Youth With A Mission

{{Short description|Christian missions training organisation}} {{Multiple issues| {{Unreliable sources|date=September 2025}} {{Primary sources|date=September 2025}} }} {{Infobox organization | logo = Youth With A Mission (logo).jpg | type = Christian interdenominational missionary association | footnotes = | name = Youth With A Mission (YWAM) | founded = {{Start date and age|1960}} | founder = Loren and Darlene Cunningham | location = | origins = | focus = | method = | revenue = | endowment = | num_volunteers = | num_employees = | num_members = | owner = | website = [https://www.ywam.org ywam.org] | dissolved = }}

'''Youth With A Mission''' (typically shortened '''YWAM''', generally pronounced {{IPAc-en|ˈ|w|aɪ|w|æ|m}}) is an interdenominational Christian mission organization with a focus on missionary work and training for Christian missions.

Founded by American missionary Loren Cunningham and his wife Darlene Cunningham in 1960, YWAM's stated purpose is to "know God and to make Him known".<ref>"Founders – Loren and Darlene Cunningham". YWAM.</ref><ref name="NYT02131993"> {{cite news | title = A Valentine bargain | author = Ari L. Goldman | newspaper = New York Times | url = https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F0CE1D91231F930A25751C0A965958260 | access-date = 2008-01-30 | date=February 13, 1993}}</ref> The organization pioneered self-funded short-term missions conducted by young people. Today, while maintaining its original youth-oriented ethos, the group has expanded its membership for those of older ages as well. While the efficacy and safety of YWAM's short-term missions has been called into question,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carlson |first=Darren |date=2019-09-12 |title=I'd Probably Still Cancel Your Short-Term Mission Trip |url=https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/still-cancel-short-term-mission-trip/ |access-date=2023-12-15 |website=The Gospel Coalition |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=YWAM: A Dynamic "Movement" of Hundreds of Ministries, but Not an Organization – MinistryWatch |date=12 March 2021 |url=https://ministrywatch.com/ywam-a-dynamic-movement-of-hundreds-of-ministries-but-not-an-organization/ |access-date=2023-12-16 |language=en-US}}</ref> the organization trains upwards of 25,000 short-term missions volunteers annually, accepting participants from across all Christian denominations, including Catholicism via its Kerygma Ministry.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kerygma |url=https://kerygma.network/ |access-date=2023-12-16 |website=kerygma.network}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.derryjournal.com/journal/Youth-with-a-Mission-in.3792785.jp |title=Youth with a Mission in Derry visit – Derry Today |access-date=2008-03-14 |archive-date=2008-04-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080423203744/http://www.derryjournal.com/journal/Youth-with-a-Mission-in.3792785.jp |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="CP08012005"> {{cite news | title = New Yorkers Pray for London Bombings | author = Rhoda Tse | newspaper = Christian Post | date = August 1, 2005 | url = https://www.christianpost.com/news/new-yorkers-pray-for-london-bombings-13601/ | access-date = 2018-05-09 }}</ref>

Despite initial criticism for its unconventional approach, YWAM grew rapidly, becoming non-denominational in 1964 and establishing short-term volunteer teams, vocational missions, and training schools. Key milestones included the creation of the School of Evangelism in Switzerland (1969), the foundation of the University of the Nations, and the launch of Mercy Ships in 1978. By the 2000s, YWAM had over 11,000 staff from more than 130 countries, with programs extending into disaster relief, youth ministries, evangelism at international sporting events, and global partnerships with Christian organizations.

YWAM operates a range of programs including evangelism through sports, music, and drama, extensive training through the University of the Nations, and humanitarian aid via Mercy Ministries, Homes of Hope, and ship-based outreaches. The organization emphasizes the “Seven Mountain Mandate,” aiming to influence society's key sectors, though this has drawn theological and political criticism. YWAM has faced controversies involving allegations of spiritual and financial abuse, sexual misconduct, and doctrinal concerns. Its missionaries have also faced dangers abroad, including shootings, imprisonments, and kidnappings. It organizes events such as The Send to mobilize Christians worldwide.

==History== Youth With A Mission was conceived by Loren Cunningham in 1956. As a 20-year-old student in an Assemblies of God College, he was traveling in the Bahamas when he had a vision of a movement that would send young people out into various nations to share the message of Jesus, and which would involve Christians of all Christian denominations.<ref>"[https://web.archive.org/web/20050220235012/http://ywam.org/contents/abo_his_1956.htm 1956: Beginnings]". YWAM.</ref><ref name="LynnGreenCP"> {{cite news | title = Interview with the Executive Director of YWAM | author = Rhoda Tse | newspaper = Christian Post | date = April 25, 2005 | access-date = 2018-05-09 | url = https://www.christianpost.com/news/interview-with-the-executive-chairman-of-ywam-lynn-green-13425/ | quote = The vision was really a picture that he had in his spirit. It was a globe – as if seen from space – and there were waves lapping each continent, and each wave would come up further inland until he saw that each continent was completely covered. Upon closer inspection, the waves were actually young people. He knew then that the young people would be taking the message of the gospel throughout the world. }}</ref> Despite his ordination by the Assemblies of God, Cunningham's untraditional ideas were met with considerable criticism as denominational leaders pointed out problems with his plan to send young, inexperienced youth from many denominations, overseas.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Buenting |first=Debra |title=YWAM's Transformation: From Short-Term Missions to Discipling Nations |url=https://www.missionfrontiers.org/issue/article/ywams-transformation |access-date=2023-12-15 |website=www.missionfrontiers.org |language=en-US}}</ref>

Cunningham married Darlene Scratch in 1963. By this time, the new mission had 20 volunteers stationed in various nations, and the Cunninghams were planning the mission's first "Summer of 69". Later in the year, YWAM teams were sent to the West Indies, Samoa, Hawaii, Mexico, and Central America.{{citation needed|date=April 2022}} In 1964, the organization became non-denominational.<ref>John W. Kennedy, [https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2010/december/13.40.html Youth with a Passion], christianitytoday.com, USA, December 8, 2010</ref>

By 1966, there were ten full-time YWAM staff including the founders and hundreds of seasonal volunteers. That year, YWAM ministries also began in New Zealand and Tonga.<ref name="ywam1960" /><ref>"[http://www.catalystministriesuk.org/lorencunningham.html Loren Cunningham]". Catalyst Ministries UK.</ref> In late 1966, the name Youth With A Mission was chosen, and the group embarked on their first project, a vocational mission trip to Liberia, building a road through the jungle to a leper colony.<ref>Brian Stiller, ''Evangelicals Around the World: A Global Handbook for the 21st Century'', Thomas Nelson, USA, 2015, p. 22</ref><ref>Erwin Fahlbusch, Geoffrey William Bromiley, ''The Encyclodedia of Christianity, Volume 3 '', Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, USA, 2003, p. 584</ref><ref name="ywam1960">"[https://web.archive.org/web/20050310192434/http://www.ywam.org/contents/abo_his_1966.htm The 1966s: The Vision of YWAM Comes to Life]". YWAM.</ref><ref>Brian Stiller, ''Evangelicals Around the World: A Global Handbook for the 21st Century'', Robert Nelson the 3rd, USA, 2015, p. 269</ref>

In 1967, Loren Cunningham began work on the organization's first summer school, the School of Evangelism. It was held in Chateau-d'Oex (Hotel Rosat), Switzerland in 1969 with 21 students. A second school ran from the summer of 1969 through the summer of 1970 just outside Lausanne, Switzerland, in Chalet-A-Gobet. The students' lodging and classes took place in a newly renovated leased hotel. By the end of the year, YWAM purchased the hotel and made Lausanne its first permanent location.<ref name="YWAM1970s">"[https://web.archive.org/web/20050220234857/http://ywam.org/contents/abo_his_1970.htm The 1970s: Two Hotels, a Shipwreck, and a Vision]". YWAM.</ref>

The School of Evangelism was formed in 1974 in New Jersey as well as Lausanne. With a focus on biblical foundations and character development as well as missions, much of the material from this course is now taught in the present day Discipleship Training School (DTS).<ref name="YWAM1970s"/> A format of three months of lectures followed by two or three months of outreach is still used in most Discipleship Training Schools (sometimes known as the Discipleship Training Course or "DTC") today.<ref name="LynnGreenCP"/><ref name="YWAM1970s"/>

By 1970, YWAM had a total of 40 full-time staff.<ref name="YWAM1970s"/> In early 1972, a small team headed to Munich, Germany, to begin preparations for an outreach during the 1972 Summer Olympics; YWAM stationed 1,000 people at Munich for the outreach during the Games, and would later go on to conduct other Olympic outreach programmes at later Games.

