OUR BELIEF'S & VALUES

In a YWAM DTS you will learn more of who God is and travel the world on a journey to make His love known.

Our Statement of Faith

Youth With A Mission (YWAM) is an international movement of Christians from many denominations dedicated to presenting Jesus personally to this generation, to mobilizing as many as possible to help in this task, and to the training and equipping of believers for their part in fulfilling the Great Commission. As citizens of God’s kingdom, we are called to love, worship, and obey our Lord, to love and serve His body, the Church, and to present the whole Gospel for the whole person throughout the whole world.

We of Youth With A Mission believe that the Bible is God’s inspired and authoritative word, revealing that Jesus Christ is God’s son; that people are created in God’s image; that He created us to have eternal life through Jesus Christ; that although all people have sinned and come short of God’s glory, God has made salvation possible through the death on the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ; that repentance, faith, love and obedience are fitting responses to God’s initiative of grace toward us; that God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth; and that the Holy Spirit’s power is demonstrated in and through us for the accomplishment of Christ’s last commandment, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.”(Mark 16:15 NLT).

YWAM's Core Beliefs

Youth With A Mission (YWAM) affirms the Bible as the authoritative Word of God and, with the Holy Spirit’s inspiration, the absolute reference point for every aspect of life and ministry. Based upon God’s word, who He is, and His initiative of salvation, through the atoning work of Jesus (His death, burial and resurrection), the following responses are strongly emphasized in YWAM:

Worship

We are called to praise and worship God alone

Ex. 20:2-3Deut 6:4-52 Kings 17:35-391 Chron 16:28-30Neh 8:2-10Mark 12:29-30Rom 15:5-13Jude 1:24-25Rev 5:6-14Rev 19:5-8

Holiness

We are called to lead holy and righteous lives that exemplify the nature and character of God

Lev 19:1-2Ps 51:7-11Jer 18:1-11Ezek 20:10-12Zech 13:9Luke 1:68-75Eph 4:21-32Titus 2:11-141 Pet 2:9,21-251 John 3:1-3

Witness

We are called to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those who do not know Him

Ps 78:1-7Isa 40:3-11Mic 4:1-2Hab 2:14Luke 24:44-48Act 2:32-26Act 10:39-431 Cor 9:19-232 Cor 2:12-171 Pet 3:15-18

Prayer

We are called to engage in intercessory prayer for the people and causes on God’s heart, including standing against evil in every form

Gen 18:20-33Ex 32:1-16Judg 3:9,151 Kings 8:22-61Ezek 22:30-31Ezek 33:1-11Matt 6:5-15Matt 9:36-38Eph 3:14-212 Thess 3:1-5

Service

We are called to contribute toward God’s Kingdom purposes in every sphere of life

Deut 15:7-11Deut 24:17-22Ps 112:4-9Prov 11:10-11Zech 7:8-10Matt 5:14-162 Thess 3:13Titus 3:4-8Heb 13:15-16James 2:14-26

Fellowship

We are called to commit to the Church in both its local nurturing expression and its mobile multiplying expression

2 Chron 29:20-30Ps 22:25-28Ps 122:1-4Joel 2:15-17Matt 18:19-20Act 2:44-47Act 4:32-351 Cor 14:26-40Eph 2:11-18Heb 10:23-25

Foundational Values of YWAM

The eighteen Foundational Values of Youth With A Mission are the expression of our basic beliefs coupled with specific directives given by God since YWAM’s beginning in 1960. They are recorded here in order to pass on to successive generations that which God has emphasized to us. These shared beliefs and values are the guiding principles for both the past and future growth of our mission. Some are common to all Christians everywhere; others are distinctive to Youth With A Mission. The combination of these beliefs and values make up the unique family characteristics of YWAM—our “DNA.” They are values we hold in high regard which determine who we are, how we live and how we make decisions.

1. Know God

YWAM is committed to know God, His nature, His character and His ways as revealed in the Bible, the inspired and authoritative Word of God. We seek to reflect who He is in every aspect of our lives and ministry. The automatic overflow of knowing and enjoying fellowship with God is a desire to share Him with others.

(2 Kings 19:19Job 42:5Ps 46:10Ps 103:7-13Jer 9:23-24Hos 6:3John 17:3Eph 1:16-17Phil 3:7-111 John 2:4-6).

 

2. Make God Known

YWAM is called to make God known throughout the whole world, and into every arena of society through evangelism, training and mercy ministries. We believe that salvation of souls should result in transformation of societies thus obeying Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations.

