Release your sound. Discover your voice. Worship your Creator.
The School of Worship (SOW) is a 5-month school made up of a 3-month lecture phase and a 2-month (optional but highly recommended) outreach phase.
The SOW calls the musician, songwriter, and worship leader on a journey toward the heart of God as we first explore what it means to be a worshiper, and second, what it looks like to lead from a place of authority, conviction, and humility.
SOW takes students deeper into a life of integrity, passion, and Bible study through worship. We strive to open up our students’ eyes to the opportunity we have as believers to worship our Savior “in spirit and truth.” We desire to develop our students in “ hands, heart & mind” by giving them the necessary tools to develop both the physical and spiritual aspects of worship.
Expect to be given opportunities leading worship, working as a team, and experiences that will challenge and strengthen you, going deeper with Jesus as you set aside these few months to learn more about this part of His heart.
Although auditions are not required, and will not determine your acceptance into the school, we strongly encourage you to record and upload a video audition to your application for the SOW. This will help us determine how to best serve you during the course of the program, whether you are an expert musician or just starting out.
This school is an approved University of the Nations course. Click here to learn more about how you can get a degree with University of the Nations.
Successful completion of a Discipleship Training School is a prerequisite for SOW.
This is a bilingual course offered in English and Spanish.
Lecture Phase
In the first 3 months the SOW will train, equip and develop those who are involved in the worship ministry to be effective in their area of influence. The school provides hands-on training to worship leaders, in which we develop the worship leader’s understanding of how to lead a band through skillful musicianship, lead the congregation into worship and lead by example in integrity and character.
Hands
Band Practice & Development times
Band Dynamics
Creative Expressions
Heart
Character of a Worshiper
Knowing God in Worship
Worship & Missions
Head
What is Worship
The Psalms (Inductive Bible Study Method)
Outreach Phase
The last 2 months of outreach will involve art and musical evangelism in a variety of missions and ministry settings, receiving and communicating God's message to others. Some activities may include engaging the community through art, partnership with churches and ministries, leading worship in different places, from churches to the street, prayer and intercession, gospel presentations, or any other kind of service.
You will also have the opportunity to lead creative projects and share responsibilities within the team.
Music has the potential to cross many barriers and is a tool that enables you to connect with others whether they share the same language, nationality, or set of beliefs as you or not. When we sing songs, interact with communities, teach about music in a rehab center, or make a public proclamation concert, it helps us to share God's heart. Outreach seeks to value relationships with people in evangelism, be relevant to the culture, and give sacrificially for the kingdom of God to be established.
Some topics you'll cover in the School of Worship:
Character of the Worshiper
Worship and Missions
Historical and Biblical Basis of Worship
The Psalms (Inductive Bible Study Method)
History of Worship in the Church
Songwriting and Worship Leading
Want more information? Fill out the form below!
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?
What’s supplied in my room?
How should I bring my spending money?
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.