The University of the Nations online magazine has stated that Cunningham met scientist and professor Howard V. Malmstadt at a conference in 1974. Malmstadt and Cunningham started giving educational seminars together, and Cunningham asked Malmstadt to help expand the training arm of the mission. In 1977, YWAM purchased the Pacific Empress Hotel in Kona, Hawaii, and began renovations to turn it into the campus for the Pacific and Asia Christian University, the forerunner of University of the Nations.<ref name="UofNMalmstadt">"[http://www.uofnkona.edu/index.cfm?fuseaction=control.main&sectionID=180 U of N's Founding Father Dr. Howard V. Malmstadt]{{Dead link|date=November 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}". University of the Nations, Kona, Hawaii.</ref>

By 1978, YWAM's Mercy Ships ministry was launched with the commissioning of the ship ''Anastasis'' (the Greek word for 'resurrection').<ref name="CT12142007"> {{cite news | title = Saving Faces | author = Deann Alford | work = Christianity Today | date = December 14, 2007 | url = http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/december/24.50.html | access-date = 2008-01-27 }}</ref> In 1984, the m/v ''Good Samaritan'' was added, in 1990 the m/v ''Pacific Ruby'', then in 1994 the m/v ''Caribbean Mercy'' and finally in 2001 the m/v ''Pacific Link''. Mercy Ships was pioneered by YWAM, but in 2003 was released as a separate organization.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ywam.org/about-us/history/|title = YWAM History}}</ref> A New Zealand-based YWAM ship ministry, formerly a part of Mercy Ships called Marine Reach, which owned and operated the m/v ''Pacific Link'' continued to remain within the YWAM family and, over time, a number of ship equipped ministries sprouted up as part of the YWAM Ships network.{{citation needed|date=April 2022}}

By the end of the 1980s, YWAM changed the name of its university to University of the Nations (U of N). The concept of a YWAM university that would encompass training programs in hundreds of YWAM locations was developed by Cunningham and Malmstadt.<ref name="UofNMalmstadt"/><ref name="YWAM1980s">"[https://web.archive.org/web/20050220234959/http://ywam.org/contents/abo_his_1980.htm The 1980s: Mercy Ministry Grows Up]". YWAM.</ref> When communist regimes in Eastern Europe began to fall in the early 1990s, YWAM began outreaches to countries there, including Albania.<ref>Moring, Mark. "[http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/9c4/9c4038.html Go!] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080214142444/http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/9c4/9c4038.html |date=2008-02-14 }}". ''Campus Life''. January/February 1999, Vol. 57, No. 6, Page 38.</ref> In the 1990s, YWAM became a strong promoter of the 10/40 Window concept of evangelization and associated spiritual mapping prayer campaigns, which focused on praying on-site in specific locations to battle demons or territorial spirits.<ref>{{Cite thesis |last=Holvast |first=René |title=Spiritual Mapping: The Turbulent Career of a Contested American Missionary Paradigm, 1989–2005 |date=2008 |publisher=Utrecht University |url=https://dspace.library.uu.nl/bitstream/handle/1874/29340/holvast.pdf?sequence=2 |isbn=978-90-393-4829-1 |pages=xi, 27-28, 73}}</ref>

By 2000, YWAM had over 11,000 staff from over 130 countries and had become almost 50 percent non-Western.<ref name=ywam1990>"[https://web.archive.org/web/20050310193623/http://www.ywam.org/contents/abo_his_1990.htm The 1990s to Present: Looking With Both Eyes]". YWAM.</ref> Reflecting this diversity, in 1999, New Zealander Frank Naea, who has Samoan and Māori parentage, was chosen to become YWAM's first non-white president in 2000, replacing Jim Stier, who was to continue as international director of evangelism and frontier missions and national director for Brazil.<ref name="CT03011999"> {{cite magazine | title = In Brief | magazine = Christianity Today | date =March 1, 1999 | access-date = 2008-01-27 | url = http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/1999/march1/9t323b.html }}</ref> In 2000, YWAM developed a new role of Executive chairman, which Jim Stier stepped into, and made the presidency a three-year rotating position.<ref name=ywam1990/> However, at a meeting in 2011, the organization's elders did away with the titles director, chairman, and president, in reference to all leadership roles except at the local level. By 2006, YWAM had joined the International Orality Network (ION), a multi-agency outreach effort to "the world's non-literate masses", employing verbal and dramatic means to introduce the Gospel to non-literate populations.<ref name="CT03012006"/> In 2008, a number of mission organizations and church mission departments, including YWAM, started the Call To All movement, dedicated to completing the Great Commission in the modern day.

==Programs==

===Evangelism=== Sports camps, drama presentations, musical events, volunteering, and other creative and performing arts are among the avenues through which volunteers and staff share their Christian faith.<ref name="Cayman">[http://www.caymannetnews.com/cgi-script/csArticles/articles/000023/002363.htm Cayman Net News: Working for God in the South Pacific]</ref>

===International sporting event outreaches=== Youth With A Mission has been active in evangelism at the World Olympic Games since 1972.<ref>According to the Christian Post, the 2006 Winter Olympic outreach in Turino was YWAM's 16th, yet the total number of Olympic Summer and Winter games from 1972 to 2006 would need include the 1980 Summer Olympics and still only amount to 15 games. One supposes that the Christian Post has knowledge of YWAM activities at Moscow and one previous event.</ref> *1972 Summer Olympics, Munich: It is believed 1,000 volunteers were part of the outreach effort, which included 50 Dutch volunteers under Romkje Fountain (who later founded YWAM Holland)<ref>[http://www.christiantoday.com/article/ywam.associates.intouch.renewal.gathering.to.be.held.in.switzerland/3495.htm YWAM Associates InTouch Renewal Gathering to be Held in Switzerland]</ref> *1976 Summer Olympics, Montreal: The outreach included street evangelism.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.christianity.ca/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?&pid=4162&srcid=2212 |title=Christianity.ca – Everyone Benefits from STM |access-date=2008-02-29 |archive-date=2008-04-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080423030038/http://www.christianity.ca/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?&pid=4162&srcid=2212 |url-status=dead }}</ref> *The 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow were heavily boycotted and afforded little opportunity for evangelism because of Communist precepts. YWAM is presumed not to have participated. *1984 Summer Olympics, Los Angeles:<ref>[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SB&p_theme=sb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB0D57444804920&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM Olympian outreach games in LA attracting thousands of evangelists]</ref><ref>[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=MH&s_site=miami&p_multi=MH&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB36014427707BC&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM Major faiths to race for souls of 7,200 athletes]</ref> YWAM notes they performed street theater during these games.<ref>"[http://www.ywamedmonton.com/PerformingArts/index.html Performing arts]". Youth with a Mission, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada</ref> *1992 Summer Olympics, Barcelona: YWAM conducted open-air church services and performed gospel drama, live music and dance in the streets.<ref>[http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/fred_edwords/freethot.html Freethought Challenges Of The '90s]</ref> *1996 Summer Olympics, Atlanta: 4,500 YWAM members were active behind the scenes.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.jesus.org.uk/dawn/1996/dawn9631.html |title=DAWN News from USA (Atlanta Olympics), Islamic World, Russia |access-date=2008-02-29 |archive-date=2008-04-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080423053048/http://www.jesus.org.uk/dawn/1996/dawn9631.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> About 1,000 volunteers were official greeters at the Olympic Village<ref>[http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/1996/july15/6t8070.html?start=2 NEWS: 1,800 Churches Participating in Olympic Outreach | Christianity Today | A Magazine of Evangelical Conviction]</ref><ref name="AtheistsOrg">{{Cite web |url=http://www.atheists.org/ftpfiles/admin/AANEWS/aanews01.098 |title=RELIGIONISTS READY TO PROSELYTIZE AT OLYMPIC GAMES |access-date=2023-08-28 |archive-date=2008-04-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080423004338/http://www.atheists.org/ftpfiles/admin/AANEWS/aanews01.098 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and 1,000 more helped with Olympic security and translating.<ref name="AtheistsOrg" /> *1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano: Southern Baptist International Mission Board missionaries cooperated with YWAM at the Nagano Winter Olympic Games Outreach.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.imb.org/main/news/details.asp?LanguageID=1709&StoryID=161 |title=International Mission Board:: News & Information |access-date=2008-02-29 |archive-date=2008-04-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080423025111/http://www.imb.org/main/news/details.asp?LanguageID=1709&StoryID=161 |url-status=dead }}</ref> According to the YWAM website, the central event was a prayer march from Zenkō-ji, an historic Buddhist temple, to the Olympic Plaza.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ywam.org/news/ja498.html |title=Japan, April 1998 YWAM News Digest |access-date=2008-02-29 |archive-date=2008-04-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080423051640/http://www.ywam.org/news/ja498.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> *2000 Summer Olympics, Sydney: YWAM member Kara Miller Stewart participated in an Olympic dance events.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/58806491.html?dids=58806491:58806491&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Aug+26%2C+2000&author=GENA+PASILLAS&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=O.C.+RELIGION%3B+ORANGE+COUNTY+FILE%3B+Events&pqatl=google | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080422215848/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/58806491.html?dids=58806491:58806491&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Aug+26%2C+2000&author=GENA+PASILLAS&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=O.C.+RELIGION%3B+ORANGE+COUNTY+FILE%3B+Events&pqatl=google | url-status=dead | archive-date=April 22, 2008 | title=O.C. RELIGION; ORANGE COUNTY FILE; Events | first=Gena | last=Pasillas | date=August 26, 2000}}</ref> YWAM worked closely with United Bible Societies to distribute ''Towards the Goal'', a sports focused New Testament.<ref name=autogenerated1>[http://www.biblesociety.org/wr_339/wr_339.htm UBS World Report 339, March 1999]</ref> *2002 Winter Olympics, Salt Lake City: YWAM was hosted by the Salvation Army.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20031006064056/http://deseretnews.com/oly/view/0,3949,60000162,00.html An army of charming volunteers – 2002 Winter Olympics coverage]</ref> *2004 Summer Olympics, Athens: YWAM member musician Benny Prasad was invited to perform during these games.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=47153 |title=Saipan Tribune |access-date=2008-02-29 |archive-date=2008-06-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080622053020/http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=47153 |url-status=dead }}</ref> YWAM also organized arts and music events.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=BEHB&s_site=bellinghamherald&f_site=bellinghamherald&f_sitename=Bellingham+Herald%2C+The+%28WA%29&p_multi=BEHB&p_theme=gannett&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=1022A37050E7422B&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM | title=Newspaper Archive}}</ref> A YWAM member was arrested for "suspicious activity" but was later released. Greece is the only European Union (EU) country to ban proselytism in its constitution.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forum18.org/Archive.php?article_id=321|title=GREECE: Religious freedom, the Achilles' Heel|access-date=2023-08-28}}</ref> *2006 Winter Olympics, Turin: This was reportedly the 16th YWAM Olympic related event. YWAM used entertainment events such as music, street drama, community festivals and snow boarding clinics for creative interaction.<ref>[https://www.christianpost.com/news/ywam-prepares-for-winter-olympics-outreach-in-italy-16012/ YWAM Prepares for Winter Olympics Outreach in Italy | Christianpost.com]</ref> *2012 Summer Olympics, London: A season of outreach was held during and after the Summer Olympic Games in London, 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.forever2012.com/ |title=Welcome to the website of Forever 2012 |access-date=2023-08-28 |archive-date=2012-03-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120326133828/http://www.forever2012.com/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> * 2016 Summer Olympics, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: An outreach is planned for this event.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211205/2BaNF1IXwDI Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20140116193727/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BaNF1IXwDI&feature=youtu.be Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BaNF1IXwDI| title = Lions Roar For The King | website=YouTube | date = 10 August 2012 }}{{cbignore}}</ref>

