What is a DTS and/or CDTS?

27/Mar/2007

The DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING SCHOOL (DTS) is a prerequisite for all other YWAM schools, and is a requirement for becoming staff anywhere in YWAM.

The purpose of the DTS is:

To equip the Christian messenger to grow in relationship with God, providing a solid Biblical foundation and encouraging the development of Christ-like character through personal application of truth.

  • To challenge the Christian messenger to become involved in missions and world evangelism, with YWAM or other ministries, awakening a burden for reaching the unreached, a vision for influencing all areas of society, and a commitment to strengthening the global Body of Christ.

  • To impart to the Christian messenger an understanding of Youth With A Mission International, its foundational values, calling and opportunities for service.

  • To prepare the Christian messenger for service in the local church and the local community.

Discipleship Training School Course Descriptions:

The Discipleship Training School (DTS) is an intensive Christian training course beginning with an 11 or 12 week lecture/teaching phase followed by a typically 12 week practical field assignment. The DTS is designed to encourage students in personal character development, cultivating a living relationship with God and identifying their unique individual gifts and callings in God. Cross-cultural exposure and global awareness are special emphases throughout the course, preparing the students to reach current and future generations and answer the call to "Go into all the world and disciple all nations" Matthew 28:19. The curriculum typically includes the following:

  1. The Christian's Relationship To God: understanding the character and ways of God; how to hear the voice of God; developing a personal devotional life.

  2. The Christian's Relationship To Oneself And Others: personal character development; discovery and release of one's gifts and ministries; stewardship; principles of healthy relationships; forgiveness.

  3. The Christian's Relationship To The Word: how to develop a consistent lifestyle of personal study; meditation and the application of Biblical truth.

  4. >The Christian's Relationship To The World: the lostness of man; how to share one's faith; evangelism and cross-cultural missions; reaching the unreached; general awareness of world needs; Biblical world view; the implications of the Gospel in society.

  5. The Christian's Relationship To The Church: commitment, unity; understanding the complementary role of the local church and missions structures.

  6. The Christian's Stand Against The Enemy: resisting temptation; prayer and intercession; spiritual warfare.

  7. The Christian's Orientation To Youth With A Mission International: its three-fold calling to Evangelism, Training and Mercy Ministries; the foundational values and ministry opportunities.

Discipleship Training School Field Assignment

As a second phase of the DTS, specially organized teams are sent out typically for twelve weeks (minimum eight) of evangelism in cross-cultural situations. The emphasis is on the application of principles taught in the DTS lecture phase coupled with teaching on evangelism concepts and practices equipping students to share their faith using a variety of means. Special assignments are given during this course.

Crossroads Discipleship Training School

This twelve week course (minimum eleven) is a special discipleship training program for people who may be at a "crossroads" in life. Many are established Christians seeking spiritual renewal and/or new direction and vision for a second career in missions. Most Crossroads Students are over 35 years of age and many have children. The program is adapted to meet their particular needs. The curriculum is basically the same as in DTS.

Crossroads Discipleship Training School Field Assignment

An eight to twelve week evangelism outreach similar to DTS above. It emphasizes the application of principles learned in the lecture phases and the equipping of students to share their faith using a variety of means. Special assignments are given during this course as well.