Youth With A Mission (YWAM) is an international, interdenominational Christian missions organization. It was founded in 1960 by Loren Cunningham and his wife Darlene after they had a vision from God to reach young people for Christ. The name Youth With A Mission reflects the original focus on youth, but today YWAMers range from infants to the elderly. YWAM has over 20,000 full-time volunteer workers in more than 1,100 ministry locations in over 180 countries.
YWAM has a decentralized structure that emphasizes each YWAM ministry location retaining a lot of autonomy. As a result, YWAM has a diversity of beliefs and practices across the organization. However, all YWAM locations affirm a common Foundational Values statement that outlines their core beliefs. Here are some key points about YWAM’s beliefs based on their statement of faith:
The Bible
YWAM believes the Bible is divinely inspired, authoritative, and infallible. They believe the Bible is the ultimate guide for faith and practice and can be fully trusted (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
One Eternal God
YWAM believes there is one infinite God who eternally exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each person is fully God, and there is one Godhead. (Deuteronomy 6:4, Matthew 28:19)
Jesus Christ
YWAM believes Jesus Christ is fully God and fully human. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, died a substitutionary death for all humanity, resurrected bodily, ascended to heaven where He intercedes for believers, and will return to earth in power and glory.
They believe in Christ alone for salvation. Only through God’s grace and trusting in Christ’s finished work on the cross can anyone be forgiven, saved, and granted eternal life. (John 1:14, 1 Timothy 2:5, Acts 4:12)
The Holy Spirit
YWAM believes the Holy Spirit empowers believers spiritually through His indwelling presence. The Spirit guides, instructs, gifts, and transforms believers into Christlikeness. (John 16:13, Romans 8:9, 1 Corinthians 12:13)
Humanity
YWAM believes humanity was created in God’s image but fell into sin and is therefore lost. The only way to be reconciled to God is through trusting in Christ’s atoning work on the cross. (Genesis 1:27, Romans 3:23, Ephesians 2:1-3)
Salvation
YWAM believes salvation is the free gift of God received by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Good works do not earn salvation but are the fruit of it. (Ephesians 2:8-10)
The Church
YWAM believes the true Church is composed of all persons who have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit. They practice believer’s baptism and the Lord’s supper as Scriptural means of testimony. (1 Corinthians 12:13, Acts 2:41, Luke 22:19-20)
Christian Living
YWAM believes all believers are called to live godly, holy lives exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit while evangelizing the lost through word and deed. (Galatians 5:22-23, Matthew 5:16, 28:19-20)
Satan and Evil
YWAM believes Satan is real, the enemy of God, and seeks to deceive humanity. However, Satan was defeated at the cross and will be ultimately punished in hell. (Revelation 12:9, 1 Peter 5:8, Revelation 20:10)
Future Things
YWAM believes in the personal return of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of the dead, final judgment, eternal reward of the righteous, and endless punishment of the wicked. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Revelation 20:11-15)
In summary, YWAM affirms an evangelical, orthodox view of central Christian doctrines based on a high view of biblical authority. Their statement of faith aligns with historic Christian creeds.
Missions and Evangelism Focus
In addition to its doctrinal beliefs, a key part of YWAM’s identity is its strong emphasis on missions and evangelism. YWAM aims to know God and make Him known. Some key aspects of their missions focus include:
- Prayer – Intercession and hearing God’s voice is foundational
- Discipleship – Equipping Christians in biblical truth and ministry skills
- Mercy Ministry – Serving human needs in crisis situations
- Church Relations – Partnering with local churches for greater impact
YWAM is probably best known for its Discipleship Training Schools (DTS) which equip thousands for evangelistic outreach. They also strongly emphasize social justice ministries to care for those in need.
Worship and Spiritual Disciplines
YWAM encourages intimacy with God through worship, prayer, Bible study, and other spiritual disciplines. YWAM locations have much flexibility regarding worship styles and practices. There is openness to contemporary praise music, liturgical traditions, and creative expressions of worship.
Experiencing God’s presence and hearing His voice are essential parts of YWAM’s corporate spiritual life. Times of prayer, worship, and fasting often characterize YWAM conferences and training programs.
Gifts of the Holy Spirit
YWAM affirms the validity of spiritual gifts mentioned in the Bible. This includes tongues, prophecy, healings, miracles, and other gifts. However, YWAM locations determine their own practices regarding gifts of the Spirit. There is freedom to exercise spiritual gifts or not, depending on leadership views.
Men and Women in Ministry
YWAM affirms that God gifts both men and women for roles of service and leadership. Women have served in all levels of leadership within YWAM, including as founders, directors, and senior leaders. YWAM aims to follow biblical teaching on women in ministry.
Church Relations
YWAM seeks to actively partner with local churches rather than replace them. YWAM workers are expected to maintain church involvement and accountable relationships with church leaders. Value is placed on unity and collaboration with the global Church.
Discipleship Model
Discipleship Training Schools (DTS) are the gateway into YWAM service. These schools aim to impart Christian knowledge, convictions, skills for ministry, and godly character. DTS core topics include understanding God’s nature, Christian doctrine, hearing God’s voice, evangelism, Bible study, prayer, and worship.
After a DTS, many YWAMers pursue specialized training through the University of the Nations which has over 650 seminars on practical ministry skills.
Throughout training, mentoring relationships are emphasized. YWAM aims to combine strong biblical teaching with practical first-hand ministry experience.
Social Conscience
YWAM places strong emphasis on social justice as an expression of Christian love. They mobilize humanitarian relief efforts in response to crises and also do community development work among the poor. Seeking to defend human dignity and care for those in need is a core value.
Diversity and Unity
YWAM has great diversity as an international, interdenominational organization. Diverse backgrounds, ages, races, nationalities, personalities, gifts, and ministry callings characterize YWAM. Deep unity amidst diversity is a valued part of YWAM culture.
Leadership and Accountability
As a decentralized organization, YWAM provides much autonomy to its many ministry locations. However, clear accountability structures oversee finances, legal matters, spiritual health, and upholding of YWAM values. International and regional leaders give spiritual guidance but allow flexibility.
Mercy ministries are coordinated by YWAM’s Global Projects Division for quality control. Training programs follow guidelines from the University of the Nations.
Finances
YWAM staff raise their own support and ministry funds. A principle of faith and living by faith are highly valued. Locations aim to be financially self-sustaining through participant course fees, donations, and business endeavors. Funds go directly to individual ministry locations.
Overall, YWAM has great diversity in its practices while unified around its values and mission. Their commitment to multiplying disciples and mobilizing for evangelism remains consistent. YWAM continues to be a pioneering missions training and sending organization.