===Training===

The purpose of YWAM training programs is stated to be to help develop students' relationship with God and others, to help them find God's purpose for their lives, and to empower them to live Christ-like lives whatever their vocation may be. An important concept in YWAM teaching is the notion of societal "spheres of influence", via the Seven Mountain Mandate such as education, government, arts and entertainment, media and communication, business and commerce, family, and church.<ref>"[http://www.intouchcamps.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13&Itemid=17 About]". inTouch Camps Europe, YWAM. Last updated 26 July 2008. {{Web archive|url=https://archive.today/20080627225607/http://www.intouchcamps.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13&Itemid=17}}</ref><ref>"[http://www.uofnkona.edu/Transformations/pdfs/Fall2006.pdf Q&A with Loren] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927231430/http://www.uofnkona.edu/Transformations/pdfs/Fall2006.pdf |date=2007-09-27 }}". ''Transformations'', volume 3, page 2, 2006. University of the Nations, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.</ref> YWAM aims to train and equip Christians to become influential within these spheres.<ref>"[http://www.ywamdtscentre.com/ywamers/Value%202.htm Perspective: A Fire of Cleansing, in Every Area] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080423233730/http://www.ywamdtscentre.com/ywamers/Value%202.htm |date=2008-04-23 }}". International DTS Centre, YWAM. 1 February 2005.</ref> One of the university's leaders is Andy Byrd, who would later become one of the co-founders of The Send movement.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.cscc.org.sg/speaker/andy-byrd-2/| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505150842/https://www.cscc.org.sg/speaker/andy-byrd-2/| url-status=dead| archive-date=2022-05-05|title=Andy Byrd|accessdate=March 11, 2024|website=Cornerstone Community Church|year=2022|language=en}}</ref>

The various training schools of YWAM are organized under the structure of the unaccredited University of the Nations.<ref name="LynnGreenCP"/> The University of Nations offers modular courses,<ref name="LynnGreenCP"/> which in the USA are accredited via bi-lateral arrangements with certain other higher education institutions, rather than by accrediting agencies.<ref>{{Cite web |title=YWAM University of the Nations Credit Partnership Page |url=https://www.cityvision.edu/lp/ywam-uofn/ |access-date= |website=City Vision University}}</ref> In some nations, such as Australia, certain YWAM courses are recognized by accrediting agencies.<ref>{{cite web|title=Accreditation|url=http://www.ywamperth.org.au/training.asp?overview#Accreditation|access-date=25 October 2012}}</ref><ref>"[http://www.uofnkona.edu/index.cfm?fuseaction=control.main&sectionid=182 Considerations about accreditation] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080523123328/http://www.uofnkona.edu/index.cfm?fuseaction=control.main&sectionID=182 |date=2008-05-23 }}". University of the Nations, Kona, Hawaii.</ref> Most schools in the University of Nations system have a three-month lecture phase which is then followed by a two- to three-month field assignment priced at around $9,000.<ref name="LynnGreenCP"/> It has been reported by former members that after the initial Discipleship Training School, they are recruited into further courses, programs, seminars or into long term staffing positions. All staff positions are unpaid and require $400–$600 a month in self-funded fees for room and board.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Staff |url=https://ywamkona.org/staff/ |access-date=2023-12-16 |website=YWAM UofN Kona |language=en-US}}</ref> Notably, the price of tuition is comparable to that of most accredited universities who are able to pay staff and faculty.<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Liz Knueven |author2=Ryan Wangman |editor= Richard Richtmyer |title=Average Cost of College Tuition |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/average-college-tuition |access-date=2023-12-16 |website=Business Insider |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216204136/https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/average-college-tuition |archive-date=16 Dec 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Mercy Ministries===

YWAM works to help meet the practical and physical needs of the global community through its many relief and development initiatives, collectively known as Mercy Ministries International.<ref>Robert H. Krapohl, Charles H. Lippy, ''The Evangelicals: A Historical, Thematic, and Biographical Guide'', Greenwood Publishing Group, USA, 1999, p. 163</ref> These various YWAM ministries are spread throughout most of the locations that YWAM missionaries live and work, and range in scope from serving the poor through local feeding programs to international disaster relief teams that work in places of great need, such as the 2004 tsunami<ref name="kltv.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.kltv.com/Global/story.asp?S=3460343&nav=1TjDauji |title=YWAM Workers Continue Tsunami Relief Despite Anti-Christian Violence – KLTV 7 News Tyler, Longview, Jacksonville | |publisher=Kltv.com |access-date=2011-09-19 |archive-date=2012-02-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222011109/http://www.kltv.com/Global/story.asp?S=3460343&nav=1TjDauji |url-status=dead }}</ref> and the 2010 Haiti earthquake.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wkyc.com/news/local/news_article.aspx?storyid=130213&catid=3 |title=WKYC staffer arrives in Haiti, finds 'worse than expected' conditions |publisher=wkyc.com |date=2010-02-04 |access-date=2011-09-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kolotv.com/home/headlines/84288127.html |title=Missionary Gives Exclusive Look into Haiti One Month After Quake |publisher=Kolotv.com |date=2010-02-12 |access-date=2011-09-19 |archive-date=2011-09-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928111055/http://www.kolotv.com/home/headlines/84288127.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

====Ship-based ministries====

YWAM ship-equipped ministries, the maritime arm of YWAM's Mercy Ministries, uses ships to bring physical and spiritual healing to those in need. YWAM ships have provided vital surgeries, dental care, medical supplies, food, seeds, construction materials, development projects, training, and the organisation's spiritual message.<ref>[http://www.marinereach.com/ Marine Reach – – Youth With a Mission]</ref>

Mercy Ships was the original ship-based relief ministry of YWAM, and the new ship-equipped ministries grew from the foundations laid by the Mercy Ships vision and expansive ministry. Mercy Ships is now operationally separated from YWAM. New Zealand based YWAM ship ministry, formerly a part of Mercy Ships called Marine Reach, which owned and operated the m/v Pacific Link continued to remain within YWAM family and is now operated by YWAM Ships Australia.

