5 common questions about YWAM – And the answers

Every month, I lead a meeting to inspire local influencers in their faith at a bowling alley. There I was chatting with someone and when they learned that I am part of YWAM, they excitedly shared that a friend also did YWAM, expressing their love for it, though the specifics eluded them.

During a summer garden party, the host discussed the impact of local non-profits on the community, interchangeably using YWAM and YMCA. I find humor in the mix-up, appreciating the distinction between the two organizations.

Another time I was in conversation with a relative who has received my newsletter for years but was surprised yet again when they remembered that my role in YWAM is not salaried. They expressed concern about how I support my family, prompting me to reflect on people's misconceptions about YWAM.

These instances prompt me to wonder how much or how little people truly know about Youth With A Mission. Allow me to take a stab at answering five of the most commonly asked questions of this incredible tribe called YWAM.

What is the age range for YWAM?

Evangelism, Training, and Mercy Ministries

Our youngest community member, Baby Noah, was born just this week, marking a celebration in our multi-generational community. Despite our diverse age range, with our eldest member being 80-year-old Virgina, the majority of our community is under 30 years old. We love being a multi-generational community! Having said that, if you don’t like young people, you won’t like YWAM.

The longer answer to this question is found in how YWAM began. Our family story began when Loren Cunningham had a vision in 1956 when he was 21 years old.

Loren said, “Suddenly I was looking at a map of the world, only the map was alive and moving! I could see all the continents, and waves were crashing onto their shores. Each wave went onto a continent, then receded, then came up further until it covered the continent completely. The waves become young people – kids my age and even younger – covering all the continents of the globe.”

“They were talking to people on street corners and outside bars. They were going from house to house and preaching the Gospel. They came from everywhere and went everywhere, caring for people. Then just as suddenly as it had come the scene was gone.”

This is why we are called Youth with a Mission. Our sixth foundational value is Championing young people and reads “YWAM is called to champion youth.  We believe God has gifted and called young people to spearhead vision and ministry. We are committed to value, trust, train, support, make space, and release them. They are not only the Church of the future; they are the Church of today. We commit to follow where they lead, in the will of God.”

While age is not a barrier to joining YWAM, our expertise lies in fostering thriving communities of young adults.

What are the 3 main focuses of YWAM?

Evangelism, Training, and Mercy Ministries

Evangelism

We passionately share the Gospel with those who do not yet know him. At YWAM Salem, we love to do it creatively, such as the King of Kings Chess Club, our Salem Ropes Course, and gym nights for international students.

Our training covers the basics like “Why do people need to repent,” “What is it that Christians believe,” and “How does one follow Christ,” as well as more nuanced questions to engage with diverse perspectives like “What’s our response to the LGBTQ+ argument against faith in Jesus?” or “How to engage the deconstructionist movement.”

We don’t just teach, we take it to the street. Our evangelistic efforts extend from local initiatives to global outreach, driven by the belief that everyone deserves a chance to hear the Gospel.

Training

The Discipleship Training School (DTS) is our flagship program, a 5-month Christian formation and missions course. It provides a transformative experience of deepening faith, international outreach, and building lasting friendships. After DTS, further educational pursuits are available through YWAM's University of the Nations.

I joined YWAM when I was 18 years old and having served all over the world by now I never regretted it. I really would like to encourage you to receive your training through YWAM’s University of the Nations. It will be a chance to grow closer to God and make a difference in the world while living in a healthy community and having crazy adventures.

DTS is where it all starts. For the first 3 months, you'll have the opportunity to deepen your intimacy with God and gain a deeper understanding of the Bible while living in a community of like-minded believers. Our experienced leaders will guide you through powerful worship, biblical studies, and small group discussions to help you grow in your faith.

For the next 2 months, you'll embark on an overseas outreach where you'll put your newfound knowledge and understanding into action. You'll have the chance to serve others and share the love of Jesus with people from all walks of life. It was a life-changing experience for me and I believe it can be for you as well!

You'll also have the chance to make lasting friendships with like-minded young adults from all over the world, who will encourage and challenge you in your faith journey.

After DTS you can pursue your Associate, Bachelors, or Masters with YWAM’s University of the Nations.

Mercy Ministries

“YWAM is called to make God known throughout the whole world, and into every arena of society through evangelism, training and mercy ministries.” (https://ywam.org/about-us/values Value 2- Make God known)

Compassion was a big deal to Jesus. His compassion for those in need led him to action. He healed and fed multitudes (Matthew 14:14-21), he comforted a widow and raised her only son (Luke 7:11-17), and moved by compassion he taught the multitudes (Mark 6:34).

Compassion drives us to action, addressing practical needs through agricultural projects, anti-human trafficking efforts, well installations, building homes for the poor, medical clinics, etc.

Our commitment is to meet existential needs while passionately sharing the message of Jesus.

What is the price of a YWAM?

Typically this question refers to how much a DTS costs. DTS is offered all over the world so the cost varies based on the local economy.  The cost of a Discipleship Training School in Salem, inclusive of lodging, meals, mentoring, education, and materials for the entire 6 months, is $5995.

Additionally, there is a separate cost for the overseas outreach plane ticket, typically ranging from $1500 to $2000. Compared to the average cost of college in the United States being $18,218*, this is an offer for a faith-filled experience at a fantastic price.

What church is YWAM affiliated with?

YWAM is an international, interdenominational movement dedicated to presenting Jesus personally to this generation. Our unity in diversity, guided by core Christian beliefs, is celebrated in line with our 8th value “Be international and interdenominational”.

We encourage all YWAM staff and students to attend a local church on Sunday. Many of us help the local body of Christ thrive by volunteering on the weekend. Currently, our staff team attends about 12 different churches in town made up of a mix of Protestant, Evangelical, and Pentecostal churches.

I would encourage you to check out our Statement of Purpose, Core Beliefs, and Foundational Values here.

Do YWAM missionaries get paid?

All “YWAMers” live a life of financial dependence on God, practicing generosity by giving time and talents without expectation of remuneration. Financial support comes from individuals who are supporting our ministry through donations and prayers.

This is incredibly rewarding for both the missionary and those supporting them.

When YWAM started, this principle seemed like a big risk to take, but sixty years later we see God’s wisdom in how He led. Money tends to be used to control people.

In YWAM there is much less control and much more freedom to hear and obey the call of God for each individual in contrast to other organizations because there is no international office that controls the flow of finances. This fosters great growth and fruitfulness. Oversight of finances within the U.S. is managed by the local board of directors of each YWAM work.

It’s a modern contextualization of what we see in the Bible. In the Old Testament, the Levites were provided for by people within their communities (Numbers 18:21 and Nehemiah 13:10-11). Amongst other examples in the New Testament, like Paul’s letters to the Corinthians, Jesus said in Luke 10:7 that a “laborer is worthy of his wages”. He was referring to how God would provide for missionaries.

Check out our blog “Faith in the Uncomfortable: God’s Provision Stories”

Your curiosity is our catalyst. Let’s make a difference together!

We are a diverse group of mostly young, Jesus-loving individuals dedicating our lives as full-time volunteers to serve through evangelism, training, and mercy ministries.

I hope your questions and our answers led to understanding. Understanding leads to action If you have any more questions or if something needs to be clarified, please feel free to reach out to us via message or call.

If not, jump on in and be a part of this amazing movement called Youth With A Mission. We would love to chat with you.

Give us a call at +1 971-208-3533.

*Source https://educationdata.org/average-cost-of-college