Evangelism & Apologetics Elective

What is Evangelism & Apologetics DTS?

Our Evangelism & Apologetics elective is offered as part of the Campus Phase of our discipleship training school. YWAM Salem’s DTS is a 5-month missions training experience like no other.

You and your fellow students will travel from across all corners of the country to our beautiful campus just outside Salem, Oregon, for 12 weeks of dormitory-style living, daily training, and group worship activities.

Then, embark on the adventure of a lifetime in our Outreach Phase. For 8-10 weeks, you’ll live in an overseas community unfamiliar with God’s love. There, you’ll use your newfound evangelism skills and apologetics training to make faith-based connections and minister to a new generation of believers.

A new DTS starts every fall, winter, and summer. So, what are you waiting for?

Campus Phase

Our DTS starts with a 3-month Campus Phase where students discover more about God while surrounded by God's beauty on our 35-acre campus. Located only 15 minutes from downtown Salem and 1 hour from Portland, Oregon, you’ll be fully immersed in His creations and have the chance to explore countless new communities.

Exclusive to YWAM DTS is our 6 elective offerings, which you can choose from for a unique opportunity to learn more about your specific passions through God.

When you choose the Evangelism & Apologetics elective, you’ll embark on an enlightening and transformative journey designed to unearth the rich tapestry of authentic historic Christianity. You’ll be empowered to confidently share this timeless message with others during a weekly local outreach activity, while also strengthening your understanding of your own faith.

During the campus phase, students will live in a close-knit community where they’ll encourage each other to grow in their walk with the Lord. There is also time to meet in small groups, and the opportunity to be personally mentored, encouraged, and discipled by our YWAM staff.

Our weekly Evangelism & Apologetics topics include:

• What is the Gospel?
• Necessity of “Good Character” in Apologetics
• Core Principles of Historic Christianity
• Authority of Scripture
• Current Challenges – Progressive
• Christianity/Deconstruction
• Other Faiths & Worldviews - Ministering to Diverse Backgrounds

Outreach Phase

Once the Campus Phase is complete, put the skills and knowledge you gained in the Evangelism & Apologetics elective to work in the real world during YWAM Salem’s Outreach Phase.

Travel on an 8-week mission trip to an overseas community unfamiliar with God and His story. Once there, you’ll use your newfound knowledge of Christianity and world religions to effectively disciple those who come from diverse backgrounds. Through hands-on outreach activities and worship, you’ll share the profound truths of Christianity with humility and evidence in communities in search of meaning and hope.

DTS Details: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

When is DTS?

YWAM Salem offers 3 DTS each year. Upcoming DTS include:

Winter DTS 2024: January 3rd - May 30th
Summer DTS 2024: June 19th - November 21st
Fall DTS 2024: September 26th Start

*The Evangelism & Apologetics elective is typically offered each summer and winter session.

How Much Does DTS Cost?

Our total DTS cost for lodging, meals, tuition, training materials, outreach activities, and local transportation is $5,995. Students are responsible for their own airfare for the outreach phase's international travel. On average, a ticket costs about $2,000.

Per YWAM Salem’s payment plan, a $500 refundable deposit is due at least one month before your DTS start date. Starting in Week 1, a minimum of $600 will be due every Monday until your total balance is paid.

Start the Journey Toward Your Calling Today!

Step 1 - Schedule a Call

Chat with one of our student mobilization specialists to learn more about all our DTS elective offerings and get answers to all of your questions. Ready to answer God’s call right now? Skip ahead to Step 2 - Apply Today!

Step 2 - Apply Online

Fill out our online application at any time to kickstart the next phase of your life. It only takes 10-15 minutes to complete!

Step 3 - Connect with a Mentor

Identify a trusted adult in your life who will agree to sponsor you as a mentor. Then, send us their name and contact info so we can verify you have a lasting support system in the circle of your life outside of DTS.

Step 4 - Application Review

Once we have all of your information, we’ll review your application and send you your approval notice within 24-48 hours.

Step 5 - Get Excited…You’re Going to DTS!

It’s time to prepare for your future. Upon acceptance, you’ll have access to countless online resources that provide a digital checklist of every step you need to take to have a successful DTS experience.

How Do Evangelism & Apologetics Fit Into Discipleship?

Evangelism and discipleship are two sides of the same coin. Ephesians 2:10 states: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

We all have a God-given instinct to communicate and minister within our communities. Evangelism is the first step of that process – being loud and proud about our faith. Apologetics is the act of understanding and reaching into that natural preparation and refining our knowledge so we can become powerful disciples, communicating the Gospel with love and truth to see the nations come to Jesus.