====Disaster relief====

Various YWAM ministries took part in relief efforts in Louisiana and surrounding states after Hurricane Katrina and Rita.<ref>[http://www.kplctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=5158140&nav=0nqx A Happy Ending for one Sulphur Family] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080423012624/http://www.kplctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=5158140&nav=0nqx |date=2008-04-23 }}. KPLC.</ref>

Youth With A Mission was also involved in disaster relief and grief counseling after the 2004 tsunami. tsunami relief by YWAM staff took place in India, Thailand, and Indonesia in both the immediate aftermath of the tsunami and is reported to still continue in some areas.<ref name="kltv.com"/><ref>{{cite journal |url=http://arms.org.au/Jan2005.pdf |title=Mateship In The Face Of Disaster |first=David |last=Skeat |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070903133712/http://arms.org.au/Jan2005.pdf |archive-date=September 3, 2007 |access-date=March 4, 2023 |journal=Focus on Mercy |issue=January–March 2005}}</ref>

Flooding in Pakistan in 2007 in the Sindh province prompted a response by twenty Muslim, Christian, and Hindu volunteers led by YWAM Pakistan. They were assisted by an appeal made through YWAM London's disaster relief|relief office. Various YWAM entities in Pakistan were able to distribute food for a month to 3,000 of the 150,000 homeless survivors there.<ref name="CP07292007"> {{cite news | title = Relief Agencies Continue to Respond to Silent Cries of Pakistan Flood Victims | author = Maria Mackay | newspaper = Christian Post | date = July 29, 2007 | access-date = 2018-05-09 | url = https://www.christianpost.com/news/relief-agencies-continue-to-respond-to-silent-cries-of-pakistan-flood-victims-28654/ }}</ref>

Hurricane Katrina flooded all eleven of YWAM New Orleans' buildings. Personnel were evacuated to YWAM bases in Baton Rouge and Tyler, Texas, where volunteers in their MercyWorks relief arm prepared to take food, baby items and water to victims once access was granted to relief workers by the National Guard.<ref name="CP09022005"> {{cite news | title = YWAM Houses, Prepares Aid for Hurricane Katrina Victims | author = Katherine T. Phan | newspaper = Christian Post | date = September 2, 2005 | access-date = 2008-01-28 | url = https://www.christianpost.com/news/ywam-houses-prepares-aid-for-hurricane-katrina-victims-13704/ }}</ref> Earlier that year, YWAM lodgings in Phuket, Thailand were destroyed by the tsunami of 26 December 2004.<ref name="MD01122005"> {{cite news | title = Missionaries spared from tsunami's path | author = Bette Nunn | publisher = Mooresville-Decatur Times | date = January 12, 2005 | access-date = 2008-03-16 | url=http://www.md-times.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=7008&format=html }}</ref>

====Disease prevention and treatment====

In Uganda, YWAM is working with villagers to provide relief for HIV/AIDS. They have established orphanages and are ensuring children are educated. British singer, Lemar visited the project in Soroti in 2007.<ref name=autogenerated2>{{cite web|url=http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/fromthefield/106864252976.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031121151618/http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/fromthefield/106864252976.htm|archive-date=November 21, 2003|publisher= Reuters AlertNet |title=Christian Aid partners help those left homeless by Ugandan rebels|date=12 Nov 2003 }}]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/fromthefield/218275/117931431622.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070518072939/http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/fromthefield/218275/117931431622.htm|archive-date=May 18, 2007|date=May 16, 2007|publisher=Reuters AlertNet |title=Lemar returns to Africa for Christian Aid Week]}}</ref>

In 2007, ARMS announced a new ministry focus – an international campaign against malaria called Buzz Off.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://arms.org.au/ministryarea.asp?id=41 |title=ARMS |access-date=2008-06-20 |archive-date=2008-07-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719085746/http://www.arms.org.au/ministryarea.asp?id=41 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The campaign is aimed at empowering smaller NGOs and ministries working in malaria endemic nations to tackle the problem of malaria at the local level. In from 2009 to 2010 Buzz Off fed resources into Burmese internally displaced people (IDP) camps providing long-lasting insecticidal mosquito nets into IDP areas through already established health networks. Some funding organizations in Australia are getting behind the work that Buzz Off is doing with the IDPs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.entrust.org.au/projects/CURRENT-PROJECTS/Buzz-Off-Anti-Malaria-Campaign-Myanmar-%28Burma%29-Budget-25700-Required-14000.asp |title=Entrust Foundation – Buzz Off – Anti-Malaria Campaign – Myanmar (Burma) – Budget $25,700 – Required $14,200 |website=www.entrust.org.au |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003171516/http://www.entrust.org.au/projects/CURRENT-PROJECTS/Buzz-Off-Anti-Malaria-Campaign-Myanmar-%28Burma%29-Budget-25700-Required-14000.asp |archive-date=2011-10-03}}</ref>

====Other mercy ministry initiatives====

YWAM San Diego is involved in building homes for families in Mexico through its Homes of Hope ministry. According to Sean Lambert, president of YWAM San Diego/Baja, teams participating with his base have built 2,084 homes for needy families since 1991.<ref name="SOS12142006"> {{cite news | title = Carlsbad students help build housing for the homeless | author = Angela Holman | newspaper = San Diego Union-Tribune | date = December 14, 2006 | url = http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20061214-9999-lz1mi14lauren.html | access-date = 2008-02-25 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-29423378_ITM | work=PR Newswire | title=Fresh Produce Sportswear Brings Color and Hope to Underprivileged Families in Mexico | date=January 30, 2007}}</ref> Teams purchase the housing materials and, optionally, furniture. These teams then travel to Tijuana or Ensenada, Mexico to build the house with YWAM staff overseeing the project.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ywamsdb.org|title=Youth with a Mission – San Diego|access-date=2023-08-28}}</ref> In recent years the work has expanded throughout the Caribbean into the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, and Panama.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ywamhaiti.org/ministries/homes-of-hope/|title = Homes of Hope « YWAM Haiti}}</ref> According to their website, Homes of Hope has built a total of 4,300 homes in 16 different nations.

===Youth ministries===

Despite its historical and value emphasis on young people, YWAM involves people of all ages. However, there is still a core emphasis on youth ministry. While YWAM has many programs focusing on youth ministry, within the larger organization it has developed three transnational ministries for youth: Mission Adventures (MA), King's Kids International (KKI) and Youth Street. YWAM holds an annual spring event offering free dentistry to children in Lindale, TX. The ministry is first come, first served; while thousands are given free treatment, thousands more are turned away, sometimes coming from many states away.<ref>[http://www.kltv.com/Global/story.asp?S=1801099 Free Health Care in East Texas] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080507122343/http://www.kltv.com/Global/story.asp?S=1801099 |date=2008-05-07 }}. KLTV.</ref> In 1973, Pastor David E. Ross founded YWAM Korea, and launched campus ministries where Bible meditation sessions, prayer meetings and worship services are held on campuses in that nation.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ywamkorea.org/worship_tues.php |title=예수전도단 |access-date=2013-11-29 |archive-date=2013-12-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203024401/http://www.ywamkorea.org/worship_tues.php |url-status=dead |language=ko}}</ref> Currently, in South Korea, about 120 universities have YWAM campus ministries{{citation needed|date=November 2013}} with 150 assistant administrators and eight university discipleship training schools.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ywamkorea.org/ministry_univ.php |title=예수전도단 |access-date=2013-11-29 |archive-date=2013-12-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203024005/http://www.ywamkorea.org/ministry_univ.php |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Film projects===

YWAM Missionary Lee Isaac Chung's film Munyurangabo (Liberation Day) earned ''Un Certain Regard'' at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival. Chung cast two street kids whom he found through YWAM's soccer-outreach program as the stars of a film that dealt with the moral and emotional repercussions of the Rwandan genocide.<ref name="CT06042007"> {{cite news | title = Out of Africa | author = Peter T. Chattaway | publisher = Christianity | date = June 4, 2007 | access-date = 2008-01-27 | url = http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/news/blog-070604.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080110041731/http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/news/blog-070604.html  |archive-date = 2008-01-10}}</ref>

== Associations and working relationships ==

Youth With A Mission is a global mission with international partnerships. Former chairman Lynn Green recently reported that YWAM representatives sometimes sit "on boards of other commissions" and organizations.<ref name="LynnGreenCP"/>

YWAM also works closely with various missions and churches, as well as independent missionaries across the globe. Through these connections, YWAM has sometimes grown by taking over local independent ministries. One example of this is the story of its affiliate in Korea, Jesus Evangelism Team, which joined YWAM in the early 1980s.

