Over 5,800 people have done Discipleship Training School (DTS) with us at YWAM Perth since we ran our first one in 1986. For decades now, DTS has been foundational for YWAM. It’s a key element that keeps our de-centralised, international movement united, sharing the same essential DNA – whether it’s a small YWAM team or a large YWAM centre. But DTS isn’t only for those who have a sense of call to YWAM. God uses YWAM in all kinds of journeys. 

We love hearing people’s stories of how God has encountered them through DTS.  We're very aware that it’s not the program that transforms lives – it's God who transforms lives. Because the focus of DTS on growing in relationship with God and gaining His heart for the lost is so foundational, God can use it at any point in someone’s journey. Some young people do DTS right after finishing high school or university, others do DTS to gain fresh perspective or direction mid-career.  

Here are just a couple of examples of how DTS has fit into people’s paths: 

High School – DTS – enter university with a firm foundation in faith and commitment to sharing the gospel  

Nursing career – DTS – serve with YWAM Medical ships 

University – DTS – School of Frontier Missions – church planting team in Central Asia 

Running a business – DTS – return to business with a missional mindset 

These are just a few real-world examples of how DTS has fit into someone’s calling. There are as many paths as there are people!  

Here are a few recent reflections on how God has used DTS: 

I've been changed by God's love, and I want others to experience that in a real, tangible way. I want them to know that God is personal, He sees them, and He wants to be part of their lives. 

-Phoebe, Young People’s DTS 

God has excited me with his character in a fresh way and re-lit the fire in my heart that burns for Him. He shifted my view on how He sees me and other people and challenged me to love people as he does. Learning more about Him makes me more desperate to seek Him every day. 

-Joel 4WD DTS 

I came to DTS with a lot of apathy in my heart toward sin, and I was living how I wanted to. The Lord has challenged that apathy and convicted my heart about how I was living for myself and not for Him. I’ve experienced forgiveness and gained a stronger conscience toward right and wrong. It’s taught me to see things more closely to how God sees them and be more open to His leading. 

-Anna 4WD DTS 

These past six months have been nothing short of transformational. Every memory is a reminder of God’s faithfulness and how real His presence is when you say “Yes” to Him. He’s been moving in my heart in ways I didn’t expect— teaching me more about who I am, who He is, and what it looks like to walk in obedience.  

-Jacob Frontline DTS 

We recognise that any positive outcomes, any transformation, that takes place in people’s lives during DTS is a result of God’s gracious work in willing hearts. We can’t take credit for much!  

Blessings, 

Caleb, Ari and Mariecia

Directors of YWAM Perth