YWAM Nexia DTS - Vancouver - FAQ
Who can come to a DTS?
YWAM's Discipleship Training School is a program designed for those 18 years and older (or who have completed High School) who want to grow in understanding who God is and what it means to live with Him. The DTS takes place in a community setting, inviting people to leave behind work, school and other responsibilities for the six months of the program.
What is unique about the YWAM Nexia DTS?
YWAM Nexia begun in 2003 with a vision to reawaken the pioneering spirit of youth in Canada. Since that time Nexia has spread across Canada and has launched a number of new initiatives. YWAM Nexia focuses on leadership development, mission mobilization and pioneering initiatives. Many of the YWAM Nexia team have lived on the field for many years and have a heart to see teams launched into all the spheres of society throughout Canada and to the ends of the earth. Our team wants to see new things started in Canada and in the neediest parts of the world. We want to respond to global injustice. We want to partner with other believers and to see young people equipped and sent to the world. Come, join us!
Where will I live?
Students in the YWAM Nexia DTS will live in apartments or houses in Vancouver, BC. Vancouver is a vibrant, ethnically diverse city, home to a many nationalities and some of Canada's richest and poorest neighbourhoods. Living in the city centre provides exposure to many different cultures and there are many opportunities for local community involvement.
Housing will be dormitory style. Meal preparation, cleaning and other chores will be shared among the students.
What will I do every day?
The first 12 weeks of the DTS is the lecture phase. Monday through Friday's schedule will include lectures, small group discussion, worship and prayer, Bible study, and interactive processing and application times. A different guest speaker will present material each week based on their life and ministry experience. Book reports and other assignments, journaling, community outreach, meal preparation and practical work are also a part of the weekly schedule.
Weekends are generally free with the exception of meal preparation duties, homework, church attendance and occasional ministry events or social activities.
What topics will I study?
Topics of the DTS include:
Hearing God's Voice and Intercession
Understanding the Character of God
Father Heart of God
How to share your faith with others
Identity in Christ
Relationships
Bible study and meditation
Cross Cultural Communication
Spiritual Warfare
Ministry of the Holy Spirit
Biblical World View
The Authority of the Bible as the Word of God
What will the field assignment be like?
The DTS Field Assignment is a highlight for many DTS students. The location of the field assignment will be determined shortly after the beginning of the DTS. Most teams will travel to developing nations for the 12-week outreach and will serve and minister in a cross-cultural setting. While in Vancouver you will have the opportunity to learn about the country and culture where your field assignment will take place. The DTS staff will guide you in understanding the values, strengths and needs of the nation where you will be serving. A primary focus of the field assignment is sharing your faith with those who don't know Jesus. In addition there will be opportunity to meet practical needs and partner with local believers.
What immunizations will I need?
Before outreach it is required that these immunizations are up to date: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tetanus and Polio. We advise you to find a local health agency in your home country. The costs of these vaccines vary and may be covered by insurance if you have them prior to coming to DTS. Students who wait to have their shots in BC often spend more than they would have at home.
How much does DTS cost?
The cost for the DTS lecture phase is $3,900 CDN plus the $40 non-refundable registration fee. This covers housing, food, tuition and local transportation.
The cost for the field assignment is an additional $3,500 - $4,000 CDN, depending on the outreach location. This covers airfare, food, and ground transportation.
Personal expenses, medical and travel insurance, and transportation to and from Vancouver are your responsibility. Medical coverage is mandatory for all students for the duration of the DTS.
What if I don't have all the money I need?
For over 40 years God has been calling individuals and families to attend the DTS and has provided in a variety of ways. Many times God confirms his direction to attend DTS through provision of the needed funds. Friends who have done a DTS, youth leaders and pastors are often willing to talk and pray with you as you raise the money for the school. Working, selling some belongings, hosting fundraising events and asking for sponsors are some of the ways God may provide for you.
For fundraising resources check out our Support Raising section.
How will I know if I'm accepted?
Once your completed application form (including all three references and the application fee) has been received the school leaders will prayerfully review and make a decision about acceptance. You will be contacted by phone or email about the decision. You will also receive information about what to bring, the visa process (for non-Canadian residents), and a questionnaire to help us get to know you better. A $775 CDN tuition deposit is required to hold your place in the school. This deposit must be received before the Canadian visa application process can begin.
What happens after I graduate from DTS?
Once you graduate from the DTS many doors in YWAM are open to you. In over 1,000 locations worldwide YWAMers are using their talents and gifts to serve Christ and fulfill the Great Commission. Many DTS graduates pursue further education and training through YWAM's University of the Nations (www.uofn.edu), others join the staff team at the location where they did DTS, and some serve at another YWAM location around the world. We would ask you to prayerfully consider continued service with YWAM Nexia after completing your DTS. There are a number of ways to be involved, such as our staff internship program and our mobile teams.
YWAM Statement of Faith
Youth With A Mission (YWAM) is an international movement of Christians from many denominations dedicated to presenting Jesus personally to this generation, to mobilizing as many as possible to help in this task, and to the training and equipping of believers for their part in fulfilling the Great Commission. As citizens of God's kingdom, we are called to love, worship, and obey our Lord, to love and serve His Body, the Church, and to present the whole gospel for the whole person throughout the whole world.
We of Youth With A Mission believe:
• that the Bible is God's inspired and authoritative word, revealing that Jesus Christ is God's son; that people are created in God's image;
• that He created us to have eternal life through Jesus Christ;
• that although all people have sinned and come short of God's glory, God has made salvation possible through the death on the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ;
• that repentance, faith, love and obedience are fitting responses to God's initiative of grace towards us;
• that God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth;
• and that the Holy Spirit's power is demonstrated in and through us for the accomplishment of Christ's last commandment, "...Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15).
If you want to dialogue with someone about doing a DTS, please contact us: dts@ywamnexia.org
