What actually is YWAM?

Youth With A Mission (YWAM) was started in 1960 by Loren Cunningham, a young American pastor with a vision to see young people engage in mission. Since then, YWAM as a movement has grown in both numbers of full-time volunteer staff and physical locations around the world. YWAM now offers training to thousands of people every year who communicate the good news of the gospel, provide practical care for those in need and receive further training where appropriate.

Will I get paid?

Everyone in YWAM, from our founders, Loren & Darlene Cunningham, to every DTS trainee all rely on God for provision. This means that no one is salaried, but receives gifts from family, friends and churches who support them financially in their calling to mission.

I’m not that young, can I still join YWAM?

Yes! The original vision of YWAM was creating opportunities for young people and whilst our major demographic is still 18-25s, we still welcome people of all ages and life stages who bring their life experience and skills to the mission.

Isn’t YWAM a cult?

In short, no! YWAM doesn’t fit easily into the boxes that some people may have for Christian institutions. It is a movement made up of individuals from all over the world, from all kinds of church backgrounds and denominations. Whilst we often live in a community setting, we are not in any way shut off from society and all of our beliefs are aligned to mainstream Christianity. Those on staff here at Holmsted Manor are all connected with a local church that they attend regularly and get involved with. It may be helpful to consider YWAM as more like a modern monastic-style community, with shared beliefs and engaging in outreach both locally and internationally, often partnering with local churches and other Christian ministries.

Do I have to do a DTS to join YWAM?

All full-time volunteer staff with YWAM have successfully completed a Discipleship Training School, it’s a prerequisite to being part of the team. The DTS is an opportunity for an individual to not only develop their relationship with the Lord, but also to see first-hand how YWAM operates and explore a personal calling to mission, whether within YWAM or with a different mission agency!