A notable working relationship is the OneStory Project<ref name="autogenerated3">[http://ywamonestory.org/partnership.htm The OneStory Partnership]</ref> which is a partnership between YWAM, Campus Crusade for Christ, the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, Trans World Radio, and Wycliffe Bible Translators as well as other Great Commission-focused organizations, churches and individuals.<ref name="autogenerated4">[http://www.onestory.org/About/AboutDefault.aspx OneStory – About Us]</ref> United Bible Societies has also worked closely with YWAM as a missions partner.<ref name="autogenerated1" /> YWAM joined with the Evangelical Alliance and John C. Maxwell to design the training program for the Global Pastors Network's Million Leaders Mandate.<ref>[http://www.christiantoday.com/article/evangelical.alliance.ywam.to.launch.million.leaders.training.programme/4128.htm Evangelical Alliance & YWAM to Launch Million Leaders Training Programme]</ref> YWAM and Christian Direction work together to pray for Muslims during Ramadan.<ref>[http://www.crosswalk.com/1432127/ Religion Today Summaries – October 4, 2006]</ref> YWAM Pittsburgh has been involved in ecumenical local efforts to revive Epiphany School through teaching young people "Christian principles" and exposing them to dance and the arts.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/valleyindependent/jubilation/s_305449.html |title=Epiphany School given new life – PittsburghLIVE.com |access-date=2008-02-26 |archive-date=2008-04-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080423013738/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/valleyindependent/jubilation/s_305449.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Partnerships===

YWAM partners with: *Christian Aid<ref name=autogenerated2 /> *Campus Crusade for Christ<ref name=autogenerated4 /> *Trans World Radio<ref name=autogenerated4 /> *Wycliffe Bible Translators<ref name=autogenerated4 /> *World Vision<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ywamcanberra.org/ywaminternational.aspx?menu=ywaminternational |title=What Others Say About YWAM |access-date=2008-05-22 |archive-date=2009-03-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326232814/http://www.ywamcanberra.org/ywaminternational.aspx?menu=ywaminternational |url-status=dead }}</ref> *Food for the Hungry<ref>[http://www.ywam.org/ywamQuotes.asp?bhcp=1 What Others Say About Us]{{Dead link|date=November 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> *International House of Prayer<ref>{{cite web|title=Endorsements|url=http://www.ihopkc.org/about/endorsements/|work=ihop.org|publisher=International House of Prayer|access-date=16 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Baldwin|first=Jonathan|title=Convergence The Missions Movement Unites with the Prayer Movement|date=9 September 2010 |url=http://www.jonathanbaldwin.org/node/193|access-date=16 July 2013}}</ref> *New Apostolic Reformation<ref>{{Cite web |title=What churches should know about YWAM Part 2: Partnering with the New Apostolic Reformation |url=https://www.hollypivec.com/blog/2019/06/what-churches-should-know-about-ywam-part-2-partnering-with-the-new-apostolic-reformation/8331 |access-date=2023-12-15 |website=Holly Pivec |language=en-US}}</ref> *Modern Day Missions<ref>{{Cite web|title=Partners|url=https://www.modernday.org/partners/|access-date=2021-05-18|website=Modern Day Missions|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-05-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518164833/https://www.modernday.org/partners/|url-status=dead}}</ref> *The Send<ref name="christianpost.com">{{Cite web |last1=Law |first1=Jeannie Ortega |last2=Reporter |first2=Christian Post |date=2019-02-28 |title=60,000 Christians gather in Orlando for 'Jesus Movement' of this generation |url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/60000-christians-gather-in-orlando-for-jesus-movement-of-this-generation.html |access-date=2024-06-05 |website=www.christianpost.com |language=en}}</ref>

===Memberships===

YWAM is a member of: *the International Orality Network<ref name="CT03012006"> {{cite magazine | title = Winning the Oral Majority | author = Dawn Herzog Jewell | magazine = Christianity Today | date = March 1, 2006 | access-date = 2008-01-27 | url = http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/march/30.56.html }}</ref> *Call2All, a 200-organization initiative of the Global Pastors Network to lead a billion souls to Christ<ref>[http://www.christiantoday.com/article/ywamers.joins.global.initiative.to.bring.one.billion.to.christ/12658.htm YWAMers Join Global Initiative to Bring One Billion to Christ]</ref> *OneStory Project<ref name=autogenerated3 />

===Endorsements===

*Church of God Assistant Director Douglas Leroy has noted the cooperation between COG and YWAM, among others, and endorses cooperation with mission groups "who have expertise in certain areas, without compromising our doctrinal or policy integrity."<ref name="ChurchOfGod">[http://www.faithnews.cc/articles.cfm?sid=8010 FaithNews Network]{{Dead link|date=November 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref>

==Controversies== The organization has faced numerous controversies over its doctrine<ref>{{Cite web |last=churchwatcher |date=2019-06-02 |title=What churches should know about YWAM Part 1: A sketchy theological heritage. |url=https://churchwatchcentral.com/2019/06/02/what-churches-should-know-about-ywam-part-1-a-sketchy-theological-heritage/ |access-date=2020-07-15 |language=en}}</ref> and the behavior of its members, including complaints from former members of spiritual abuse, financial abuse, manipulation, and cultic indoctrination.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-03-25 |title=Missionary Group Thrust Into Limelight After Colorado Shootings |url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/missionary-group-thrust-into-limelight-after-colorado-shootings |access-date=2020-07-15 |website=Fox News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=YWAM people often did more harm than good |url=https://culteducation.com/group/1245-youth-with-a-mission/22531-ywam-people-often-did-more-harm-than-good.html |access-date=2020-07-15 |website=culteducation.com}}</ref>

=== 2016 sexual assault in Cambodia on outreach === A missionary, Mr. Choi, was sent out by YWAM to Cambodia where he was then arrested for engaging in inappropriate relations with a young woman. The young woman stated that she was assaulted. On November 29, Mr. Choi was suspended and banned from his mission and fundraising activities in Korea. Prior to this incident, Mr. Choi had been operating a school called, "New Vision School," which teaches primarily young children, kindergarten to the elementary age range. Mr. Choi had an extensive 30 years of experience in ministry.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kukmindaily.co.kr/article/view.asp?arcid=0011107955|title=Sexual Assault…Buying Sex…Is There No Way To Prevent Missionaries' Deviant Acts?|website=www.kukmindaily.co.kr|language=en|access-date=2019-08-26}}</ref>

===2017 Hawaii embezzlement charges=== In January 2018, Pablo Rivera, the chief financial officer for University of the Nations at YWAM-Kona, pled guilty to wire fraud.<ref name="seattletimes.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/ex-hawaii-school-official-sentenced-for-fraud/|title=Ex-Hawaii school official sentenced for fraud|date=2018-01-10|website=The Seattle Times|language=en-US|access-date=2019-11-27}}</ref> Rivera embezzled nearly 3.1 million dollars, amounting to $50,000 per month. According to the YWAM school leadership, in order to compensate for the fraud, increased charges were applied to volunteers and students.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/hawaii/articles/2017-05-18/hawaii-school-official-pleads-guilty-to-stealing-3-million|title=Hawaii School Official Pleads Guilty to Stealing $3 Million|date=May 18, 2017|work=US News}}</ref> According to the Department of Justice press release, Rivera used fraudulent invoices from an outside contractor to supplement his lavish lifestyle; this included plastic surgery, failed stock market investments and a gold mine in Sierra Leone.<ref name="seattletimes.com"/><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-05-16 |title=District of Hawaii {{!}} University Of The Nations CFO Pleads Guilty To Wire Fraud {{!}} United States Department of Justice |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-hi/pr/university-nations-cfo-pleads-guilty-wire-fraud |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=www.justice.gov |language=en}}</ref>

