DTS Frequently Asked Questions
What is Discipleship Training School (DTS)?
How can I get involved with DTS?
What nations do students come from
What is the age range for DTS?
How far in advance can I apply if I decide to go?
What is the day-to-day schedule like? and what can we do in our free time?
Do students have access to the Internet so that they can e-mail family/friends back home?
What kind of clothing should I bring
Are there opportunities to serve after the DTS?
What is Discipleship Training School (DTS)?
Discipleship Training School (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. This intensive Christian training course begins with an 12 week classroom phase followed by a typically 12 week outreach.
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. 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.
The Discipleship Training Schools [DTS] are a prerequisite for all YWAM schools, and are a requirement for becoming staff anywhere in YWAM.
Not everyone completing a DTS or CDTS 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. 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 (UofN).
How do I get involved?
Give us a Ring/Email/Snail Mail and we will be more than happy to assist you in any questions that you may have. check out our contact page
Why do a DTS?
The DTS is a tool designed to bring deeper intimacy with God and radical Christian Living. Many people struggle to know God’s future for them and use this time as a retreat from their familiar surroundings. With minimal distractions, they go hard after God and for the first time understand why God has made them and what their unique mission in life is.
Who can do a DTS?
Anyone who is serious about deepening their relationship with God. Anyone passionate about radical obedience to God. Anyone ready to be agent of transformation.
What happens on a DTS?
On a DTS you get to meet people from all over the world who have one thing in common- hungry after God. You learn to be flexible and yield to God, whilst learning about the world, different cultures, and backgrounds.
What are some of the Topics?
Lots of topics are covered on the DTS! Here are a few of them: Father-heart of God, Relationships, Nature and Character of God, The Cross, Sin and Repentance, Identity in Christ, Authority of the Believer, Spiritual Warfare, Worship and Intercession, Missions, Evangelism, Hearing the Voice of God, The Holy Spirit, Ministering Cross Culturally, Renewing The Mind, The Word Of God, Bible Study, The Call of God and Destiny.
Is the training all classroom style?
Although we do have lectures as a key component of training, the emphasis is on informal, relational discipleship style.
What nations do DTS students come from?
Students come from all different nations, in the past we have had students from Kenya, England, Scotland, France, Holland, Switzerland, Sweden, Italy, USA, Canada, Equador, Brazil, Argentina, Hong Kong and much more. Students are welcome from any nation!!
What is the age range for a DTS?
Generally the range for YWAM Harpenden is from 17 - 27+, but we include any successful applicant with a heart for God and young people. We are a base with a passion for the emerging generation.
Is the DTS full time?
Yes! DTS is a full time course
Where will I live?
You will be living in our student building that is a 120 year old building with a lot of chara
cter. You will be sharing room with other students giving you an opportunity to live in community, and get to know people of other cultures! See the map for more details!
How far in advance can I apply if I decide to go?
Your complete application form (including all the references) should be in by at least a month before the start of school. It helps though to have them earlier.
What is the day-to-day schedule like? and what can we do in our free time?Our normal schedule for Mon-Friday includes 3hours of class each day which is lectures, worship, and intercession; Two hours of daily practical work, mostly in the afternoons; special evening events (usually2-3nights a-week/ it’s mostly fun and creative stuff). There’s also a local outreach once a week. During free time students usually hang out at the base or walk down to town (it’s a nice 10 min walk). There are bus and train services to next towns and cities around us that are easy to use. London is just 30min by train and students occasional go there for sightseeing, hanging out, shows or for evangelism.
Do students have access to the Internet so that they can e-mail family/friends back home?The whole ministry center is wireless so access to Internet is 24/7. We also have Internet cafes for those without personal computer.
What kind of clothing should I bring?
For October and January DTS it is wise to bring warm clothing as there will be a moderate amount of rain and the possibility of snow. Also several pairs of trousers, t-shirts, a good jacket and close toed shoes. Bring warm weather clothing also as on outreach, it is likely you will need them. On outreach you could be going to locations where you have to walk a fair distance with your bags so keep that in mind whilst packing.
If you have any questions please
If you are unsure you can check the weather
Are there opportunities to serve after the DTS?Yes, many of the DTS graduates spend additional time learning and serving.
What is Outreach?
Outreach is a time where you go to the mission field and put into practice what you have learned during the lecture phase. Outreach offers exciting opportunities to practically make a difference in a foreign context and see God transforming lives and communities. through teaching/ preaching, evangelism and mercy ministry. There will be a local outreaches during lecture phase along with an overseas outreach usually to - Generally students have locations finalized early in the school and are invited to pray individually as to where God is leading them on outreach.
Your question not here? Contact us and we will do our best to answer any other questions you may have!
