The Discipleship Training School (DTS) is designed to help you understand God more deeply, live more like Jesus and identify your unique gifts and purpose to use in missions.
DTS is a full-time, residential training course which begins with a 12 week lecture phase, followed by an 10 week outreach time. The DTS emphasizes cross-cultural exposure and global awareness, preparing students to answer the call to "Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations" Matthew 28:19.
The Discipleship Training School is a requirement for applying as YWAM staff, and serves as a prerequisite to all other training programs. It is also an excellent stand alone course. Our DTS's have additional focus's or themes - Adventure, Young Couple's and Rugby.
Lecture phase structure
The lecture phase takes place at Oak Ridge over 12 weeks.
It includes lectures and ministry, worship, intercession, one on one interviews with staff, small group discussions, recreation and practical outreach electives.
Topics
Each week we look at a different topic with a Guest Speaker (usually a YWAMer) covering any 12 of the following subjects:
Hearing God's voice
Character and Nature of God
Relationships
Biblical World View
Identity in Christ
Holy Spirit
Relationships
Evangelism
Missions
Father Heart of God
Lordship of Christ
Spiritual Warfare
Intercession and Worship
Cross Cultural Evangelism
Gifts and Calling
The Authority of the Believer
Weekly schedule
While each day varies slightly, below is a rough guide to how each day is structured:
Monday to Friday:
7.30 - 7.50 Breakfast
7.50 - 8.00 Dishes
8.00 - 9.00 Prepare for day / personal devotions
9.00 - 9.30 Worship
9.30 - 10.30 Lectures
10.30 - 11.00 Morning Tea
11.00 - 12.30 Lectures
12.30 - 1.30 Lunch and dishes
1.30 - 2.00 Duties
2.00 - 5.15 Work programme / small groups / recreation / electives
5.15 - 5.30 Prepare for dinner
5.30 - 6.15 Dinner
6.15 - 7.00 Clean up
7.00 - 9.00 Lecture / one on ones / practice
9.00 - 10.00 Supper
10.00 Quiet on base
11.00 Lights out.
Saturday and Sunday:
The schedule varies from week to week. Frequently the Adventure activities happen on weekends.
Attendance of Church on Sunday is expected. On occasion the school will lead a service in one of our local Churches.
Free weekends:
During the lecture phase we usually have 2 free weekends when students are free to travel round and see more of NZ.