=== 2019 Jarryd Hayne controversy === Jarryd Hayne was charged with two counts of aggravated sexual assault inflicting bodily harm in relation to the alleged rape of a woman in Australia. The court trial took place starting in September 2020. While on bail, until he was convicted, the former NRL Player of the Year and Dally M medal recipient was scheduled to attend a Discipleship Training School (DTS) at the YWAM Australia Perth location under the Discipleship Training Director, Caleb Brownhill. It is uncertain whether he attended the outreach phase of the school, which was contingent upon a second bail variation.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/jul/03/jarryd-hayne-to-attend-christian-missionary-school-while-awaiting-trial-on-charges|title=Jarryd Hayne to attend Christian missionary school while awaiting trial on rape charges|agency=Australian Associated Press|date=2019-07-03|work=The Guardian|access-date=2019-08-26|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-au/sport/rugby-league/accused-rapist-nrl-star-jarryd-hayne-lashes-out-at-reporters-on-his-way-to-a-christian-camp-where-hell-study-to-become-an-evangelical-disciple/ar-AADVrH8|title=Accused rapist NRL star Jarryd Hayne lashes out at reporters on his way to a Christian camp – where he'll study to become an evangelical disciple|website=www.msn.com|access-date=2019-08-26}}</ref>

=== Homes of Hope === The YWAM program Homes of Hope was founded in 1990 to provide housing in developing regions. According to statements made to CNN, Homes of Hope works with families to improve housing conditions, constructing homes on property owned by client families. "Their homes are piecemeal, built out of scrap parts — some missing a roof and lacking electricity. These families want better homes, but simply can’t afford them. One nonprofit organization is trying to help."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gulledge |first=Jacqueline |date=2017-03-20 |title=Building homes, inspiring hope in Mexico |url=https://www.cnn.com/2017/03/20/health/iyw-homes-of-hope-international-building-homes-mexico/index.html |access-date=2024-06-05 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref> ''People'' magazine reported that the program has built over 5,320 homes in 21 countries with the help of more than 105,000 volunteers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sean Lambert Has Built 5320 Homes For Poor Families in the Developing World |url=https://people.com/human-interest/sean-lambert-has-built-5320-homes-for-poor-families-in-the-developing-world/ |access-date=2024-06-05 |website=Peoplemag |language=en}}</ref>

===Treatment of YWAM volunteers=== There have been numerous accounts detailing mistreatment of students and staff by leadership during their time in YWAM.<ref name="Shoot1999">{{cite journal |last=Mitchell |first=Paul |date=December 1999 |title=Christi-Anarchy |url=http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/1082/YWAMexco.htm |url-status=dead |journal=Shoot the Messenger |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091022221818/http://geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/1082/YWAMexco.htm |archive-date=October 22, 2009 |access-date=December 25, 2007}}</ref> The website of the International Cultic Studies Association hosts an article which describes in some detail an experience of spiritual abuse on a DTS course in Hawaii. In this incident the author and two other women left "in fear of serious damage to their mental health".<ref name="CSJJacobson">{{cite journal |last=Jacobson |first=Laurie |year=1986 |title=My Experience in YWAM: A Personal Account and Critique of Cultic Manipulation |journal=Cultic Studies Journal |url=http://www.icsahome.com/articles/my-experience-in-ywam-jacobson |url-status=dead |publisher=International Cultic Studies Association |volume=3 |issue=2 |pages=204–33 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150503050513/http://www.icsahome.com/articles/my-experience-in-ywam-jacobson |archive-date=May 3, 2015 |access-date=December 12, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bible Gateway passage: Ezekiel 34:20–22 – New International Version |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel+34:20-22&version=NIV |access-date=2018-03-05 |website=Bible Gateway}}</ref> A girl accused YWAM of enabling spiritual abuse, which happens at every single base and another female individual was told to always follow her leaders, even if she was aware that they were wrong.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Spiritual Abuse a Common Complaint for YWAM Students |date=23 March 2021 |url=https://julieroys.com/spiritual-abuse-ywam/ |access-date=September 13, 2025}}</ref>

The Apologetics Index also lists a number of personal accounts of spiritual abuse within the organization. The website's founder claims he himself was a victim of such abuse at the hands of a former YWAM leader, Floyd McClung. Talking about McClung, the author writes: "While I have forgiven the spiritual abuse and accepted his reluctant apologies ... the abuse has had far-reaching consequences, the scars of which I still bear."<ref name="Apologetics Index">{{Cite news |date=2014-05-03 |title=Youth with a Mission (YWAM) {{!}} Apologetics Index |url=http://www.apologeticsindex.org/4550-youth-with-a-mission |access-date=2018-03-05 |work=Apologetics Index |language=en-US}}</ref> He also quotes Harold Busséll, author of ''By Hook or by Crook: How Cults Lure Christians'', "While living in Europe, my wife and I were involved with an evangelical youth mission based in Switzerland. We were with the group only six weeks, but it was almost seven years before I had overcome the psychological damage caused by their cult-like control and spiritualization … Questioning a leader was considered an act of rebellion against God and His chain of command."<ref name="Apologetics Index" /> The book is based on the authors experience in YWAM.

The Christian Research Institute also say they have received complaints about YWAM.<ref name="ApologeticsIndexYWAM"> {{cite web |title=Youth with a Mission (YWAM) |url=http://www.apologeticsindex.org/y05.html |access-date=2008-01-31}}</ref> In 1990, cult "consultant" Rick Ross published an evaluation of Youth With A Mission which cited both positive and negative aspects of YWAM.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}} After the 2007 YWAM shootings, Ross told the Fox News Network that he continued to receive occasional "serious complaints" about Youth With A Mission, but he believed it is "not a cult".<ref name="FoxNews2007"> {{cite news |date=December 11, 2007 |title=Missionary Group Thrust into Limelight After Colorado Shootings |url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/missionary-group-thrust-into-limelight-after-colorado-shootings |access-date=2008-01-04 |publisher=Fox News}}</ref> Some of the political involvements of its founders and members have also been examined by the media.<ref name="SaraDiamond" /><ref name="Clarkson">{{cite web |title=This Week in Blogging the Religious Right: The Path to 9/11 Edition |url=http://www.politicalcortex.com/story/2006/9/8/213312/8102 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304032100/http://www.politicalcortex.com/story/2006/9/8/213312/8102 |archive-date=2016-03-04 |access-date=2020-08-12 |quote=Ríos Montt's ascension to power <nowiki>[by coup in 1982]</nowiki> was celebrated by the U.S. Christian Right as a sign of divine intervention in Central America.... In May, 1982, [Pat] Robertson told the New York Times that his Christian Broadcasting Network would send missionaries and more than a billion dollars in aid to help Rios Montt rule the country. While Robertson's offer never came to fruition, it enabled Rios Montt to convince the U.S. Congress that he would not seek massive sums of U.S. aid. Instead, he would rely on "private aid from U.S. evangelicals. Toward that end, Rios Montt's aide... came to the United States for a meeting with... <nowiki>[Reagan consigliore]</nowiki> Edwin Meese, Interior Secretary James Watt... and Christian Right leaders Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, and Loren Cunningham (head of Youth With a Mission).}}</ref><ref name="DocudramaRWR">{{cite news |last=Blumenthal |first=Max |date=September 11, 2006 |title=ABC 9/11 Docudrama's Right-Wing Roots |url=https://www.thenation.com/doc/20060925/path_to_911 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202011811/https://www.thenation.com/doc/20060925/path_to_911 |archive-date=December 2, 2008 |newspaper=The Nation |quote=According to Sara Diamond's book ''Spiritual Warfare'', during the 1980s YWAM 'sought to gain influence within the Republican party' while assisting authoritarian governments in South Africa and Central America. Cunningham, Diamond noted, was a follower of Christian Reconstructionism, an extreme current of evangelical theology that advocates using stealth political methods to put the United States under the control of Biblical law and jettison the Constitution. ... Last June, Cunningham's TFI announced it was producing its first film, mysteriously titled ''Untitled History Project''. 'TFI's first project is a doozy,' a newsletter to YWAM members read. 'Simply being referred to as: The Untitled History Project, it is already being called the television event of the decade and not one second has been put to film yet. Talk about great expectations!" (A web edition of the newsletter was mysteriously deleted last week after its publication by the blogger Digby, but has been cached on Google at the link above).}}</ref>

===Theological and doctrinal concerns=== Evangelical theologians Alan Gomes and E. Calvin Beisner argued certain doctrines taught to young missionaries at some YWAM locations from the 1970s until the 1990s to be unorthodox from a Protestant point of view. They referred to this set of doctrines as "Moral Government Theology",{{sfn|Gomes|1986|p=1|ps=. "The Moral Government teaching is a distinct system of theology concerned with the nature and attributes of God, the nature of man, and the process of salvation. [...] the form of “Moral Government” currently taught in certain circles has gone well beyond the formulations of Grotius."}} which combined doctrines concerning the nature and attributes of God such as open theism,{{sfn|Gomes|1986|pp=13-16}} the nature of man such as Pelagianism{{sfn|Gomes|1986|pp=39-48}} linked to a moral explanation of the atonement.{{sfn|Gomes|1986|pp=23-28}} Adherents of this theology such as Gordon Olson, Harry Conn and Winkie Pratney taught classes based on this teaching to young missionaries during this time period.{{sfn|Gomes|1986|pp=11, 15, 40}}