(1 Chron 16:24-27Ps 68:11Ps 71:15-16Ps 145:4-7Matt 28:18-20Mark 16:15Act 1:8Act 13:1-4aRom 10:8-15Rom 15:18-21).

 

3. Hear God's Voice

YWAM is committed to creating with God through listening to Him, praying His prayers and obeying His commands in matters great and small. We are dependent upon hearing His voice as individuals, together in team contexts and in larger corporate gatherings, as an integral part of our process for decision making.

(1 Sam 3:7-102 Chron 15:2-4Ps 25:14Isa 6:8Amos 3:7Luke 9:35John 10:1-5John 16:13-15Heb 3:7-8,15Rev 2:7,11,17,27).

 

4. Practice Worship and Intercessory Prayer

YWAM is dedicated to worship God and engage in intercessory prayer as integral aspects of daily life. We also recognize the intent of Satan to destroy the work of God and we call upon God’s power and the Holy Spirit to overcome his strategies in the lives of individuals and in the affairs of nations.

(1 Sam 7:52 Chron 7:4Ps 84:1-8Ps 95:6-7Ps 100:1-5Mark 11:24-25Act 1:14Eph 6:13-201 Thess 5:16-191 Tim 2:1-4).

 

5. Be Visionary

YWAM is called to be visionary, continually receiving, nurturing and releasing fresh vision from God. We support the pioneering of new ministries and methods, always willing to be radical in order to be relevant to every generation, people group, and sphere of society. We believe that the apostolic call of YWAM requires the integration of spiritual eldership, freedom in the Spirit and relationship, centered on the Word of God. 

(Num 12:61 Sam 12:16Prov 29:18Ezek 1:1Hab 2:2-3Mark 1:35-39Luke 9:1-6Act 16:9-10Act 26:192 Pet 3:9-13).

 

6. Champion Young People

YWAM is called to champion youth. We believe God has gifted and called young people to spearhead vision and ministry. We are committed to value, trust, train, support, make space and release them. They are not only the Church of the future; they are the Church of today. We commit to follow where they lead, in the will of God. 

(1 Sam 17:32-50Eccles 4:13-14Eccles 12:1-7Jer 1:5-10Dan 1:17-20Joel 2:28John 6:9Act 16:1-51 Tim 4:12-161 John 2:12-14).

 

7. Be Broad-Structured and Decentralized

YWAM is broad-structured and diverse, yet integrated. We are a global family of ministries held together by shared foundational covenants, purpose, vision, values and relationships. We believe that structures should serve the people and the purposes of God. Every ministry at every level has the privilege and responsibility of accountability to a circle of recognized spiritual elders.

(Ex 18:13-26Num 1:16-19Num 11:16-17,24-30Deut 29:10-13Josh 23:1-24:28Act 14:23Act 15:1-311 Cor 3:4-11Titus 1:5-9Heb 13:7,17).

 

8. Be International and Inter-denominational

YWAM is international and interdenominational in its global scope as well as its local constituency. We believe that ethnic, linguistic and denominational diversity, along with redeemed aspects of culture, are positive factors that contribute to the health and growth of the Mission.

(Gen 12:1-4Gen 26:2-5Ps 57:9-10Jer 32:27Dan 7:13-14Act 20:41 Cor 12:12-31Eph 4:1-16Col 3:11Rev 7:9).

 

9. Have A Biblical Wordview

YWAM is called to a Biblical Christian worldview. We believe that the Bible – the textbook for all of life – makes a clear division between good and evil; right and wrong. The practical dimensions of life are no less spiritual than the ministry expressions. Everything done in obedience to God is spiritual. We seek to honor God with all that we do, equipping and mobilizing men and women of God to take roles of service and influence in every arena of society.

(Deut 8:1-3Deut 32:45-472 Kings 22:8Ps 19:7-11Luke 8:21John 8:31-32Phil 4:8-92 Tim 3:16-17Heb 4:12-13James 4:17).

 

10. Function In Teams

YWAM is called to function in teams in all aspects of ministry and leadership. We believe that a combination of complementary gifts, callings, perspectives, ministries and generations working together in unity at all levels of our Mission provides wisdom and safety. Seeking God’s will and making decisions in a team context allows accountability and contributes to greater relationship, motivation, responsibility and ownership of the vision.

