Upcoming School

Sep 30 2012 - Feb 24 2013

Overview

With over 50% of the world's population living in cities, we now have the first urban generation. In less than 25 years over 5 billion people will live in cities, yet these remain some of the least evangelized areas of the world. Today's global youth culture is post-Christian in its orientation and worldview. We need to see a generation of Christians who know God in a world of urban struggles, value systems, and opportunities.

The YWAM Tyler city ministries in Dallas, Houston, New Orleans, and Chicago are teaming up to host their fourth Urban Discipleship Training School (UDTS) at the Chicago campus in Fall 2012. The UDTS is not only for those who are from the city but for those who have a heart for the city and a desire to understand the character of God in an increasingly urban world. The 12-week classroom phase, offering teachings with urban relevance and understanding, is followed by two months of hands-on, focused ministry in a major city.

The classroom time aims to:

• Teach you about the Bible so you have a good foundation for your life
• Teach you about what God is like and to know Him
• Teach you to hear His voice (yes, He speaks!), to pray, and to obey Him
• Encourage you to become more like Jesus
• Encourage you to care for others who do not know Him
• Train you in evangelism (how to share your testimony and faith with others)
• Expand your view of your life to include how you can help influence different areas of society

The outreach phase of this UDTS promises to spark passion for participating with others in reaching the multitudes of people living in cities who are lost and hopeless without Christ. There will be diverse opportunities to share your faith including ways to participate in practical mercy/justice outreach in needy neighborhoods. This life-changing outreach will be making God known in Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New Orleans and an international city.

The Details

On any given day during your school you can expect:

intense teachings designed to show God's character and desires, taught by powerful Christian leaders and experienced missionaries. Teachings include:

• The nature and character of God
• Hearing God's voice
• Worship, prayer, and intercession
• God's purposes for your life
• Christian and other worldviews
• Urban and international missions

small groups meet once or twice a week to build deeper relationship with staff and students in a smaller setting. Small groups are also designed to create an opportunity for students to ask questions regarding the teaching, to share what God is doing in his/her life, and to receive prayer and support from the group.

intercession groups pray that God's work will be multiplied throughout the nations. Intercession is prayer where we put ourselves in the place of identification with existing needs, seeking the Lord's direction on how to pray, and seeking His intervention in that particular situation. During these times we mainly focus on nations of the world, and on needs other than our own.

daily quiet times allow you to pursue your personal relationship with God and to learn how to hear His voice. This time is set aside each day for you to be alone with Dad and is important for personal growth.

required reading is set up to complement the classroom curriculum. The reading list changes from school to school.

work duties are daily two-hour shifts that teach the practical side of missions, serving one another, the value of teamwork, and responsibility (e.g. meal prep, cleaning, and office work). Work duties also significantly keep down the cost of the school. Some adjustments are made for families. There are also work duties on the weekends.

an average day during the lecture phase:

• 7:00am Breakfast
• 8:00am Intercession/Small Groups
• 9:00am Personal Devotions
• 10:00am Teaching
• 12:15pm Lunch
• 1:15pm Work Duty/Teaching
• 3:30pm Teaching/Work Duty
• 5:15pm Dinner

Your school may vary slightly. Evenings are to study and relax, but there will be some school meetings after dinner and on weekends.

Outreach

Students and staff usually pray together to determine the outreach locations for the school. Whenever possible, teams work alongside an existing fellowship, usually referring new believers to that church. After the outreach the team returns to our base for a time of sharing what God has done.

Costs*

$3,595 Single Person
$3,695  Single Parent
$7,390  Married Couple

*Classroom phase tuition only. Costs increase $50 September 1st.
Outreach phase airfare and grounds fees are in addition to the tuition cost.

There is an additional cost for children as follows:
$310  0-1 years
$495  2-5 years
$630  6-12 years
$840  13-16 years

Application fees:
$40 for singles and $50 for couples. Applications should be submitted at least one month prior to the school starting date.

Take $100 off the tuition price when you are accepted and are paid in full at least one month prior to the school start date.

Apply

Click here for an application.