What is a DTS?

The Discipleship Training Schools [DTS] are a prerequisite for all YWAM schools, and an entry-way for becoming staff anywhere in YWAM. DTS aims to prepare messengers of the Gospel, helping students to know God in depth. The goal is to form Christian character and establish Biblical relationships while developing a daily walk with God. The DTS is designed to encourage students to develop in personal character, to cultivate a living relationship with God, and to identify their unique, individual gifts and callings in God. Evangelism, cross-cultural exposure, and global awareness are special emphases throughout these courses, preparing the students to reach current and future generations and answer the call to "Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations" Matthew 28:19.

What does a DTS involve?

This full-time, intensive training course begins with a 4 month live-in classroom/lecture phase followed by a 3 month outreach abroad.

Why do a DTS?

YWAM Boston's vision is: To see a diverse transformed community of passionate followers of Jesus dispersed throughout all walks of life, igniting a Holy Culture, living out and proclaiming His Kingdom on earth. This is the essence of Christianity.

What kind of qualities are we looking for in potential DTS students?

Leadership

Passion

Humility

Servanthood

Integrity

Tenacity

Strength

Creativity

Focus

Talent

Excellence

What is the age range for a DTS?

Generally the range is from 18 to 28, but we have been known to have much older students on occasion and are not opposed to it. We are looking for those who are young at heart. We are YOUTH With A Mission.

What is the deadline to apply?

We'd like to have all applications by the beginning of December for the January school. Applications sent afterwards will not necessarily be disqualified.

What does the life of a DTS student look like during the lecture phase?

Daily Schedule (a rough overview)

7:15- Breakfast

7:45- Devotions

8:00- Quiet Time

9:00- Worship, Intercession, or Creative Presentations

10:00-Teaching session (Each week will feature a different speaker on a different topic)

12:00-Lunch

1:00- Free Time, work duties, or practice

5:00- Dinner

7:00- Free Time, work duties, or practice

Is the DTS full time?

Yes. It is a 24/7 live-in program for maximum impact in the discipleship process. 

Where will I live?

We will have student housing on site as well as facilities for classes and rehearsals during the first 4 months-lecture phase.

What is the cost?

The cost is about $4200 for the lecture phase (includes all food, housing, books, etc.) and $3800 for the outreach (depending on where we go, but includes airfare and everything during that time).

Who are the guest speakers?

Our speakers are involved in various types of world-wide ministries who really love Jesus and effectively communicate to this generation. Some of them include: Don Richardson, Gwen Bergquist, Randy Thomas, Sam Dharam, Dan and Rebecca Burd, Brenda Lewis, Nick Savoca and many others.

What are some of the Topics?

The Father Heart of God

Integrity

The Character of God

Relationships

Worship and Intercession

Being Relevant In a Post-Modern Culture

The Arts in Ministry

Missions- God's heart for the lost

Evangelism

Destiny

Leadership

Passion

Biblical World View

What does the life of a DTS student look like during the outreach?

Outreach is a time to put into practice what you have learned during the lecture phase. The schedule really depends on the type of ministry we are focusing on, the culture we are in, and the people we are aiming to reach. Typically we minister through different venues of the arts doing evangelism, street witnessing, and follow up.

Daily Schedule (a rough overview)

8:00- Breakfast, Devotions /Quiet Time, Worship, Debrief

10:00- Outreach (Parks, Main Squares, Other Venues, etc.)

12:00- Lunch

1:00- Outreach (Parks, Main Squares, Other Venues, etc.)

5:00- Dinner

6:00- Outreach or Church service or Performance in Venue

10:00 - Finish for evening

Where is my Outreach going to go?

Europe? South America? Asia? Africa? Your outreach destination will be determined prayerfully by your school staff. Many times the students are involved in the prayer process of deciding where to go on outreach. Usually a few weeks of the outreach will be state-side and the rest will be in one or more countries abroad.

How do I get involved?

You can download an application from our website, fill it out, and send it in. Or you can send us an email or give us a call for more info. We look forward to connecting with you!

What can I do after the DTS?

The possibilities are endless. Not everyone completing a DTS necessarily joins YWAM. Many participate in a DTS to take time out to concentrate on God and consider whether He might be calling them to Christian ministry. And for others, DTS is simply a tool in deepening an existing walk with Jesus. For those who choose to go on into a career with YWAM, successful completion of the DTS qualifies them to apply for hundreds of staff opportunities. Graduating from the DTS also qualifies students to go on to YWAM's other training programs, such as those offered by YWAM's University of the Nations.