What is a Discipleship Training School?
Discipleship Training School (DTS) is an intensive 5-month discipleship program designed to equip you to Know God and Make God Known.
Start by building a strong relationship with Jesus Christ, get trained to share the gospel in any context, then be sent out to the nations to be part of fulfilling the Great Commission.
*Applicants must be 18 years of age before arrival date.
3-Month Lecture Phase
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Attend daily classes focused on learning who God is and who He's created you to be
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Discover God's heart for the nations and find your calling to influence society
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Live in a thriving community made up of nations all over the world
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Experience the radiant city of Mazatlan full of cultural beauty and delicious food
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Get hands-on experience from our local ministries
2-Month Outreach Phase
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Get sent to the nations to spread the love of Jesus Christ
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Preach the gospel, feed the poor, heal the sick, and share your testimony
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Immediately put into practice what you learned in the "Lecture Phase"
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Travel with your fellow students and staff that have become like family
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Be pushed outside of your comfort zone as you hear and obey God's voice
What is Burning Hearts DTS?
This DTS is about learning how to reflect a revivalist lifestyle by hungering, thirsting, and being passionate for Jesus at any cost. You’ll be equipped to share your faith with others and be empowered to live a life of radical obedience to Christ.
We believe that we’re called to fulfill the Great Commission, but we know that’s not possible without first cultivating a life of deep intimacy. In this DTS, you’ll learn how to grow your relationship with God and effectively apply truth in all areas of your life.
Purity
Our call to holiness is also our call to purity. Living a pure life is not hard—it's a natural response provoked by a deep encounter with a holy God. He's the one who empowers us to live righteously.
Fire Hunger Passion Sanctification Purity
These are the words we'll be known for. These are the things that will mark our lives.
Fire
We've been set ablaze by the power of the Holy Spirit. We have a fire in our hearts that will never go out. Everywhere we go, we burn for the presence of the Holy Spirit and change atmospheres as we walk in obedience to God.
Hunger
We walk in one mind and one spirit expectant of what God is going to do. We won't settle for less; We're always going for more. We've tasted his presence and we know his love. Now it's our responsibility to make him known.
Passion
We're the first to respond. We are called to live as loving servants and we want to share the gospel message at any cost. We burn for his message and will do whatever it takes to take it to all corners of the earth.
Sanctification
A real encounter with God's love changes everything. Christ's work on the cross enables us to live a life free from the power of sin. We're called to be holy as he is holy and reflect Jesus in all areas of our life.
Why should I do Burning Hearts DTS?
DTS Elective Catalog
See what electives are currently offered alongside this DTS.
Optional DTS Electives
God has planted unique gifts, passions, and desires inside of you! He created you with those and wants to use your gifting to impact the world.
Depending on the elective, you may have opportunities to participate in activities around the city and learn new skills. Some electives may run throughout the entire duration of your school, while others may only run during the lecture phase or the outreach phase.
Each DTS elective is an optional course add-on. You are not required to choose one to participate in the DTS.
Revivalists
A revivalist is someone who’s foundation is grounded in an intimate relationship with Jesus, infused with a desire to know God’s presence more and more, changing atmospheres and bringing transformation wherever they go.
This elective is born out of the Burning Hearts DTS and is designed for those who want to grow deeper understanding of what it means to live a life of complete dependence on the Holy Spirit. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to recognize his voice and respond to his guidance with radical obedience?
Join us as we learn how to effectively communicate the gospel message and be led by the Holy Spirit in all that we do. We’ll be living out what we believe, worshiping, evangelizing, and prophesying. However, there’s no formula to this—some days we might worship for hours while other days the Holy Spirit might lead us to the streets to express his generosity to the needy.
Whatever it is, you’re invited to come and learn how to host the presence of God all while living daily with a heart surrendered in love and service to Christ.
Worship and Presence
This elective is for those who desire to invite the presence of God into all areas of life through worship. Each week we’ll learn more about what it looks like to live a lifestyle of worship, discovering the freedom to worship as God leads as we overcome fear. We’ll look for opportunities to take worship to the streets by joining up with local ministries run by other staff on campus.
Musicians and singers will also have the chance to try out for our worship team and sign up for one-on-one coaching (if available).
Not a musician? Don’t worry—musical ability is not a requirement to join this elective. Bring your gifts, whatever they may be, and see how God wants to use you to bring him glory and honor wherever you go.
YWAM Ships
Our vision for YWAM Ships Mazatlan is to use vessels to access and bring healthcare to isolated people both on the coastlands of Mexico and the Pacific Rim. During the lecture phase of this DTS, you will learn about God’s heart for the isolated and unreached.
This one is for the adventure-junkies and those passionate about medical care, the ones who aren’t afraid to go, the ones who are willing to go to the most isolated and least-reached people in the world, using healthcare partnered with ships as a tool to get there.
Spirit and Truth
This elective is designed for those who want to deepen their understanding of the Bible and its transformative power. You’ll have a chance to regularly join in with our House of Encounter ministry as well as participate in extra classes such as The Art of Storytelling, How to be Led by the Holy Spirit, and How to Read and Study the Bible.
We learn our dependency on the Holy Spirit in reading his word and see how his word comes alive. Join us as together we learn how to interact with and respond to the truth of the Bible, inviting God to encounter us however he desires.
