Discipleship Training School FAQ's

WHY SHOULD I DO A DTS?

The DTS is a wonderful, life-changing experience, regardless of age or cultural background. When you give God six months of your life to let Him have His way, you'll find out how intense is His love for you, how exciting are His plans for you and how awesome is His power flowing in and through you. As you go deeper in this heart-to-heart relationship with you heavenly Father you'll never be the same! But don't just take our word for it. Read what some students had to say about their Melbourne DTS experience last year.

"I have a real confidence inside and a stability and strength that wasn't there before. I have the Holy Spirit. I hear God. I love my family more than ever. God is real to me like never before. I am so glad that I came to DTS! I believe that I would've fallen away from God if I had not done this. It was awesome!" -Aubin H., MO, USA

"It was a mind blowing, life-changing, soul-searching 6 months filled with many frustrations/tears as I was faced with many fears/insecurities and through the refining process was transformed. I will go home with incredible memories and many special friendships but most importantly the knowledge and certainty that I am loved by a faithful God and He has an incredible passion and purpose for me and my life." - Ruthie A., MT, Canada

"I'm more confident in public speaking, speaking out and my authority in God. I've been very stoked with how I've changed and I've had fun along the way, too!" -Neil S., New Zealand

"It's been one of the best things I have done in my life. Before I came I really had no idea what to expect. I now have higher standards for my own life. I now know the Father heart of God. I can hear God's voice clearer." -Bronnie D., Australia

"This DTS has exceeded my expectations! I came with the hope that I'd develop a closer walk with God and hopefully make some good friends along the way. I have certainly become closer to God, made some incredible friends, been challenged, and stretched. The teaching was even better than I could have hoped. The friendships are better than I ever dreamed." - Shahla B., New Zealand

WHEN DOES THE DTS RUN EACH YEAR?

YWAM Melbourne has three DTS's a year in February, May and September. To find out about the next DTS, click here.

HOW MUCH DOES A DTS COST?

The cost of the lecture phase for the usual 6 month school is $3,500 (Australian dollars), which includes tuition fees, accommodation, food, electricity and transport for school activities. Outreach costs can range from $3000 - $4000 depending on your outreach destination, and include airfare, injections, accommodation, food and ground transport.

God is always faithful to provide for everything He calls us to. Every DTS includes many great stories of how God miraculously came through in finances and circumstances for students and staff alike. (By the way, because the DTS is now credited with the Australian government, eligible Aussie students can apply for Austudy).

GENERALLY, WHAT IS THE DAILY PROGRAM LIKE ON A DTS?

Well, most mornings begin with worship and intercessory prayer. This is usually followed by morning lectures, which last until lunchtime. Following lunch there are work duties on base, then a bit of free time before dinner. Evening may either be free nights or include lectures, small group meetings or ministry. Weekends are sometimes free but students should always be prepared for ministry opportunities, which are scheduled in for the school. On some weekends the whole school will participate in fun activities as well.

Monday - Friday

8.30am Worship and/or Intercession,
9:30-12:30 Classroom Lectures,
12:30-1:30 Lunch,
1:30-3:30 Work Duties,
4:00-5:30 Free Time and/or Small Group Discussions,
5:30pm Dinner,
7:30pm Free Time, Evening Lectures, or Ministry Time

WHAT TOPICS ARE COVERED ON A DTS?

Each week of the lecture phase will feature a different topic with speakers coming from Australia and overseas. Topics include: the Father Heart of God, Hearing God's Voice, the Nature and Character of God, Spiritual Warfare, Relationships, Evangelism, the Holy Spirit, Cross-cultural missions, Clear Conscience, Fear of the Lord and more.

WHAT IS A DTS AND WHO IS IT FOR?

The Discipleship Training School (DTS) is an intense six-month course consisting of two parts: three months of lectures and three months of evangelistic outreach `in the field', either cross-culturally or locally. The primary aim of the course is to learn about God's character, your relationship with Him and how best to share His love with others. The course is not so much about head knowledge and theory as it is about heart surgery and practical application. The DTS is open to anyone from 17 to ?, and who desires to go deeper with God.