The Discipleship Training School (DTS) is an intensive Christian training course specifically designed to equip 18 - 25 year olds with practical tools necessary for building solid biblical foundations in their lives. Our desire is to see students grow in their understanding of God's character and ways as they discover their unique role in seeing God's Kingdom purposes fulfilled in and through them.
The DTS encourages character development through biblical teaching, mentoring relationships, practical assignments, community living, team building, and community outreach. Cross-cultural exposure and global awareness are special emphases throughout the 20 week course, preparing the students to minister amongst current and future generations as they answer the call to "Go into all the world and disciple all nations" (Matthew 28:19)
"A DTS is a time of letting go of the familiar and common and embracing a time of focusing on God and His plans for our lives."
Our longing is seeing students applying biblical truth to every area of their lives, thus we focus on this integration throughout the course. We realize it's not enough to learn about our beliefs, we must put them into action in such a way that the needs of those around us are met in practical ways.
Thus our training goes beyond academic study to practical application. This may take the form of teaching english amongst local college students, to serving food to the homeless on the streets of Kuala Lumpur, to praying for the sick in rural Nepali villages.
We recognize that learning need not be limited to traditional classroom settings. Each of us have unique learning styles and ways that we process information. Therefore it is our desire to create learning environments that meet individual needs in creative ways.
Whether it be rappelling down jungle waterfalls or viewing multimedia pieces, whether camping on remote beaches or writing songs, whether learning a new language or having discussion groups our aim is for each student to enjoy and benefit from the learning process.
And for those of you looking to grow in understanding the world around you, there is no better place as your training takes place within a nation and region rich in culture, history, and beauty. From enchanting coffee shops to remote jungle villages from the colorful saris of "Little India" to the ornately painted faces of the Chinese Opera performers, students will get to experience firsthand all that makes Malaysia special. This is way beyond book learning, this is Classroom Asia!
At the core of the DTS is relationships. Students and staff come from a wide variety of backgrounds and nations but share the same passion to Know God and Make Him Known. Students and staff alike live together in community which facilitate and promote relationship growth and many find that friendships born here last a lifetime.
Our staff are actively involved in every aspect of DTS life and their heart is to come alongside students, serving them in variety of practical ways. We invite reputable speakers who serve as national and international YWAM leaders, local YWAM staff, or amongst other local and international ministries to share in the DTS.Personal interaction with these speakers is commonplace.
"It's all about Jesus, knowing His voice and recognizing His hand at work in everything around us. For three months we learned it and for two months we embarked on starting to love it for the rest of our lives."
So whether you are climbing a mountain together, dining at a local food stall, working out differences with your roommate or being prayed for by a guest speaker, the roots of relationships will grow deep within you. For those interested in further involvement with Youth With A Mission the DTS opens the door into a myriad of opportunities worldwide.
With over 700 operating location in 135 nations YWAM's ministries span the globe and the dictionary. If quality tertiary education is what you have in mind the DTS serves as the gateway into the seven Colleges and the various centers of the University of the Nations (U of N).
Students who complete the DTS lecture and outreach phases may continue their education by taking other training courses offered here in Penang or at any of the other 160 U of N training centers worldwide.
So, if you are looking for a transformed view of God, a fresh understanding of your faith, creative opportunities to serve, dynamic friendships, new models of education and a life-changing adventure in an exotic land a Discipleship Training School with Classroom Asia may be just what you are looking for!
Download DTS Application
You can download the current DTS Application (PDF) form here.
Online DTS Application
You can fill out an online DTS application, but please also remember to print out the health and reference forms as well as the release form. See applications for more details.