=== Forcing contact with uncontacted peoples === In 1995, two missionaries, working with the Brazilian branch of YWAM, JOCUM (Jovens com uma Missão) searched unsuccessfully for uncontacted Hi Merimã Indians. They were caught and expelled by FUNAI. Forcing contact could prove fatal to uncontacted peoples who are very vulnerable to common disease to which they have little resistance. The missionaries' diaries were obtained by Survival International who campaign for Indigenous people's rights.<ref>{{Cite web |last=International |first=Survival |title=Diaries expose missionaries' 'spiritual war' on uncontacted Indians |url=https://www.survivalinternational.org/news/7406 |access-date=2025-11-19 |website=www.survivalinternational.org |language=en}}</ref>

=== Faked film === David Loren Cunningham, son of the group's founders, produced a film, ''Hakani: A Survivor's Story'', which contains a depiction of infanticide among Amazonian tribes of Brazil.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hakani |url=http://livenews.com.au/world/brazilian-infanticide-film-highlights-native-rights/2009/5/23/207487}}</ref> Survival International, which campaigns for Indigenous people's rights, said that the film was faked and incited violence against Indigenous people. Members of the Suruwaha people said that evangelical missionaries Márcia and Edson Suzuki told the tribe they were taking a little girl, Hakani, to get medical treatment, but never brought her back. The couple had in fact adopted the girl and falsely claimed that members of the tribe tried to kill Hakani by burying her alive because she was disabled. They then used this lie to raise money and gather support for legislation that would allow Indigenous children to be taken away from their parents by force.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Survival International |title=Suruwaha'statements're'Channel'7'film'and'infanticide |url=https://assets.survivalinternational.org/documents/711/suruwaha-statements.pdf?_gl=1*15xf3fh*_ga_VBQT0CYZ12*czE3NjM1NzI3ODkkbzEkZzEkdDE3NjM1NzMyNTkkajYwJGwwJGgw*_ga_FEWW1C49BN*czE3NjM1NzI3ODkkbzEkZzEkdDE3NjM1NzMyNTkkajYwJGwwJGgw}}</ref>

== The Send == "The Send" is a global event series organized by YWAM and other ministries to promote Christian evangelism and missions, as reported by ''The Christian Post''<ref name="christianpost.com"/> with YWAM leader, Andy Byrd serving as its director. On February 23, 2019, over 40,000 Christians gathered at a "The Send" event Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, with thousands more joining via livestream, as reported by Fox News.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parke |first=Caleb |date=2019-02-25 |title='The Send' marks start of 'greatest Jesus movement,' over 40,000 Christians gather, commit to missions |url=https://www.foxnews.com/faith-values/the-send-marks-start-of-greatest-jesus-movement-as-more-than-40000-christians-gather-commit-to-missions |access-date=2024-06-05 |website=Fox News |language=en-US}}</ref> On February 8, 2020, "The Send Brazil" attracted 140,000 attendees across three stadiums in Brasilia and São Paulo, with millions joining online, according to the Christian Post. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro attended.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parke |first=Caleb |date=2020-02-10 |title='Historic' Christian event brings together 140,000 youth — and Brazil's president |url=https://www.foxnews.com/faith-values/christian-brazil-youth-movement-president-the-send |access-date=2024-06-05 |website=Fox News |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Political affiliations==

Youth With A Mission has no official political affiliations. The YWAM.org website states: "Individual YWAM staff and students come from a wide variety of political backgrounds and affiliations."<ref>"[http://www.ywam.org/FAQ2.asp?bhcp=1]" YWAM FAQs</ref>

===Accusations of political activity=== In 1989, Sara Diamond's book ''Spiritual Warfare'' mentioned a meeting in the United States between various Christian leaders (including YWAM Founder Loren Cunningham) and Efraín Ríos Montt. Ríos Montt consequently led a coup and counterinsurgency against Marxist guerrillas and his brief tenure as chief executive was one of the bloodiest periods in the long-running Guatemalan Civil War leading to accusations of war crimes and genocide perpetrated by the Guatemalan Army under his leadership.<ref name="SaraDiamond"> {{cite book | title = Spiritual Warfare: The Politics of the Christian Right | author = Sara Diamond | year = 1989 | isbn = 978-0-89608-361-5 | publisher = South End Press | location = Boston, MA | quote = Ríos Montt's ascension to power <nowiki>[by coup in 1982]</nowiki> was celebrated by the U.S. Christian Right as a sign of divine intervention in Central America.... In May, 1982, [Pat] Robertson told the New York Times that his Christian Broadcasting Network would send missionaries and more than a billion dollars in aid to help Rios Montt rule the country. While Robertson's offer never came to fruition, it enabled Rios Montt to convince the U.S. Congress that he would not seek massive sums of U.S. aid. Instead, he would rely on "private aid from U.S. evangelicals. Toward that end, Rios Montt's aide... came to the United States for a meeting with... <nowiki>[Reagan consigliore]</nowiki> Edwin Meese, Interior Secretary James Watt... and Christian Right leaders Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, and Loren Cunningham). | url-access = registration | url = https://archive.org/details/spiritualwarfare0000diam }}</ref> The practice of using missionary groups as cover is not unheard of and prompted the National Association of Evangelicals to release a statement regarding governmental use of missionary and aid workers: "We insist that the CIA close any loophole that allows for intelligence gathering collaboration with clergy, missionaries, and aid workers. We insist that the CIA clarify and publish its policy for the protection of United States citizens serving in ministry abroad."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Governmental Use of Missionary and Aid Workers |url=https://www.nae.org/governmental-use-of-missionary-and-aid-workers/ |access-date=2023-12-15 |website=National Association of Evangelicals}}</ref> Diamond also suggested that YWAM "sought to gain influence within the Republican party."

In 2009, it was reported that C Street Center was purchased by YWAM in 1980. The property is used by influential and controversial group The Fellowship for hosting meetings, and as boarding facilities for members of the US Congress.<ref>Roig-Franzia, Manuel (June 26, 2009) [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/25/AR2009062504480.html "The Political Enclave That Dare Not Speak Its Name."] Washington Post. Retrieved on July 12, 2009</ref>

===Doctrines on redeeming culture=== In 1975, YWAM's founder Loren Cunningham, along with Bill Bright of Campus Crusade spoke of the importance of influencing seven main segments or spheres of society and culture (Family, Celebration, Religion, Government, Education, Science, Media).<ref>{{Citation |title=Loren Cunningham Original Vision of 7 Mountains Strategy | date=21 March 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOrLz_RdOjQ |access-date=2023-12-15 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://ywampodcast.net/shows/teaching/the-seven-spheres-of-influence-loren-cunningham/|title=The Seven Spheres of Influence – Loren Cunningham|date=2016-02-12|work=YWAM Podcast Network|access-date=2017-05-30|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ywamperth.org.au/articles/7-questions-impacting-spheres-society/|title=7 Questions for those Impacting the Spheres of Society – YWAM Perth Australia|work=YWAM Perth Australia|access-date=2017-05-30|language=en-US}}</ref> One of these segments included "fighting a spiritual battle to redeem the area of government". While the group maintains that its teachings aimed only to promote moral service for Christian citizens, others interpreted the segment as an effort to influence secular governance with evangelical Christian ideals.<ref>Wilson, Bruce, aka Troutfishing (July 11, 2009). [http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/7/11/752404/-Ensign-House-Owned-By-Group-Proposing-Christian-World-Control-Plot "Ensign House Owned By Group Proposing Christian World Control Plot."] Daily Kos. Retrieved on July 12, 2009.</ref>

Matt Slick of Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry concludes, "The Seven Mountain Mandate is a hyper-focus on Christian dominion theology that does not seem to have the centrality of Christ’s atoning sacrifice as a central theme. In all of my research in it so far, making disciples of unbelievers is not the central issue. Instead, it’s taking dominion."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Slick |first=Matt |date=2022-05-04 |title=What is the Seven Mountain Mandate, Prophecy? |url=https://carm.org/new-apostolic-reformation/what-is-the-seven-mountain-mandate-prophecy/ |access-date=2023-12-15 |website=Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry |language=en-US}}</ref>

The Seven Mountain Mandate prophecy was purportedly received as direct revelation from God, and delivered separately to Loren Cunningham, Bill Bright, and Francis Schaeffer ordering them to invade and rule "seven mountains" (sometimes referred to as spheres) of society. It is an ideologically refined version of the Dominion or Kingdom Now theology which Loren Cunningham openly taught and subscribed to, and is considered an unbiblical teaching by mainstream Protestantism.<ref>{{Citation |title=Ruling With Jesus – Loren Cunningham | date=16 March 2015 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTNc_YJEBhY |access-date=2023-12-15 |language=en}}</ref> Despite being devised in 1975, it was not until 2000 during a meeting between Cunningham and Lance Wallnau that plans were set in place to fulfill the mandate. The movement came to further prominence after the 2013 publication of Wallnau's and controversial Bethel Church Pastor Bill Johnson's ''Invading Babylon: The 7 Mountain Mandate.''<ref name="Outline">{{cite news |last1=Hardy |first1=Elle |title=The 'modern apostles' who want to reshape America ahead of the end times |url=https://theoutline.com/post/8856/seven-mountain-mandate-trump-paula-white |work=The Outline |date=19 March 2020 }}</ref> The mandate is also a foundation of the New Apostolic Reformation, a controversial new religious movement which seeks to establish a fifth branch within Christendom.

