"God is the only one who moves-we need only to empty ourselves and let him use us."
Discipleship Training School FAQs
Following is a list of our most frequently asked questions about DTS. If you have a question and do not find the answer here, please contact us.
What makes the Las Vegas DTS different?
Our base is located in the heart of our city and our city is located in the heart of the Mojave Desert. This location offers several benefits for staff and students. First, we live in a city that needs the love of Christ- there are endless opportunities to witness and share the gospel. Being in the city, students also have the opportunity to get off the base in their spare time and go to parks, malls, theaters and even explore the famous Las Vegas Strip. If you like nature more than urban life, mountains, campgrounds, hiking trails and climbing areas are only 30 minutes away.
We think that Las Vegas is a great location to train and develop your relationship with God as it offers such a unique experience both physically and spiritually. Come find your calling, then let your calling take you somewhere.
Is a DTS dangerous?
The purpose of a DTS is to raise awareness of the general state of the world today and draw you closer to God's heart, not to make martyrs of students. Therefore while some of the course material may seem a bit extreme, it is in no way indicative of the situations and circumstances that you will encounter on outreach.
YWAM has sent missionaries to virtually every single country on the planet with great success. However we do not send teams into war zones or into countries that are highly unstable. While outreach certainly offers students a host of challenges no matter what country you go to, imprisonment or death is generally not on that list. For the most part, you are just as safe on outreach as you are in any Western or First World Nation. Your biggest risk is probably a case of diarrhea due to a change in diet.
What is so special about the 10/40 Window?
Current studies estimate that out of roughly 24,000 people groups populating the world today, over 13,000 of them are unreached. That is, over half of the world's people groups have either never heard the Gospel or have very limited access to it.
The 10/40 Window is home to over 95% of the world's unreached people groups. This is simply the most strategic area to do ministry in if we are ever to complete the great commission.
How long is a DTS?
Our Discipleship Training School is five months long. The first twelve weeks, which is the lecture phase, are spent in Las Vegas. We believe in a “live / learn” atmosphere: learning more about God and missions through every aspect of life. Each day you are learning about God and his heart for you and the world through lectures and other creative means. These include times of corporate worship, volunteering alongside our long-term city ministries, small group times and many other group activities.
This is a time to completely give your life to God and focus on Him and what He is doing in your life. The staff are here for you; to love and challenge you in your everyday life with God. The lecture phase is an amazing time to learn and grow in your personal walk and be open to whatever God has for you.
When the lecture phase is complete, each DTS student travels overseas for a mission trip of seven-eight weeks. During this time, you are able to put into practice everything you have learned so far. After the outreach phase, all DTS participants spend a week in Las Vegas for debriefing prior to graduation.
Where do we stay?
Our base is located in a residential neighborhood in the center of Las Vegas - about a ten-minute drive from the famous Las Vegas Strip. It is home to our offices, training schools and to the many teams we have visiting every year. We have dorm rooms with bunk beds on site as well as our class rooms and we eat and prepare food together in our large community dining room and kitchen.
Where do international outreaches go?
Outreach location will vary from school to school, however all outreaches will be in the 10/40 Window (Northern Africa, Europe, Middle East, India, Asia). Final locations generally are not known until close to the beginning of the school's lecture phase and depending on number of students, there may be more than one outreach team and location to chose from. Please feel free to contact the office for specific details.
When are my finances due?
The cost of the lecture phase is due upon arrival, unless special arrangements are made with the school leader. We give a $50 discount to each student who sends in their lecture phase fees in full 30 days before the beginning of the school . The finances for outreach are due incrementally through out the school.
Tuition Policies: 1. All payments must be made in U.S. funds. 2. Each student is expected to send a $500.00 deposit ($1,000.00 for couples) as soon as possible after being accepted into the school to reserve their enrollment. 100% refundable if notified of cancellation at least 30 days and 50 % refundable 15 days before the start date of the school. Cancellations less than 15 days before the school forfeit deposit. 3. There will be a $50.00 discount for each student able to pay their tuition in full at least 30 days prior to the beginning of the school they are attending. 4. The balance of tuition must be paid in full on registration day. Any student arriving without the full tuition fees will not be able to attend, unless approval has been given by the school director.(see policy on #5) 5. Variations to these policies are rare and require approval from the school director. If you desire to apply for an exception, please contact the school director for help in developing a suitable proposal. A written copy of the arranged proposal must be submitted at least two weeks prior to registration day. If the financing source is other than the student (e.g. friend, relative, church, etc.), a letter from the source verifying the means of payment must be presented. 6. All personal expenses incurred while involved with YWAM Las Vegas are the responsibility of the student.
Can I get credit for DTS?
The Discipleship Training Program at YWAM Las Vegas is a credited course with the University of the Nations in Kona, HI. Credits from the U of N are transferable to a number of respected Christian colleges in the United States. There is a $25 U of N optional registration fee required for students interested in securing university credits. Students will receive 12 credit hours for the DTS lecture phase and 8 credit hours for the DTS outreach phase. To find out more about the University of the Nations, please call them at 808-326-4400 or e-mail them at admissions@uofnkona.com.
How Old Do I need to be for DTS?
In order to apply for DTS, you need to be at least eighteen years old or a high school/secondary school graduate. There is an application to be filled out by you and a few references which will be processed by the school leaders. No previous ministry experience is required, only a desire to know God better and be closer to Him.
What is a regular day like for a DTS Student:
We have tried to bring balance in our daily schedule and make it challenging, but with enough time to process and have fun together.
A normal day for a DTS student might be as follows:
07.00 a.m. Wake up
07:00 a.m. Breakfast
08.00 a.m. Personal Devotions
09:00 a.m. Worship/Intercession
10:15 a.m. Break
10:30 a.m. Lecture
12:30 p.m. Lunch
01:30 p.m. Work Duties
04:00 p.m. Study/Reflective Time
05:30 p.m. Dinner Time
07:00 p.m. Lecture or outreach or free time
This is just a sample. Each day is different and the schedule changes slightly with intercession times, ministry, small groups and outreach training.
What is there to do during my free time?
There are so many things happening in Las Vegas and outside the city. See our Las Vegas section for some highlights.
How do I get Started?
You can begin the application process right now by applying online.
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What makes the Las Vegas DTS different?
