Interested in missions? Here is your "road map" to YWAM's popular DTS Experience.

Are you longing to know God in a deeper way? Ready to answer His call to a lifetime of discipleship?

Often, spiritual formation and missionary work seem like two separate things, but at Youth With A Mission (YWAM) Salem, we believe that the two go hand-in-hand!

Throughout the Gospel accounts in the Bible, we see that Jesus didn't do his ministry alone. He called the disciples and invested in them relationally so that they could carry out his redeeming work further. To this day, discipleship is key to seeing the Great Commission fulfilled; that's why it’s at the heart of what we do at YWAM.

Is discipleship a new term for you? Learn more about the heart of our missions training.

If you’re interested in getting equipped to carry out the Great Commission with YWAM Salem, you’ll start with our foundational course - the Discipleship Training School (DTS). If this is your very first time hearing about YWAM Salem, we understand it can be confusing to navigate the decision and logistics of attending a DTS.

So, let us help you out! Check out this handy guide of everything you need to know to start your missions training journey with YWAM Salem.

Road Marker 1: What is YWAM?

YWAM stands for Youth With A Mission. It was started in 1960 by Loren and Darlene Cunningham as a way to get young people involved in missions. Today, YWAM has over 20,000 staff working in over 1,000  locations in 180 countries doing every type of ministry possible!

Our work falls into three main categories: evangelism, training, and mercy ministries. We are a diverse community that not only focuses on sending out missionaries but also on raising up missionaries from within the countries where we work.

Everyone involved in YWAM started their journey with our foundational DTS program. After that, the opportunities to serve and continue to be equipped with new tools of ministry are almost endless!

Road Marker 2: Who is YWAM Salem?

Road Marker 3: What is a DTS?

Discipleship Training School (DTS) is the heartbeat of YWAM. A DTS is a 5-6 month mission training and global outreach experience.

The first half, the campus or "lecture" phase, focuses on spiritual formation and growing in the Lord. The second half, the outreach phase, sends DTS teams out to locations all over the world to put into practice what they learned during their on-campus training sessions to further the Gospel in new communities.

Through DTS, God can establish a foundation for you to serve him in your local community, home nation, or long-term in the nations. Many DTS graduates have found a vision for the rest of their lives during their experience.

Whatever you want to do in life, and wherever you want to do it, DTS can be a springboard that propels you forward in ministry work, further education, or a successful career path. Our desire is to not only release missionaries into the field but to release missional-minded people into all areas and spheres of society.

Road Marker 4: What sets YWAM apart?

There are hundreds of sending organizations all around the world, offering thousands of mission trips and ministry opportunities. What makes YWAM unique is the focus on discipleship and community, and the belief that true and transformational mission work begins with these two building blocks.

Many of our students have been on dozens of short-term mission trips before YWAM. They are great experiences, but many say they weren’t very transformational. These trips help scratch the surface, but a DTS helps adults ages 18 and up (or 17 years old with a high school diploma) truly understand their worth in His kingdom before putting their whole hearts behind their work in it.

Beyond the community of DTS is the vibrant community of YWAM International. Some 20,000 staff working in 180 different countries bring a unique voice and culture to our mission. It is reflective of that distant day when all the tribes and nations will gather to worship the Lamb of God.

Until then, this diverse community is always growing and pioneering. It is incredibly exciting to be part of the legacy that YWAMers before us have built, and then take it forward in new and innovative ways.

Apply With YWAM Salem Today