DISCIPLESHIP
TRAINING SCHOOL
A disciple is simply a learner of Christ. That’s who you learn to be in a Discipleship Training School.
6 Months That Can Redefine Your Faith.
A Discipleship Training School (DTS) is a 6-month intensive christian experience that blends classroom learning, small group discussions, personal reflection, practical service, and community living.
The School is divided into two key phases: the lecture phase and an outreach.
LECTURE PHASE
3 months
Lecture phase provides you with classroom learning and an opportunity to experience community living.
The live-learn environment is a great place for you to learn more about God, who he created you to be, and the world he made.
Experienced teachers, committed staff, and a community of passionate Christians are all elements that will challenge you to grow deeper in relationship with Christ.
OUTREACH
3 months
Outreach is a hands-on missions trip where you take what you’ve learned in the lecture phase and bring God’s truth to the nations.
Share Jesus’s love through personal testimonies, practical service, and more, playing your part in the Great Commission.
The outreach location is revealed in the early stages of the lecture phase, so be prepared for the unexpected, as you never know where you’re going to land!
WHO IS THIS FOR?
A Discipleship Training School (DTS) is for anyone who wants to:
Strengthen their relationship with God and grow spiritually.
Learn to apply their faith in everyday life.
Serve others and make a meaningful impact in the world.
Develop ministry skills for personal and future growth.
Be challenged and stretched in their faith journey.
It’s designed for those eager to grow spiritually, serve God, and make a difference.
STUDENT TESTIMONIES
We currently offer 2
DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING SCHOOLS
Here are some frequently asked questions.
Housing
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Take a look our virtual tour to visualize you stay! Students will generally share a dorm room with up to five other people depending on the size of the room. Married couples have a room for themselves, and additional rooms are arranged for families with children.
You will have access to a shared kitchen at all times, as well as our commercial kitchen after ‘work hours’ hours.
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Here at YWAM Dunham family is one of our core values. We do our best to accommodate for families with children of all ages. Childcare is usually provided dependent on availability of staff without extra charge. Contact us for details.
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At a minimum, you will have the same rooms as the rest of our community. We will arrange for you and your children to have adjacent rooms. There is limited availability for small studio apartments reserved in priority for families with children.
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We have a community laundry room with multiple washers and driers. They can be used at no extra cost during reserved slots.
Preparation and Arrival
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We made a helpful video guide so you know exactly what you need to bring.
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It’s recommended to have a hiking backpack for outreach rather than a regular hard-sided suitcase as a suitcase is more cumbersome to travel with and carry. You’re welcome to use a suitcase, but whatever you bring you need to be ready to carry! A hiking backpack can always be bought during the lecture phase.
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While we are prepared to give letters of admission to students from any country, it is important to note that depending on your country of origin there can be varying degrees of difficulty in obtaining a visa with the Canadian government and it may not be possible for some.
If you have specific questions about obtaining the appropriate visa please contact us as we’d love to assist you.
Allergies
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We do our best to accommodate any dietary restrictions in preparing alternative meals for people with intolerances and allergies.
That said, our capacity to accommodate in this way differs from season to season due to the nature of cooking for large groups, the variety of different restrictions, and the knowledge and ability of those cooking. Depending on your restrictions, preferences, and availability, there can option for you to cook your own meals.
Please contact us if you have questions for your specific context.
Community Life
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Within Our Community:
Our YWAM location is fully bilingual. That means we have French and English speakers around the world who live and visit here. A sizeable amount of community speaks both languages, especially among our staff. That said, no one is required to know one language or the other. Every formal aspect of our community is translated from worship times, meal-time announcements, classroom lectures, door signs etc. This also makes it the perfect setting to get ahead in your second language or pick up a new one!
The Broader Community
Many people can speak English in Dunham and the towns around, but as the first language is French, we encourage you (if you are able) to speak to people in French. Your time in YWAM Dunham is a great opportunity to put your French into practice even if you only know a few words!
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Though Dunham is a small town, it is full of treasures if you’re ready to explore a little. Here are a few places within walking distance that our YWAM Dunham family particularly enjoys, and a few other little practical steps that may help you out while you’re here…
A. BREAKFAST
Bernard le Boulanger (Bakery): Enjoy great authentic bakery bread, croissants, great coffee, and more! Take them to go, or sit down at the large wooden table and chit-chat with whoever happens to be there. The bakery is closed in the winter, so be sure to visit when it’s nice and warm!
RESTAURANTS & FOOD
B. La Bodega: Do you enjoy a little Spanish and Latin American influence? If yes, come enjoy a delicious Tapas menu. They’re known for their seafood dishes as well as having a variety of local and less-local meats and wines!
C. La Rumeur Affamé: Come here to get your fix of delicious Québecois meats and cheeses and other local products. You can also enjoy a coffee or hot chocolate and have a seat!
D. L’Epicerie de Dunham: This is a small local French-Canadian restaurant offering a variety of meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you’re looking to have a poutine, you can find it here. Open 7 am-2 pm on weekdays and 8 am-3 pm on weekends.
DRINK
E. Le Brasserie Dunham: Our local pub is one of the ‘hot spots’ of our little town. Serving their hand-crafted beer in a quaint environment and often to the sounds of live music and locals laughing, your Dunham Pub experience will not be one you regret! If you don’t like beer, no need to worry! They also serve pop and a variety of light meals. Don’t forget to try a “poutine” at least once!
F. The wine road (Bruce street): Two wineries on the wine route that are within walking distance are Clos St-Croix and Vignoble Centaure, both found on the main street in Dunham. If willing to drive 10 minutes, some of our favourite wineries along the touristic Wine Road are Château de Cartes (1285 Bruce), L’Orpailleur (1086 Bruce), and Côtes d’Ardoise (879 Bruce). Simply turn left on Bruce at the depanneur intersection.
OTHER BASIC NEEDS
G. The “DEP”: What would we do without the depanneur/corner store? Gas, chips, soda, toothpaste, movie rentals.
H. Post Office: It is open Monday to Friday and closes at 5 pm, though you can drop your mail in the slot anytime.
I. Pharmacy: Here you can find your basic pharmaceutical needs.
J. ATM: Found inside this building near the back
K. BIGGER NEEDS
In Cowansville (a larger town about 10 minutes drive away), you can find larger stores (Walmart, grocery stores, cafes, a small cinema and shopping mall, fast food including Tim Hortons, etc.).
About Youth With A Mission
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No, YWAM is an interdenominational organization. It works with various churches and denominations but is not officially affiliated with any single one.
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YWAM's theology is centered on Christian beliefs, focusing on knowing God and making Him known. They emphasize the authority of the Bible, the importance of personal relationship with God, and living out the Great Commission.
Have Questions?
We’d Love to Hear from You!