(Deut 32:30-312 Chron 17:7-9Prov 15:22Eccles 4:9-12Mark 6:7-13Rom 12:3-102 Cor 1:24Eph 5:21Phil 2:1-21 Pet 4:8).

 

11. Exhibit Servant Leadership

YWAM is called to servant leadership as a lifestyle, rather than a leadership hierarchy. A servant leader is one who honors the gifts and callings of those under his/her care and guards their rights and privileges. Just as Jesus served His disciples, we stress the importance of those with leadership responsibilities serving those whom they lead.

(Deut 10:12-13Ps 84:10Isa 42:1-4Mic 6:8Mark 10:42-45John 13:3-17Rom 16:1-2Gal 5:13-14Phil 2:3-111 Pet 4:10-11).

 

12. Do First, Then Teach

YWAM is committed to doing first, then teaching. We believe that firsthand experience gives authority to our words. Godly character and a call from God are more important than an individual’s gifts, abilities and expertise.

(Deut 4:5-8Ezra 7:10Ps 51:12-13Ps 119:17-18Prov 1:1-4Matt 7:28-29Act 1:1-2Col 3:12-172 Tim 4:1-52 Pet 1:5-10).

 

13. Be Relationship-Oriented

YWAM is dedicated to being relationship-oriented in our living and working together. We desire to be united through lives of holiness, mutual support, transparency, humility, and open communication, rather than a dependence on structures or rules. 

(Lev 19:18Ps 133:1-3Prov 17:17Prov 27:10John 13:34-35John 15:13-17John 17:20-23Rom 13:8-101 John 1:71 John 4:7-12).

 

14. Value The Individual

YWAM is called to value each individual. We believe in equal opportunity and justice for all. Created in the image of God, people of all nationalities, ages and functions have distinctive contributions and callings. We are committed to honoring God-given leadership and ministry gifts in both men and women. 

(Gen 1:27Lev 19:13-16Deut 16:18-20Ps 139:13-16Mark 8:34-37Act 10:34-35Gal 3:28Eph 6:5-9Heb 2:11-12James 2:1-9).

 

15. Value Families

YWAM affirms the importance of families serving God together in missions, not just the father and/or mother. We also embrace the inclusion of single-parent families. We encourage the development of strong and healthy family units, with each member sharing the call to missions and contributing their gifts in unique and complementary ways. We uphold and celebrate the Biblical view that God’s intent for holy matrimony is between one man and one woman.

(Gen 2:21-24Gen 18:17-19Deut 6:6-7Prov 5:15-23Prov 31:10-31Mal 2:14-16Matt 19:3-91 Cor 7:1-161 Tim 3:2-5Heb 13:4).

 

16. Practice Dependence on God for Finances

YWAM is called to practice a life of dependence upon God for financial provision. For individuals and YWAM corporately this comes primarily through His people. As God has been generous toward us, so we desire to be generous. YWAMers give themselves, their time and talents to God through the Mission with no expectation of remuneration.

(Gen 22:12-14Ex 36:2-7Num 18:25-29Mal 3:8-12Matt 6:25-33Luke 19:8-92 Cor 8:1-9:15Phil 4:10-20Titus 3:143 John 5-8).

 

17. Practice Hospitality

YWAM affirms the ministry of hospitality as an expression of God’s character and the value of people. We believe it is important to open our hearts, homes, campuses and bases to serve and honor one another, our guests and the poor and needy, not as acts of social protocol, but as expressions of generosity.

(Gen 18:1-82 Sam 9:1-11Ps 68:5-6Prov 22:9Isa 58:7Matt 25:31-46Act 28:7-8Rom 12:13Heb 13:1-31 Pet 4:9).

 

18. Communicate With Integrity

YWAM affirms that everything exists because God communicates. Therefore, YWAM is committed to truthful, accurate, timely and relevant communication. We believe good communication is essential for strong relationships, healthy families and communities, and effective ministry.

(Gen 1:3-5Num 23:19Prov 10:19Prov 25:9-14Zech 8:16-17Matt 5:33-37Luke 4:16-22John 1:1-5Col 4:6James 3:1-18).

 

1. Know God

YWAM is committed to know God, His nature, His character and His ways as revealed in the Bible, the inspired and authoritative Word of God. We seek to reflect who He is in every aspect of our lives and ministry. The automatic overflow of knowing and enjoying fellowship with God is a desire to share Him with others.

(2 Kings 19:19Job 42:5Ps 46:10Ps 103:7-13Jer 9:23-24Hos 6:3John 17:3Eph 1:16-17Phil 3:7-111 John 2:4-6).

