YWAM Salem's Student Communications Department has compiled some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about DTS! From "What is discipleship training?" to "Where will I travel to?" keep reading to get the answers to all your burning questions.
And, if you're ready to answer God's call and join us at YWAM Salem - give us a call or apply today.
What Does a Typical Week at DTS Look Like?
First off, a week of DTS is anything but typical. But we know what you mean.
For the first 3 months of the program, you're in what we call the "Lecture Phase." This missions training takes place on our campus in Salem, Oregon. You'll be immersed in a live-learn environment with a community of fellow students and missionary staff.
Each week you'll join the whole community for a time of worship and a time of outward prayer (intercession). Then Monday through Friday you'll be in the classroom until lunchtime.
The afternoons vary depending on the unique passions you've decided to pursue, but your week will include Team Times (outreach planning), Small Groups, and Acts of Service (AOS). Acts of Service are times for you to plug into our campus and work alongside our staff. You'll make new friends, and get a behind-the-scenes look at how the campus operates.
Your weekends are yours to do with what you please! Explore the beautiful landscape of Oregon, grab some coffee with a friend, see a movie, or just sit back and relax.
Can I Work a Part-Time Job During YWAM DTS?
Not really. DTS is a full-time thing. The 'S' stands for school; so there will be classes and some homework (but don't worry, not the boring kind).
Every part of YWAM Salem's discipleship workshop is designed to encourage growth in your relationship with God, and part of that is being all in and focused. One of the great gifts of a DTS is it gives you the time to be present and devote everything to knowing God more.
What Free Time Do I Have During Discipleship Training?
Most nights are free, but some program elements, like Worship and Family Nights, happen during weekday evenings.
Your weekends are typically yours to do with what you please! Get to know the community in Salem or take a quick trip to Portland or the Oregon coast, each only an hour's drive away!
Where Will I Travel During Outreach?
Every DTS session is different and the leaders spend a lot of time praying about where to go. Your specific outreach location will be revealed during your first week but recently we have sent teams to Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Southeast Asia, Tanzania, Uganda, Papua New Guinea, Greece, and many, many more stunning destinations.
Cross-cultural experience is an important part of the program so you can almost definitely expect to be leaving the States for a new ministry opportunity.
What Sort of Ministry Will I Do on Outreach?
Ministry will vary depending on where you go, but Evangelism is an important value of ours, so you can expect to be sharing the gospel wherever you go on missions. You could also be involved in kids' ministry, hands-on service projects, house visits, Bible distribution, Worship, and so much more!
At its core, all our outreach activities will embody the spirit of Jesus Christ, and focus on sharing God's word, making disciples across all the Nations.
How Much Does DTS Cost?
Combined, both phases of DTS cost $5,990 plus travel expenses. Travel expenses usually range from $1,500-$2,000 but this will depend on where you travel to, usually confirmed in the first week of the school! We encourage students to budget around $8,000 in total.
That budget includes all accommodations, meals, school materials, and travel for the entire 6-month program. Not bad when you compare it to tuition and living expenses at a university.
Get to Know God Better to Make Him Known with YWAM SalemIf you want to know more about our Discipleship Training School (DTS), we have a whole team waiting to talk to you. Feel free to get in touch and set up a call with us; we'd love to hear from you and answer any questions you might have. And if you're curious about YWAM Salem's story and how we came to understand the word discipleship, check out the
YWAM DTS Road Map.