Spiritual Formations Elective

What is Spiritual Formations DTS?

Our Spiritual Formations 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 spiritual ministry skills 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 God’s creations and have the chance to explore countless new communities.

Exclusive to YWAM DTS are 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 Spiritual Formations elective, you will participate in weekly, hands-on training sessions that give new meaning to your relationship with God. Spiritual formation practices include community groups, hospitality, listening to prayer, meditating on scripture, healthy mindsets, fasting, worship, silence and solitude, and so much more.

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 Spiritual Formations topics include:

• Growing in Awareness of God’s Constant Presence
• Jesus as the Intentional Listener
• Jesus and Prayer
• Jesus the Student of Scripture
• Jesus as the Selfless Servant
• Jesus and Resisting Temptation
• Jesus and Fasting/Feasting
• Jesus and Celebrating/Hospitality
• Jesus was the Community Builder

Outreach Phase

When the Campus Phase is complete, put the skills and knowledge you gained in the Spiritual Formations elective to work in the real world during YWAM Salem’s Outreach Phase. 

Travel on an 8-week spiritual mission trip to an overseas community unfamiliar with God. Once you’ve processed the different ways you can experience God’s presence, you can help others seek his love through Bible reading, unique prayer styles, and intentional listening. Our outreach experience will also give you the opportunity to bring God’s love into the lives of people who’ve never experienced Him before.

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

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 Does Spiritual Formation Fit Into Discipleship?

II Corinthians 3:17-18 says: “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

Discipleship is being on a journey of following Jesus wherever he may lead. Those who disciple must be spiritually mature and establish themselves as mentors and leaders in both faith and unreached communities. In order to become an effective disciple and missions leader, you must first experience spiritual formations – the process of deepening your relationship with God to find freedom and embody the true image of His Spirit.