What is a DTS?

Lecture Phase

The DTS is YWAM’s basic training program, an introduction to the values and culture of the movement and a unique opportunity to explore God’s purpose for your life.  It is offered at hundreds of YWAM centres around the world.

Being in a Discipleship Training School (DTS) is more than just learning statistics about the suffering people of the world. It’s about gaining a heart for those people, children of God, who have faces and dreams and passions.

(Source: YWAM)

DTS stands for Discipleship training school, here is a bit more information about the one in Kona that we will be attending:

The DTS lecture phase
The school includes distinct sessions taught by speakers includes topics such as:

• The character and ways of God
  

  YWAM's University of the Nations

• How to hear the voice of God
• The power of forgiveness and repentance
• YWAM Foundational Values
• Relationships
• Personal character development
• Spiritual warfare
• Evangelism and missions
• Cross-cultural ministry

The outreach phase
Outreach doesn’t just happen during the overseas field assignment. It begins on the Kona campus. The DTS give lots of ways for students to put their faith into action around the local community, long before we board planes for “outreach.” The contribution each student brings will help shape the school itself.

The purpose of the DTS

Ohana Court, U of N Kona

1. To equip people of various ages and levels of spiritual maturity to grow in their relationship with God and develop Christ-like character.

2. To awaken in our students a burden for the world’s lost and hurting people, showing them how they can be an influence for redemptive change in whatever job or country or sphere of society God may call them to serve in.

3. To help students build a solid Biblical foundation for life, including an understanding of the nature and character of God and how to apply his truth and wisdom in everyday life.

4. To challenge Christian men and women to become active in service to their local church, their local community and in world missions and evangelism.

5. To impart an understanding of Youth With A Mission International, its foundational values, calling and opportunities for service.

The community classroom
DTS students’ learning experience goes way beyond the classroom. Much of our cross-cultural learning comes from living “in community” with students and staff from many nations. We regularly eat together, pray and worship together, and get together for various social and educational activities. Each student also serves the community through ten hours a week of essential campus work (Grounds keeping, maintenance, kitchen, hospitality, office support, etc.).

The Kona campus is a family friendly location with a variety of services and

A Recent DTS Class at UofN Kona

facilities for students with children. During class the children of our DTS students are encouraged to participate in our Foundation School. Some quarters we also offer English as a Second Language training for kids.

A fluid and innovative approach
The DTS has a regular weekly schedule of corporate teaching sessions, but there will also be times when the class is split into smaller groupings according to age, gender, interests, calling or needs. We purposely hold the structure and form lightly because we want God to be able to do something new and innovative with us.

We want this school to be integrated, interactive and dynamic. We will offer optional sessions on a variety of topics, and we expect that there will be many student-initiated activities.