Every YWAM Discipleship Training School follows the same broad shape, set by the University of the Nations, while each base adds its own speakers and ministry. Here is what the curriculum covers, how a lecture week runs, and what to expect from outreach, using our school in Granada as the example.
The lecture phase: around twelve weeks
Most weeks have one main theme and a guest speaker who teaches it in the mornings. The order changes from school to school, but most DTS curricula include:
- The nature and character of God
- The Father heart of God and our identity as His children
- Hearing God's voice and intercession
- Sin, the cross and forgiveness
- Relationships and community
- Spiritual warfare
- Evangelism and God's heart for the nations
- YWAM's story and foundational values
The teaching is meant to be lived as much as learned. Each week has small groups, one-to-one time with a staff member, worship, prayer and practical work around the base. You are not graded on exams. You are asked to engage, reflect and apply.
Ministry during the lecture phase
Granada gives students a lot of practice before outreach. During the week our schools spend time in the city: conversations in the plazas, time with children in the parks, serving people on the street with partner churches. The city has a visible Muslim community and a large international student population, so cross-cultural friendship starts long before anyone gets on a plane.
The outreach phase: eight weeks or more
After the lecture phase the school travels as one or more teams to serve somewhere else. Teams work alongside local churches and ministries: sharing the gospel, running programmes for children, helping with practical needs, praying and worshipping in public. Past outreaches from our base have gone to North Africa and the Middle East.
Outreach is part of the school. To complete a DTS you finish both the lecture phase and the outreach. Destinations are confirmed during the school, and the team talks with each student about any health, visa or family considerations.
Outreach requirements
- Completing the lecture phase
- A valid passport, and visas where needed
- Vaccinations required or recommended for the destination
- Travel and health insurance
- Having your outreach costs covered before the team leaves
After the DTS
Completing a DTS opens the door to further University of the Nations courses and to serving on YWAM staff anywhere in the world. Many graduates do neither and go home changed, back to their studies, work and church. Both are good outcomes.
If you would like the details of our next school's schedule, send us an inquiry and we will share them.
Questions people ask
What do you learn in a YWAM DTS?
The curriculum usually covers the character of God, identity, hearing God's voice, the cross and forgiveness, relationships, spiritual warfare, evangelism, missions and YWAM's values.
Are there exams in a DTS?
No. Students are assessed on participation and engagement, not written exams.
Is outreach required to complete a DTS?
Yes. A DTS is complete when you finish both the lecture phase and the outreach phase.
Where do YWAM Granada outreaches go?
Past outreaches have gone to North Africa and the Middle East. Destinations for each school are confirmed during the lecture phase.