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 3 month live-in classroom/lecture phase followed by a 2 month outreach abroad.

Why do a DTS?  YWAM Pittsburgh’s vision is: To create equip and enact reproducible evangelistic methods that introduce people to a relationship with Jesus Christ. We seek to understand the heart of lost people and respond with relevant models to reach them with the gospel.

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

Passion

Leadership

Humility

Servanthood

Integrity

Tenacity

Strength

Creativity

Focus

Talent

Excellence

What is the age range for a DTS?   Generally the range is from 18 to 30, 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, because after all, we are Youth With A Mission!

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- Time alone with the Lord

9:00- Worship, Intercession, or Creative Presentations

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

12:15-Lunch

1:00- Free Time or work duties

3:00- Teaching session, dance & drama practice or free time

5:15- Dinner

6:00- Free Time, work duties, or dance & drama 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 have student housing on site as well as facilities for classes during the first 3 month’s lecture phase.

What is the cost?  The cost is $2700 for the lecture phase (includes all food, housing, books, etc.) and $3200 for the outreach (this includes airfare, transportation, food and housing during that time).

How can I raise money for the school? There are many ways to raise the required finances for your DTS. If you need help raising money, please contact us for fundraising ideas. We can also provide you with a sample support letter you can send out to friends, family, pastors, businesses and other locals that explains your need and details how the aid will be used. Please note that of our 15 schools, we have never had a student not complete DTS for lack of finances. Let's trust God together for His faithfulness in provision!

Who are the guest speakers?   Our speakers are involved in various types of world-wide ministries. They truly love Jesus and are effective at communicating to this generation. Some of them include: Sam Dharam, Doug & Debi Tunney, Pastor Peter Giacalone, Pastor Lance O’Brien, Tim Burgan and many others.

What are some of the Topics?

Hearing God’s Voice

The Nature & Character of God

The Father Heart of God- His heart for you & the world

Inductive Bible Study

Biblical Worldview & Apologetics

Destiny by Design- Finding God's purpose for your life 

World Missions- Taking the Gospel to the Nations

Cross Cultural & Forefront Evangelism

Christian Rights around the world

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

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, Church service or Church training

9:30 - Debrief and 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 one week of the outreach will be state-side and the rest will be in one or more countries abroad. Past outreaches have taken us to Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Liberia, Ghana, Israel, Romania, Hungary, Poland, Moldova, Bulgaria, Mongolia, China, India, Thailand, South Korea, Fiji & Samoa.

How do I get involved?  You can download an application from our website, fill it out and send it in. Or you can email or call us 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. Some Christian colleges also accept credits from the DTS course.