YWAM (Youth With A Mission) is an international Christian missionary organization that focuses on training and mobilizing individuals, particularly young people, to engage in evangelism, humanitarian aid, and discipleship. Founded in 1960 by Loren Cunningham, YWAM has grown to become one of the largest and most influential Christian missions organizations in the world.
YWAM operates on a decentralized structure with a network of independent ministry centers, known as “bases,” located in over 180 countries. These bases offer various training programs, known as Discipleship Training Schools (DTS), where individuals receive biblical teaching, practical life skills, and guidance to deepen their faith and prepare for missions work.
The organization's primary aim is to inspire and equip Christians to follow the call of Jesus Christ and actively engage in the Great Commission – the biblical directive to go and make disciples of all nations. YWAM encourages its members to integrate their faith with practical service by providing humanitarian aid, engaging in community development programs, sharing the Gospel, and serving the marginalized and underserved populations worldwide.
YWAM emphasizes servant leadership, teamwork, and a strong commitment to living out one's faith in practical and tangible ways. Its members are encouraged to be culturally sensitive, adaptable, and respond to the specific needs of each community they serve. While YWAM is rooted in a Christian worldview, it encourages respectful engagement with people of all religions or backgrounds in order to promote understanding, love, and unity.
