More DTS info...
How long is a DTS?
The Discipleship Training School is five to six months long. The first eleven weeks (the lecture phase) are spent at our base on the Sunshine Coast. The staff is here for you - to support and challenge you in your everyday life with God. The lecture phase is an amazing time to learn and grow in your personal walk and be open to whatever God has for you. We hope our beautiful location will provide the perfect environment for seeking the Father’s heart, whether it be in the surf, sitting on the beach, watching a sunset, hiking in the bush, or just relaxing at a beach side coffee shop.  When the lecture phase is complete, each DTS student travels overseas for the 8 week outreach (outreach phase). During this time, you are able to put into practice everything you have learned so far. After the outreach phase, all DTS participants spend a week back on the Sunny Coast for debriefing prior to graduation.
When can I arrive/depart?
You need to be here by the date the school starts, but not more than two days before unless you have made arrangements with us. You are free to go the day after the school officially ends. Please make arrangements to leave the base within three days of the school ending date. If you do arrive before the school begins or stay a day or two after you may need to provide your own food. How do I get there? You can fly directly to the Sunshine Coast. The airport is located conveniently just outside Maroochydore, just a few minutes from the YWAM centre. The Sunshine Coast Airport accommodates regular jet services from Sydney and Melbourne, with connections from other capital cities. Talk to your ticketing agent for more info or you can find Qantas, Virgin Blue, and Jetstar on the web. Brisbane International Airport is about one hour south of the Sunny Coast. If you fly into Brisbane, there are a few bus companies that link directly from the airport to the Sunny Coast. The Sun Air Bus company leaves every hour and will bring you right into Maroochydore. Trains travel daily from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast arriving at Nambour railway station. How Much Does a DTS Cost?Please see our DTS costs page What is the Outreach Phase?
The Outreach phase lasts approx. 8 weeks. You will have the opportunity to minister practically in a variety of settings. This is where the real adventure begins! Travel to strategic far-out locations – hacking through the jungle, trekking through deserts, and climbing mountains to reach un-reached peoples, plant churches, and bring hope through community development projects that will transform a community and open the way for the gospel. The cross cultural outreach is an awesome experience!
Where do the outreaches go?
The destination of the outreaches is usually decided just prior to the school beginning. Recent outreaches have been to Indonesia, Middle East, Pacific Islands, and Surf locations. Email for more details depending on which school you will be attending.
When are my finances due?
See the DTS costs page. Please include your application fee, in Australian dollars, with your application. We cannot process your application until this is received. After acceptance send the $500 as a deposit to secure your position on the school. The remaining $3000, of the course costs are due three weeks before the school begins. Where do we stay?
Our location is awesome! The Sunshine Coast is a beautiful paradise of beaches, ocean, and hinterland (hills and stuff). There is a great shopping mall, plenty of places to shop, movies, churches etc – see ‘what to do during free time’ below. We love community so we tend to have a relaxed community where meals are eaten family style – you’ll love it. During the DTS you will have shared accommodation, but that depends upon the school.
How old do I need to be for DTS?
In order to apply fOr DTS, you need to be at least eighteen years old or a high school/secondary school graduate. There is an application to be filled out by you and a few references, which will be processed by the school leaders. No previous ministry experience is required, only a desire to know God better and be closer to Him.
What is a regular day like for a DTS Student?
Below is a typical day during the week. Weekends are usually free (unless there is ministry or an event scheduled), and we do require church attendance.  ???? a.m. Go for a dawny (this is an optional -morning surf, swim, or just watch the sunrise on the beach) 06:30 a.m. Breakfast 07.00 a.m. Personal Devotions 08:00 a.m. Worship/Intercession 09:00 a.m. Lectures 10:00 a.m. Break 10:20 a.m. Lecture 12:00 p.m. Lunch 01:30 p.m. Work Duties 03:30 p.m. Reflective/Free time 05:30 p.m. Dinner Time 07:00 p.m. Lecture/outreach/free time This is just a sample. Each day is different and the schedule changes slightly with intercession times, ministry, small groups and outreach training – sometimes we throw the schedule out and just go hang out with God or with each other!
What is there to do during my free time?
You can...hang out at the beach surf, swim, body board, play touch footy, volleyball, or soccer on the beach; there are several skate parks; you can jump on a bus and head along the coast to Noosa (they have an awesome national park there), Eumundi Markets, Caloundra, or any of the numerous surf beaches along the Sunny Coast; go inland to the Glass House Mountains, have a relaxed day at one of the villages in the hillside, or hike to a waterfall for a swim; visit the “Crocodile Hunter” at Australia Zoo; if you are adventurous, head down to Brisbane or even the Gold Coast (visit one of the adventure theme parks there) for the day; the DTS will also arrange optional outings on some of the weekends …there is no end of stuff to do.
What should I bring?
We can send you a list of things to bring on request. Queensland has a sunny, sub-tropical, climate so you will want to pack with that in mind. You will need a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (best to buy here), bathers (or swimsuits) and a beach towel for sure. Lifestyle here on the coast is relaxed and casual. Modest shorts and T-shirts are perfect for summer, while jeans and a light jacket will be good enough for winter. Check out our links page for more info.
Can I brush up my English before DTS?
Sure. Come three weeks early and do the ESLM - check it out under "Training" Download a DTS Application form
Institute of the Nations, Australia - Sunshine Coast Registered Training Organization #0449 / CRICOS #02239E |