Creators and Innovators
God wants to use your creativity to co-create with him! The Creators and Innovators elective is designed to train you to use media and digital communications to tell the stories of what God is doing in the nations. Come and discover how to use digital platforms to effectively engage a broad audience and create a lasting impact wherever God calls you to.
You’ll also learn how to use photography, videography, social media, and writing as powerful tools to share the gospel and mobilize others to join the global missions movement.
Request more information:
FAQ's and Resources
Have other questions? Email us at schools@ywammazatlan.com
How fluent do I need to be in Spanish or English?
We are a completely bilingual campus! Meaning, speaking only Spanish or English will be more than enough. If neither Spanish nor English is your first language, you just need to comprehend and/or speak one. That being said, we’ve had students in the past that weren’t fluent in either of our languages, and they’ve been willing, amazing people that brought amazing life and culture to our base family. Pray about it! We don't want to hold you back if you're called here.
How far away will I be from everything?
Our YWAM campus is located within walking distance to lots of ‘Tiendas’ (little shops), restaurants, yummy tacos, scenic spots, and coffee shops, as well as some great beaches. Wal-Mart and other grocery stores, the Golden Zone (tourist area), excellent restaurants, movie theatres, and a shopping mall are either a short taxi/uber ride or bus ride away.
What are the eating/cooking arrangements?
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided and all meals are eaten together on our outdoor patio, which looks out over the ocean! Our campus has a kitchen run by our staff and students. We do our best to accommodate all health restrictions (gluten-free, dairy-free), but know that there might be times where we are unable to. There is a fridge for students to use and store personal food in.
Is there a dress code on the base?
For girls – there are no short shorts or skirts, no crop tops. When it comes to swimming, we require swim shorts, and a one piece/tank top.
For guys – Please no speedos. Please don’t have your boxers showing or be shirtless unless swimming.
This will all be covered more in-depth in your welcome pack, after applying!
How much luggage can I bring?
Your airline will determine how much/what kind of luggage you can bring; however while on outreach you will be limited to one pack/suitcase. So pack accordingly. Large hiking/trekking backpacks are ideal for Outreach, but you can get along with a duffel or suitcase if you can't get your hands on a backpack. We totally recommend having a hiking pack if possible. Your accommodations during the Lecture Phase will be limited in personal storage space, so keep that in mind! Everything you bring on to DTS will need to be taken with you on outreach. We have no extra storage space on our campus.
What kind of clothes should I bring?
You’ll need a set of good clothes for local church and ministry, casual clothes for lectures/leisure. We tend to be pretty casual at the campus, but churches here tend to dress up more. Also, depending on where you go on outreach, girls may need longer skirts and long sleeve shirts for working in remote communities. That can be purchased here if needed. And don’t forget some dress clothes for your graduation!!
*Because of the humidity here, clothes can occasionally get stretched out. Keep this in mind when you’re packing your favorite things (but don’t pack like your going to the wilderness either! We still enjoy wearing nice, stylish clothes as much as anyone!
Here's a blog to help!
How do I raise money for my DTS/Secondary School?
There are several different ways to raise money for YWAM Mazatlan schools and outreaches. How you decide to raise your money really depends on your motivation, creativity and willingness to work hard. There is no one right way to raise the money, but to help you along, listed below are some suggestions and ideas that have worked for us. Remember that everything starts and end with prayer.Trust that if God is giving the heart to attend a school with YWAM Mazatlan, He will also give you the tools, favor, and strength to do it. Our biggest recommendation is to start right away! Fundraising is much better and easier when you're at home, than when you are here.
Suggested Reading on Raising Support:
Friendraising: Building a Support Team That Lasts by Betty Barnett
Funding Your Ministry: Whether You’re Gifted or Not by Scott Morton
People Raising: A Practical Guide to Raising Support by Bill Dillon
What is the weather like in Mazatlan?
May through to September are the hot, humid months. You can expect to be sweaty and sticky some of the time you're outside! October and November are a bit more temperate, but you’ll still be wearing summer clothes. Then December through March are the cooler months where you can throw on a light jacket or hoodie at night.
In regards to the hot months- do not worry! There is an AC unit in each bedroom and classroom, and we are blessed to have that during the summer!
How do I pay for my school?
Is there phone or internet access?
How much spending money will I need?
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What about laundry?
Is it safe?
Mexico in the media has been pinned as a dangerous place, but put all those “I’ve heard’s…” to rest. Our city is a beautiful city to live in. The people are warm and friendly and willing to try out their English. Our beaches are generally safe for swimming and surfing. We will help get you acquainted to the city, the beaches and the Mexican culture.
Yes, like all countries, there is brokenness, hurting people, and corruption in Mexico. God has called us to be bearers of light and hope, to be a part of Him redeeming Mexico, one story and family at a time. Our campus is located in a perfect spot where we can reach places that God has called us to go to, but also host students from all over the world and have an incredible place to do that without jeopardizing safety.
We live in a middle-class neighborhood located directly on the boardwalk of the city, which is one of many places that are safe. Just like any other city in the world, there is wisdom to how we live here, and that doesn't change wherever you are. Our campus is a closed-to-the-public building, and only students and staff live there!
Because of our community-style culture, we're always doing things together. Ministry, going out for tacos at night, walks to coffee shops. We have set curfews at night, and a security guard that takes care of our campus at night.