring your entire wardrobe. You’ll have access to laundry facilities in your dormitory and stores are easily accessible if you forget anything. Things to think through:
Is YWAM part of a denomination? YWAM is interdenominational, which means that YWAMers come from all kinds of church backgrounds and traditions. We believe that the Bible is God’s Word, and our training is grounded in its principles. You can read our beliefs and values here for more details. Do I need to attend church during my DTS? We require all of our students to commit to a local church during DTS. You’re free to choose which church you attend. Our staff are involved in several different churches around Orangeville and Toronto, so we’ll help you know what’s available. Your parents or your home pastor may also have recommendations for you. What is DTS outreach like? Once the twelve-week teaching phase of DTS has wrapped up, you’ll take the truth you’ve learned and put it into practice in a ministry setting. After ten days of ministering here in the states, you and your team will head to an overseas destination! You’ll share the message of Christ through performing arts, acts of mercy and service, and friendships with people who don’t know Him. Each nation and outreach setting is different so ministry activities can vary greatly. Our goal is to take the name of Jesus to places where the Gospel is not readily available and share the message of hope in a compelling way. Where will we go on outreach on DTS? We prayerfully handpick international locations for each DTS, giving attention to the giftings and passions of each team as well as the needs of the locations where we minister. Our goal is for each student to be both stretched and fulfilled by a variety of ministry activities. Previous DTS teams have ministered in Africa countries (Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Egypt), and also in South America countries (Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Bolivia). Are DTS outreach locations safe? Of course we can’t guarantee anyone’s safety, anywhere in the world. But we do take seriously our responsibility for students on our outreach teams, and we don’t take unnecessary risks. We stay in close communication with our contacts in each outreach location so that they can let us know of any situation we need to be aware of. We also prepare our teams to be aware of cultural differences and security precautions. Can I get credit for my DTS? The Discipleship Training School comes under the umbrella of YWAM’s University of the Nations, and you will receive 20 credits upon successfully completing the course. An increasing number of colleges in the United States accept U of N transfer credits; contact specific institutions to find out their policy. What does DTS tuition cover? Tuition covers all of your training, food, books, and transportation to and from official DTS functions. Housing is provided at no additional cost. Incidental expenses like snack food, laundry, gas, doctor’s visits, etc. will be your own responsibility. When is DTS tuition due? A $500 CAD deposit is due within a month of acceptance. The balance of $3450 CAD is due five days before the first day of DTS. How do I pay my DTS tuition? You can pay online by clicking on the "Pay" tab. Or you can pay with a check to YWAM and send them to: Youth With A Mission Toronto 1 Catherine St., Alton, ON, L7K 2N6 Put your name and the school you’ll be attending in the memo.* *Donations toward mission trips must NOT have your name in the memo; the instructions above only apply to tuition payments. How will I pay for DTS outreach cost? During DTS we’ll teach you what the Bible says about funding ministry efforts like a mission trip, and we’ll walk you through the process of involving people in sponsoring your trip financially. In the meantime, we’d encourage you to bring whatever you can toward the mission trip expense and to get in touch with us if you have further questions. Can people who give towards my DTS receive tax deduction? YWAM does not issue tax-deductible receipts for tuition. Many incoming students arrange for their home churches to process financial support for them so that donors can receive a tax deduction. Please communicate clearly with anyone who wants to give a donation towards your tuition. How much spending money will I need for DTS? We’ll provide food, housing, books, and transportation to school functions. Miscellaneous expenses like laundry, snacks, special dietary needs, gasoline, postage, doctor’s visits, etc., will be your own responsibility. Also, each DTS student will be asked to send a newsletter to update friends and family. This newsletter is required and will be at your own expense, so plan to spend $70-$100 for envelopes, printing, and postage. How do I signup for DTS? Apply online or contact us! We’d love to pray with you and answer any questions you might have. |