At its core, YWAM San Diego/Baja is a place of learning. We're a community of believers seeking to Know God and Make Him Known across the nations. Developing disciples is what we do, but who we are is a community of believers seeking deeper knowledge of God's word and how it exists in our lives.
To know means to have knowledge of, to understand on a deeper level that goes beyond the surface-level depictions of God's word. Whether you are taking a gap year and want to attend discipleship training school, or are a DTS graduate looking for additional spiritual growth and missions training with our secondary schools through the University of Nations, we have a discipleship curriculum for you.
YWAM San Diego: A Place Of Learning and Spiritual Growth
The following is a testimony from Jack, a student in our Chronological - School of Biblical Studies (C-SBS) running at YWAM San Diego/Baja's San Antonio Del Mar campus. If you're a DTS graduate in search of life transformation and spiritual maturity, get the discipleship materials and skills you need to take the first step in your future in global missions - apply for a secondary school today.
Praying for Clarity of God's Plan
My life is drastically different today than it was one year ago, or even six months ago. It all started with me saying “yes” to what the Lord was telling me to do. One year ago, almost to the day, the Lord told me to “remain in a place of learning.” I had been praying about what my next step in life would be, either doing a C-SBS with YWAM or joining the full-time staff.
Today, in the middle of my C-SBS, the Lord showed me just how silly my thoughts and preconceived ideas were. How I had already decided what this place of learning would look like in my life, but He had different ideas in mind.
God's Word: An Unexpected Answer
At the time I was praying, I assumed the C-SBS was what the fulfillment God was speaking of. It was definitely part of it, but today, as I go deeper into the Word, I am not only thankful for the amount of learning I have embarked on so far in this C-SBS but I’m blown away by how much bigger God’s plans for me to remain in a place of learning turned out to be.
His plans are bigger than I ever expected. I’ve finally realized what God meant by this: I should never stop learning, and I need to continually position myself to be a lifelong learner.
Diving Deeper into Discipleship Curriculum
There are so many more schools in YWAM I would love to do and so many things that I would love to learn, but one thing I do know is that I will never be done learning.
Yes, there will be a time in my life when I won’t be in the traditional classroom setting I am in now, but as I step out into leadership roles in the future, it will be just as important for me to remain in a place of learning, as it is during my time in the C-SBS.
In this season, I’m building my foundation on the Word of God and I now realize it is not Biblical wisdom to ever think that there is a time where I will stop learning. So today, I am laying down my expectations for my life. I will choose to remain in a place of learning and allow the Lord to take total control of leading my life because His purposes and ideas for me are way better than I could ever even dream.
What to Expect at YWAM San Diego/Baja
Situated just south of the U.S./Mexico border, our YWAM base offers a unique experience with the option to choose from two international campuses, both just minutes away from breathtaking beaches.
Our San Antonio Del Mar campus is located near Tijuana, Mexico, a bustling community teeming with various local ministries and abundant opportunities for worship and service. For those seeking a more tranquil environment, our Ensenada campus, a bit further south, provides a peaceful escape from city life while still offering an energetic atmosphere.
Both campuses regularly host international conferences and are currently undergoing expansion to provide additional student accommodations. At either location, you'll reside in comfortable dormitory-style housing and have the opportunity to earn credits through the University of the Nations, a feature common to most YWAM programs.
YWAM Courses for Believers of Every Background
What is Discipleship Training School?
For young adults seeking a transformative gap year experience that enriches their lives and propels them toward a purposeful future, YWAM San Diego/Baja offers Discipleship Training School (DTS).
DTS isn't just another program — it's an unparalleled missions training experience where you learn to seize control of your future, leveraging your passions and relationship with Jesus to impact lives in every sphere of society.
Lasting 5 months, DTS begins on our two stunning campuses in Baja California, Mexico, just south of the U.S./Mexico border, and extends into a cross-cultural adventure around the world. During the initial 11 weeks, which we call the campus phase, you'll dive into specialized elective courses tailored to your interests and goals.
Then, put your skills to the test during the outreach phase, joining fellow DTS students on mission trips to Europe, Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, or Africa. Through acts of service and cultural exchanges, you'll not only impact communities with the love of Jesus but also hone missions skills that will extend far beyond your time at YWAM.
So, why wait? Explore our gap year programs or apply for DTS today.
Secondary Schools through the University of the Nations
For DTS graduates, YWAM San Diego/Baja offers secondary schools with credits through the University of the Nations. Jack's course, C-SBS, is just one of several options for continued missions training.
We also offer:
The School of Missions, Evangelism & Apologetics
Discipleship Bible School
Community Development School
Through YWAM, you can also get a full degree within the U of N!
Spiritual Formation: Our DTS Curriculum
The foundation of our curriculum is laid in the campus phase. Meet in small groups for learning sessions that offer the exciting opportunity to choose from a range of specialized elective courses tailored to your interests and passions. We go beyond basic discipleship materials to
If you have a keen eye for photography and want to take your skills beyond simple Instagram stories, our photo story DTS elective is perfect for you. For those who are constantly exploring new instruments and curating unique Spotify playlists, our music and arts DTS elective will train you to become a skilled musician and impactful worship leader.
Our elective courses include:
No matter where your passions lie, there's an elective course designed to provide dedicated training and help you grow in your desired field. Explore your options and embark on a journey of personal and professional development during your DTS experience.
Do a DTS with YWAM San Diego/Baja Today!
Are you interested in learning more? Check out more information about the secondary courses or DTS sessions offered at YWAM San Diego/Baja and apply for your life-changing experience today.