 

2. Make God Known

YWAM is called to make God known throughout the whole world, and into every arena of society through evangelism, training and mercy ministries. We believe that salvation of souls should result in transformation of societies thus obeying Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations.

(1 Chron 16:24-27Ps 68:11Ps 71:15-16Ps 145:4-7Matt 28:18-20Mark 16:15Act 1:8Act 13:1-4aRom 10:8-15Rom 15:18-21).

 

3. Hear God's Voice

YWAM is committed to creating with God through listening to Him, praying His prayers and obeying His commands in matters great and small. We are dependent upon hearing His voice as individuals, together in team contexts and in larger corporate gatherings, as an integral part of our process for decision making.

(1 Sam 3:7-102 Chron 15:2-4Ps 25:14Isa 6:8Amos 3:7Luke 9:35John 10:1-5John 16:13-15Heb 3:7-8,15Rev 2:7,11,17,27).

 

4. Practice Worship and Intercessory Prayer

YWAM is dedicated to worship God and engage in intercessory prayer as integral aspects of daily life. We also recognize the intent of Satan to destroy the work of God and we call upon God’s power and the Holy Spirit to overcome his strategies in the lives of individuals and in the affairs of nations.

(1 Sam 7:52 Chron 7:4Ps 84:1-8Ps 95:6-7Ps 100:1-5Mark 11:24-25Act 1:14Eph 6:13-201 Thess 5:16-191 Tim 2:1-4).

 

5. Be Visionary

YWAM is called to be visionary, continually receiving, nurturing and releasing fresh vision from God. We support the pioneering of new ministries and methods, always willing to be radical in order to be relevant to every generation, people group, and sphere of society. We believe that the apostolic call of YWAM requires the integration of spiritual eldership, freedom in the Spirit and relationship, centered on the Word of God. 

(Num 12:61 Sam 12:16Prov 29:18Ezek 1:1Hab 2:2-3Mark 1:35-39Luke 9:1-6Act 16:9-10Act 26:192 Pet 3:9-13).

 

6. Champion Young People

YWAM is called to champion youth. We believe God has gifted and called young people to spearhead vision and ministry. We are committed to value, trust, train, support, make space and release them. They are not only the Church of the future; they are the Church of today. We commit to follow where they lead, in the will of God. 

(1 Sam 17:32-50Eccles 4:13-14Eccles 12:1-7Jer 1:5-10Dan 1:17-20Joel 2:28John 6:9Act 16:1-51 Tim 4:12-161 John 2:12-14).

 

7. Be Broad-Structured and Decentralized

YWAM is broad-structured and diverse, yet integrated. We are a global family of ministries held together by shared foundational covenants, purpose, vision, values and relationships. We believe that structures should serve the people and the purposes of God. Every ministry at every level has the privilege and responsibility of accountability to a circle of recognized spiritual elders.

(Ex 18:13-26Num 1:16-19Num 11:16-17,24-30Deut 29:10-13Josh 23:1-24:28Act 14:23Act 15:1-311 Cor 3:4-11Titus 1:5-9Heb 13:7,17).

 

8. Be International and Inter-denominational

YWAM is international and interdenominational in its global scope as well as its local constituency. We believe that ethnic, linguistic and denominational diversity, along with redeemed aspects of culture, are positive factors that contribute to the health and growth of the Mission.

(Gen 12:1-4Gen 26:2-5Ps 57:9-10Jer 32:27Dan 7:13-14Act 20:41 Cor 12:12-31Eph 4:1-16Col 3:11Rev 7:9).

 

9. Have A Biblical Wordview

YWAM is called to a Biblical Christian worldview. We believe that the Bible – the textbook for all of life – makes a clear division between good and evil; right and wrong. The practical dimensions of life are no less spiritual than the ministry expressions. Everything done in obedience to God is spiritual. We seek to honor God with all that we do, equipping and mobilizing men and women of God to take roles of service and influence in every arena of society.

(Deut 8:1-3Deut 32:45-472 Kings 22:8Ps 19:7-11Luke 8:21John 8:31-32Phil 4:8-92 Tim 3:16-17Heb 4:12-13James 4:17).

 

10. Function In Teams

YWAM is called to function in teams in all aspects of ministry and leadership. We believe that a combination of complementary gifts, callings, perspectives, ministries and generations working together in unity at all levels of our Mission provides wisdom and safety. Seeking God’s will and making decisions in a team context allows accountability and contributes to greater relationship, motivation, responsibility and ownership of the vision.

