What is a DTS?

The DTS (Discipleship Training School) is the foundational course of YWAM. The DTS seeks to bring young students into a more intimate relationship with God. It also allows them to discover their passions and part in God's purposes for fulfilling the Great Commission. It is an invitation for those who love Jesus, love adventure, loves the lost, and desire something more.

A DTS seeks to gather and challenge people to worship, listen, and obey God. To inspire and cultivate growth in one's relationship with God. To sharpen one's ability to relate to, learn from, and work with people. To further equip each one to serve God's purpose in their life calling.

The structure of a school is typically split into two phases, a lecture phase, and an outreach phase. During the lecture phase, the students go through a different topic each week that dives deep into the Christian journey. A myriad of different cultural and outdoor experiences accompany this phase to help the students get a feel for missions.

The outreach phase is anywhere from six to twelve weeks and can be anywhere worldwide. The base in New Zealand I will be with, their outreaches will usually be to Oceania. Short outreaches come in many different shapes and colors. They can look like open-air preaching and healing or partnering with current long-term mission initiatives. Ultimately, the goal of outreach is to spread the gospel and contribute to the kingdom of God in any way possible.