5 Ways To Get the Most Out of Discipleship Programs

So you're preparing to come to Discipleship Training School (DTS) with YWAM Salem. We have 5 things that will totally help you arrive ready to go and prepared to get the most out of your experience.

But wait! If you haven't already applied to do a DTS, what are you waiting for? 3, 2, 1 - GO! Apply online now to take the first step toward your future lifetime in global missions!

Fostering Spiritual Growth - What Do Discipleship Programs Look Like?

Before we dive into our DTS tips, let's cover the basics: What is discipleship training school?

DTS is YWAM Salem's flagship program. Since we opened our campus just outside of Salem, Oregon in 1978, we've welcomed thousands of DTS students to start their journey to lifelong missions. Our students go on to be church leaders, baristas, photographers, worship leaders, and above all, disciples of Jesus Christ, fostering spiritual formation in each of their unique communities.

Our missions training experience is about equipping believers - most often young adults between the ages of 18-24 - with the confidence to act on their natural spiritual gifts in a way that deepens their relationship with God and the skills they need to carry out global missions.

Lasting about 5 and a half months, DTS is broken into two important phases: the campus phase and the outreach phase. In each, students will experience our disciple-making movement firsthand and come to know themselves and God's word better.

Making Disciples in Two Powerful Phases

The campus starts on our beautiful base camp, located just an hour's drive from Portland, Oregon. There students will partake in Bible studies, worship in small groups, and complete service projects. As part of our discipleship program's curriculum, you will get to choose your own elective and dive deeper into your passion in a way that honors God.

Our elective offerings include:

• Biblical Counseling
• Documentary Film
• Evangelism & Apologetics
• Spiritual Formations
• Sports Ministry
• Youth Ministry

While the electives are the highlight of the campus phase, students also get to enjoy free time in the evenings and on weekends. Take a day trip to Portland and explore the bustling culture, or join a new church community by attending local services.

After 3 months of skill development, you'll put your training to the test in the outreach phase. For the 2 and a half months, students will take the international mission trip of a lifetime. Outreach destinations include Europe, Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa.

Everything You Need to Know for a Meaningful Discipleship Journey

If you’re preparing to do a YWAM discipleship program, such as DTS, it’s hard to know what to expect -much less how to prepare. It’s not so much about our expectations or needs when it comes to DTS, but rather about learning how to put on a new mindset and be open to embracing all that God has for us in this season.

Here are our 5 suggestions for how to make the most of your DTS experience.

1. Learn to Listen

DTS has a different culture than you might be used to. It’s designed to bring intimacy with God through everything and everyone you meet.

YWAM is motivated by how God speaks to us, individually and together as a community. I’ve noticed that often in my life I desire to “hear” God, yet I don’t take the time to listen. DTS gives you the time and place to learn how to listen.

God speaks in many different ways: through friends, through speakers, through Scripture, and in our individual quiet times. When we adopt the posture of listening, the understanding we seek can begin to be heard.

2. Have an Open Mind

Sometimes when we step out of our comfort zone, we feel the need to overprotect ourselves in how we think, or in the things we do.

I know it can be exhausting to keep doing things you're not used to or prepared for, but when you surrender your desires and control, God often surprises you. Whether it's trying new food or praying out loud, I find myself more encouraged because I see that God is strengthening my way of thinking.

3. Document your process through journaling

I know that not everyone is a writer, but you’ll want to remember DTS - the friends you make, the places you go, and the transformation Jesus brings. Bring a journal and try to write about your experience every few days.

Not only will the practice help you remember, but it’s something you can return to throughout your life. I still have my DTS journal, and every so often I open it back up. Rereading how God partnered with me in my life during those six months to show me His love encourages me.

Throughout the Old Testament, we see God remembering his promise to Abraham and in return, the people of Israel remembering what God had done for them; this is because remembering is an important practice. I never want to forget the places I have been, but more importantly, I don’t want to forget how God has transformed my life.

4. Keep Going Even When It Gets Hard

DTS is meant to help us break through, whether that be in our spiritual life or our ministry work. God wants to show up in our lives, redeem more and more of them, and use that transformation to pour into the nations.

Sometimes for God to knock down the walls in our lives, we have to get our hands a little dirty. If we want to see change in our lives and the world around us, we must be people who persevere, trusting that God will "fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

5. Prepare for the Unexpected

There’s no such thing as an ordinary day when we live expectant of Jesus showing up. That’s the amazing thing about doing a DTS; it may start out a little slow but when you start seeking Jesus and making space for him in your life, he’ll start surprising you.

Sometimes we adopt this mindset that God isn’t really present in our lives, or he’s only present for special people. That’s not the case at all. God is relational. He listens, he acts, and he loves. When we learn to live from that mindset, we will become more aware of God’s presence in every aspect of our lives.

For me, DTS was walking into the unknown: I was nervous, fearful, and really excited all at the same time. I anticipated that God would show up in my life and that the growth I longed for would finally come. God exceeded my expectations in every way!

Do you have questions about your journey to DTS? Our friendly admissions team is here to help! 

SCHEDULE A CALL

Want to learn more about DTS? Check out our frequently asked questions guide. When you're ready to start your journey to a deeper relationship with God and a future of ministering to the nations, apply to a YWAM Salem DTS today!