(Deut 32:30-312 Chron 17:7-9Prov 15:22Eccles 4:9-12Mark 6:7-13Rom 12:3-102 Cor 1:24Eph 5:21Phil 2:1-21 Pet 4:8).

 

11. Exhibit Servant Leadership

YWAM is called to servant leadership as a lifestyle, rather than a leadership hierarchy. A servant leader is one who honors the gifts and callings of those under his/her care and guards their rights and privileges. Just as Jesus served His disciples, we stress the importance of those with leadership responsibilities serving those whom they lead.

(Deut 10:12-13Ps 84:10Isa 42:1-4Mic 6:8Mark 10:42-45John 13:3-17Rom 16:1-2Gal 5:13-14Phil 2:3-111 Pet 4:10-11).

 

12. Do First, Then Teach

YWAM is committed to doing first, then teaching. We believe that firsthand experience gives authority to our words. Godly character and a call from God are more important than an individual’s gifts, abilities and expertise.

(Deut 4:5-8Ezra 7:10Ps 51:12-13Ps 119:17-18Prov 1:1-4Matt 7:28-29Act 1:1-2Col 3:12-172 Tim 4:1-52 Pet 1:5-10).

 

13. Be Relationship-Oriented

YWAM is dedicated to being relationship-oriented in our living and working together. We desire to be united through lives of holiness, mutual support, transparency, humility, and open communication, rather than a dependence on structures or rules. 

(Lev 19:18Ps 133:1-3Prov 17:17Prov 27:10John 13:34-35John 15:13-17John 17:20-23Rom 13:8-101 John 1:71 John 4:7-12).

 

14. Value The Individual

YWAM is called to value each individual. We believe in equal opportunity and justice for all. Created in the image of God, people of all nationalities, ages and functions have distinctive contributions and callings. We are committed to honoring God-given leadership and ministry gifts in both men and women. 

(Gen 1:27Lev 19:13-16Deut 16:18-20Ps 139:13-16Mark 8:34-37Act 10:34-35Gal 3:28Eph 6:5-9Heb 2:11-12James 2:1-9).

 

15. Value Families

YWAM affirms the importance of families serving God together in missions, not just the father and/or mother. We also embrace the inclusion of single-parent families. We encourage the development of strong and healthy family units, with each member sharing the call to missions and contributing their gifts in unique and complementary ways. We uphold and celebrate the Biblical view that God’s intent for holy matrimony is between one man and one woman.

(Gen 2:21-24Gen 18:17-19Deut 6:6-7Prov 5:15-23Prov 31:10-31Mal 2:14-16Matt 19:3-91 Cor 7:1-161 Tim 3:2-5Heb 13:4).

 

16. Practice Dependence on God for Finances

YWAM is called to practice a life of dependence upon God for financial provision. For individuals and YWAM corporately this comes primarily through His people. As God has been generous toward us, so we desire to be generous. YWAMers give themselves, their time and talents to God through the Mission with no expectation of remuneration.

(Gen 22:12-14Ex 36:2-7Num 18:25-29Mal 3:8-12Matt 6:25-33Luke 19:8-92 Cor 8:1-9:15Phil 4:10-20Titus 3:143 John 5-8).

 

17. Practice Hospitality

YWAM affirms the ministry of hospitality as an expression of God’s character and the value of people. We believe it is important to open our hearts, homes, campuses and bases to serve and honor one another, our guests and the poor and needy, not as acts of social protocol, but as expressions of generosity.

(Gen 18:1-82 Sam 9:1-11Ps 68:5-6Prov 22:9Isa 58:7Matt 25:31-46Act 28:7-8Rom 12:13Heb 13:1-31 Pet 4:9).

 

18. Communicate With Integrity

YWAM affirms that everything exists because God communicates. Therefore, YWAM is committed to truthful, accurate, timely and relevant communication. We believe good communication is essential for strong relationships, healthy families and communities, and effective ministry.

(Gen 1:3-5Num 23:19Prov 10:19Prov 25:9-14Zech 8:16-17Matt 5:33-37Luke 4:16-22John 1:1-5Col 4:6James 3:1-18).

 

Have Questions? Let Us Help

Have questions about YWAM/YWAM Louisville beliefs and values and want to get in touch? Reach out to us we will get in contact with you as soon as possible.