Youth Ministry Elective

What is Youth Ministry DTS?

Our youth ministry 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 missions skills to make faith-based connections with you and minister them to become missions-minded believers ready to embrace their roles as ministers at an early age.

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.

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.

You have a passion for impacting your community – now spread that desire to God’s youngest children. The youth ministry course will equip you with the skills, knowledge, and heart to train and disciple young people to live a lifestyle of boldness and unashamed love for Jesus.

Young people from all walks of life have the boundless potential to serve God from the passionate perspective of youth. You will learn to harness this potential and help the young members of your community take control of their futures and live out their God-given purpose wherever He takes them in the world.

Outreach Phase

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

Travel on an 8-week mission trip to an overseas community full of young people unfamiliar with God and His story. Once there, you’ll use your enthusiasm for youth ministry and cross-cultural missions to nurture a faith-based mentorship with local youth. Your ministry activities will nurture a new generation of young missionaries, who will go on to bring further change, light, and love to the world around them.

Start your life in missions by unlocking the transformative power of the youth around you!

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 youth ministry elective is typically offered each fall 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 Does Youth Ministry Fit Into Discipleship?

Ecclesiastes 11:9-10 says: “Young people, enjoy your youth. Be happy while you are still young. Do what you want to do, and follow your heart's desire. But remember that God is going to judge you for whatever you do.”

Youth is a gift from God, but it is our responsibility as disciples of Christ to ensure that gift is not wasted. Youth ministry is a key piece of discipleship and missions that seek to help young people grow their relationship with God and others from an early age. This foundation in faith will help them identify God’s purpose for their lives and answer his call so they can live out His plan with confidence and love.