A scholarly journal article in the ''Evangelical Review of Theology and Politics'' shows that the "Seven Spheres" are nearly identical to the ideological state apparatuses developed by the French Marxist philosopher Louis Althusser, on the basis of the theories of Karl Marx, Antonio Gramsci, and others. They both outline the key objects of societal influence to be religion, family, education, media, government, business (trade unions), and arts and entertainment, with Althusser's work being published several years prior to the supposed revelation received by Cunningham, Bright and Schaeffer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tanksley & Schaich |date=2018-01-01 |title=Marxist Parallels with the Seven Mountain Mandate |url=https://www.evangelicalreview.net/01-2018_ter_tanksley-%26-schaich_%27marxist-7mm.pdf |access-date=2023-12-15 |archive-date=2024-08-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808224244/https://www.evangelicalreview.net/01-2018_ter_tanksley-%26-schaich_%27marxist-7mm.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ideology and Ideological State Apparatuses by Louis Althusser 1969–70 |url=https://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/althusser/1970/ideology.htm |access-date=2023-12-15 |website=www.marxists.org}}</ref>

==Violence against YWAM workers==

===Murder of Tiffany Johnson and Philip Crouse=== {{Main|2007 Colorado YWAM and New Life shootings}}

On December 9, 2007, Matthew Murray, an expelled student from Youth With A Mission (YWAM), shot four staff members at the missionary training center near Denver, killing two. Tiffany Johnson and Philip Crouse were killed, while Dan Griebenow and Charlie Blanch were wounded, all of whom were staff members at YWAM's Denver center. Additionally, two New Life Church members were later killed and three were wounded before Murray was killed.

Per CNN, Murray was dismissed from the program in 2002 due to concerns about his mental health and strange behavior, including talking to voices only he could hear.<ref name=CNN> {{cite web | title = Colorado gunman scared co-workers 5 years ago, one says | website = CNN | url = https://www.cnn.com/2007/US/12/10/shooter.youth/ | access-date = 2024-06-03 }}</ref> In the years following his expulsion, Murray expressed resentment towards YWAM, sending hate mail to the mission, according to the Rocky Mountain News. On the day of the shooting, he attacked both the YWAM training center in Arvada and the New Life Church in Colorado Springs, where he was ultimately killed by a security officer. News reports following the shooting noted Murray's obsession with guns.<ref name="MurrayGuns">{{Cite web|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2008/03/27/murray-obsesses-with-guns-shootings/|title=Murray obsesses with guns, shootings|last=Post|first=Howard Pankratz {{!}} The Denver|date=2008-03-27|website=The Denver Post|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-07}}</ref><ref name="twisted">Gorski, Eric. [http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5japE3NYsSAjhnemSFfykd2W3JawwD8TG6K4O0 "Colorado Gunman Left Twisted Trail"]. Associated Press. December 12, 2007. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071215134303/http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5japE3NYsSAjhnemSFfykd2W3JawwD8TG6K4O0 |date=December 15, 2007 }}</ref><ref name="Rocky"> {{cite web | title = Cops search Arapahoe home | url = http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2007/dec/10/cops-search-arapahoe-home/ | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101031130034/http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2007/dec/10/cops-search-arapahoe-home/ | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2010-10-31 | access-date = 2024-06-03 }}</ref>

===Dan Bauman Imprisonment in Iran=== Dan Baumann, a missionary with Youth With A Mission (YWAM), was accused of espionage and imprisoned in Iran for nine weeks. While attempting to leave the country after a two-week visit, he and his friend were detained, beaten, and placed in isolation. Baumann endured severe interrogations and two death sentences, but described having had spiritual encounters which strengthened his resolve. After his release, Baumann continued his missionary work, traveling extensively to share his experiences as well as publishing a book about his experience.<ref name="YWAM Publishing"> {{cite web | title = Dan Baumann | url = https://www.ywampublishing.com/p-1192-dan-baumann.aspx | access-date = 2024-06-03 }} </ref><ref name="CBN"> {{cite web | title = Daniel Baumann: Imprisoned in Iran | url = https://www2.cbn.com/article/not-selected/daniel-baumann-imprisoned-iran | access-date = 2024-06-03 }} </ref>

===Jeff Woodke Kidnapping in Niger=== In October 2016, Jeff Woodke, a missionary with Youth With A Mission (YWAM), was kidnapped from his home in Niger by al-Qaeda-linked terrorists. During his captivity, which lasted over six years, Woodke was subjected to severe mistreatment and transferred between various terrorist groups. Despite the harsh conditions, including being chained to a tree in isolation, Woodke expressed that focusing on forgiveness served as his coping mechanism. He was released in March 2023, a result of collaborative international efforts, including those by the Biden administration, without any ransom or concessions. Post-release, Woodke and his wife, Els, are working on recovery, as he adjusts to life after such a prolonged and traumatic ordeal.<ref name="PersecutionVOM"> {{cite web | title = KIDNAPPED GOSPEL WORKER: Forgiveness is the Best Weapon We Have | date = 24 February 2024 | url = https://www.persecution.com/stories/kidnapped-gospel-worker-forgiveness-is-the-best-weapon-we-have/ | access-date = 2024-06-03 }}</ref><ref name="ABCNews"> {{cite web | title = American missionary held hostage for years in Niger speaks out in 1st televised interview | website=ABC News | url = https://abcnews.go.com/US/american-missionary-held-hostage-years-niger-speaks-1st/story?id=103689024 | access-date = 2024-06-03 }}</ref>

=== Murder of Mike and Janice Shelling === Mike Shelling started a Youth with a Mission base in Baguio during 1972. 12 years later, a robbery occurred at their house in a short-term property in Baguio where Ross Tooley, who was also affiliated with the organisation, had visited them a month prior. The couple were fatally stabbed but their children, although missing for some hours, survived unharmed.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Tooley |first=Ross |title=Walking on Water in a World of Unbelief |publisher=OMF Literature Inc. |year=2011 |isbn=9789710090877 |location=Manila |pages=135}}</ref>

==Notes and references== ===Citations=== {{Reflist|2}}

===Sources=== {{cite book |language=en |last=Gomes |first=Alan W. |title=Lead Us Not Into Deception |place=La Mirada, CA |publisher=Alan Gomes |type=self published |date=1986 |url=http://www.alangomes.com/Publications/YWAM.pdf}}

==Further reading== * Cunningham, L. w/ Rogers, Janice, The Book that Transforms Nations, YWAM Publishing, 2007. {{ISBN|1-57658-381-3}} * Cunningham, L., Is That Really You God?, YWAM Publishing, 1984. {{ISBN|1-57658-244-2}} * McClung, Floyd Jr. and Charles Paul Conn. ''Just Off Chicken Street''. USA, Fleming H. Revell, 1975. {{ISBN|0-8007-0699-4}}. * McClung, Floyd. ''Basic Discipleship''. InterVarsity Press, 1992. {{ISBN|0-8308-1319-5}}. * McClung, Floyd. ''The Father Heart of God: Experiencing the Depths of His Love for You''. Harvest House Publishers, 2004. {{ISBN|0-7369-1215-0}}. * Schaeffer, Edith, Francis A. Schaeffer and Deirdre Ducker. ''L'Abri''. USA, Crossways Books, 1992. {{ISBN|0-89107-668-9}}. * Schaeffer, Francis. ''The God who is There''. 1968.

==External links== *{{Official website}} *[http://kb.ywam.org/ The YWAM Knowledge Base] YWAM's wiki knowledgebase website

{{DEFAULTSORT:Youth With A Mission}} Category:Christian youth organizations Category:Evangelical parachurch organizations Category:Non-denominational Christian societies and communities Category:International non-profit organizations Category:Christian organizations established in 1960 Category:Evangelical missionary societies Category:1960 establishments in the United States