What is YWAM?
Youth With A Mission (YWAM) is a global Christian missions movement with a simple calling: to know God and to make Him known.
Since 1960, YWAM teams have served in more than 180 nations through evangelism, discipleship training, and mercy ministries.
YWAM is made up of Christians from many church backgrounds who share a desire to follow Jesus and serve alongside local churches.
One of the largest missions movements
YWAM is a global movement serving across nations, cultures, and communities.
180+
Nations
YWAM teams are serving in countries around the world.
18,000+
Staff
Full-time missionaries and volunteers serving globally.
1,000+
Locations
Training centers and communities in many regions.
How YWAM works
YWAM is not a denomination. It is a family of local communities and training centers, each led locally but connected globally through shared beliefs and values.
Our teams aim to serve churches, strengthen what God is already doing, and send people into mission with humility.
Beliefs and values
YWAM’s shared foundation is expressed through its Statement of Purpose, Core Beliefs, and Foundational Values. These emphasize knowing God, hearing His voice, living by His Word, valuing young people, practicing dependence on God, and living with integrity in mission.
What is a DTS?
The Discipleship Training School (DTS) is YWAM’s foundational training experience.
DTS usually lasts 5–6 months and includes a lecture phase and an outreach phase. It helps students grow in knowing God, understanding His Word and His world, and serving practically in mission.
Or read the global overview on ywam.org ↗
How YWAM works with churches
YWAM believes the local church is God’s primary instrument for discipleship. Our role is to serve, train, and send people who strengthen their churches.
Many DTS students return to their home churches with renewed faith, vision, and a deeper relationship with God.
To know God and to make Him known.