DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING SCHOOL
A Discipleship Training School (DTS) is a six-month program where you will get to know God and make Him known. You will personally experience God holistically and you will live out the exhilarating adventure of taking His beautiful message to the nations! You will effectively apply the truth of God into your own life and be further equipped to discover and fulfil your own unique purpose and plan – the plan that God has appointed for each one individually.
WHY SHOULD YOU DO A DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING SCHOOL?
Consisting of two separate phases – lecture phase and outreach phase, the YWAM Discipleship Training School is more of an experience than it is a school. It is an experience where you develop truth, faith, and character. If you’re tired of the typical classroom setting where you stay seated and absorb facts, then this is the place for you. It’s a place where transformation becomes tangible as you allow knowledge to be translated into realities whilst you apply it to day-to-day activities. During your YWAM DTS, you will embark on a breathtaking journey deep into the heart of God. It involves learning to see God, yourself and others as God does, while instilling within you a heart for everyone to know, experience and enjoy Him. It is also a place where you will be given the opportunity to put that heart into action through hands-on experience in local ministry as well as on your outreach.
A DTS is the requirement not only for joining the YWAM staff team, but also for YWAM second-level schools. It is also accredited through the YWAM University of the Nations.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1) Passport – Valid for at least 6 months AFTER DTS.
2) Bible, stationary and a journal (to write down all the amazing things God will speak to you!).
3) Sleeping bag, pillow and pillowcase.
4) Personal Towel.
5) Water bottle.
6) Sunglasses.
7) Toiletries. (Most items can be brought from a local supermarket nearby)
8) Backpack. (Suitcases are not recommended because of outreach)
9) According to which time period you are coming, please plan to dress accordingly.
YWAM’s Discipleship Training School is a program designed for those 18 years and older (or who have completed High School) who want to grow in understanding who God is and what it means to live with Him. The DTS takes place in a community setting, inviting people to leave behind work, school studies and other responsibilities for the six months of the program.
Once you graduate from the DTS many doors in YWAM are open to you. In over 1,000 locations worldwide YWAMers are using their talents and gifts to serve Christ and fulfill the Great Commission. Many DTS graduates pursue further education and training through YWAM’s University of the Nations, others join the staff team at the location where they did DTS and some serve at another YWAM location around the world. There are many ministry opportunities available around the world within YWAM and you can check out the rest of our website to see what we’re involved in as YWAM Armenia. We would ask you to prayerfully consider continued service with YWAM Armenia after completing your DTS. There are a number of ways to be involved.
Each DTS has a set of core topics that it covers. In addition, there may be 2-3 extra topics in each school. These may vary depending on the special focus of the school or it’s outreach locations.
During the 3-month lecture phase, you will delve into topics including:
- Hearing God’s Voice and Intercession
- The Nature and Character of God
- Father Heart of God
- How to share your faith with others
- Identity in Christ
- Relationships
- World Missions
- Cross Cultural Communication
- Spiritual Warfare
- Ministry of the Holy Spirit
- The Bible
The DTS Field Assignment (or Outreach) is a highlight for many DTS students. Once the lecture phase of DTS has wrapped up, you’ll get the opportunity to take the truth you’ve learned and put it into practice in a ministry setting in an overseas destination! Outreach phase is between 2-3 months long. The location of the field assignment will be determined shortly after the beginning of the DTS and creatively revealed in class. While in Armenia, you will have the opportunity to learn about the country and culture where your field assignment will take place. The DTS staff will guide you in understanding the values, strengths and needs of the nation where you will be serving. A primary focus of the field assignment is sharing your faith with those who don’t know Jesus through conversations, the performing arts, acts of mercy & service, and friendships with people who don’t know Him. In addition, there will be opportunities to meet practical needs and partner with local believers.
Once your completed application form has been received, the school leaders will prayerfully review and make a decision about acceptance. You will be contacted by email about the decision. You will also receive information about what to bring, the visa process for foreign students who will need a visa.
For over 40 years God, has been calling individuals and families to attend the DTS and has provided in a variety of ways. Multiple times, God confirms His direction to attend DTS through provision of the needed funds. Friends who have done a DTS, youth leaders and pastors are often willing to talk and pray with you as you raise the money for the school. Working, selling some belongings, hosting fundraising events and asking for sponsors are some of the ways God may provide for you. This is a practical way for others to be a part of God’s work. If you have questions about fundraising, feel free to contact us.
Each day you will have activities such as lectures, work duties, (general duties around the base) and evening activities. Each week will also include small groups, outreach prep, one-on-one mentoring and local outreach. There are also weekly corporate events you will participate in such as base worship and intercession (prayer). Your weekends may occasionally have school activities, but most will be free for you to explore the city and have some rest time.
Back when we began in 1960, our main focus was to get youth into short-term mission work and to give them opportunities to reach out in Jesus’ name. Today, we still focus on youth, but now we also involve people of every age – there is no maximum age limit.