THE FOUNDATIONAL VALUES OF YOUTH WITH A MISSION

Youth With A Mission (YWAM) affirms the Bible as the authoritative word of God and, with the Holy Spirit’s inspiration, the absolute reference point for every aspect of life and ministry. Based upon the God’s word, who He is, and His initiative of salvation, the following responses are strongly emphasized in YWAM:

• Worship: We are called to praise and worship God alone
• Holiness: We are called to lead holy and righteous lives that exemplify the nature and character of God
• Witness: We are called to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those who do not know Him
• Prayer: We are called to engage in intercessory prayer for the people and causes on God’s heart, including standing against evil in every form.
• Fellowship: We are called to commit the church in both local nurturing expression and its mobile multiplying expression.

The foundational values of Youth With A Mission are the expression of our basic beliefs, coupled with specific directives given by God since YWAM’s Beginning in 1960. They are recorded here in order to pass on to successive generations that which God has emphasized to us. These shared beliefs and values make up the unique family characteristics of YWAM—our “DNA.” They are values we hold in high regard which determine who we are, how we live and how we make decisions.

• Know God - YWAM is committed to know God, His nature, His Character and His ways. We seek to reflect who He is in every aspect of our lives and ministry. The automatic overflow of knowing and enjoying fellowship with God is a desire to share him with others.

• Make God Known - YWAM is called to make God known throughout the whole world, and into every arena of society through evangelism, training and mercy ministries. We believe that salvation of should result in transformation of societies thus obeying Jesus’ command to make to make disciples of all nations.

• Hear God’s Voice - YWAM is committed to creating with God through listening to Him, praying His prayers and obeying His commands in matters great and small. We are dependent upon hearing Hid voice as individuals, together in team contexts and in larger corporate gatherings, as an integral part of our process for decision making.

• Practice Worship And Intercessory Prayer - YWAM is dedicated to worship Jesus and engage in intercessory prayer as integral aspects of daily life. We also recognize the intent of Satan to destroy the work of God and we call upon God’s power and the Holy Spirit to overcome his strategies in the lives of individuals and in the affairs of the nations.

• Be Visionary - YWAM is called to be visionary, continually receiving, nurturing and releasing fresh vision from God. We support the pioneering of new ministries and methods, always willing to be radical in order to be relevant to every generation, people group, and sphere of society. We believe that the apostolic call of YWAM requires the integration of spiritual eldership, freedom in the Spirit and relationship, centered on the Word of God.

• Champion Young People - YWAM is called to champion youth. We believe God has gifted and called young people to spearhead vision and ministry. We are committed to value, trust, train, support, make space and release them. They are not only the Church of the future; they are the church of today. We commit to follow where they lead, in the will of God.

• Be Broad-Structured And Decentralized - YWAM is broad-structured and diverse, yet integrated. We are a global family of ministries held together by shared purpose, vision, values and relationship. We believe that structures should serve the people and the purpose of God. Every ministry at every level has the privilege and responsibility of accountability to a circle of elders, with overall international accountability to the YWAM Global Leadership Team.

• Be International And Interdenominational  - YWAM is international and interdenominational in its global scope as well as its local constituency. We believe that ethnic, linguistic and denominational diversity, along with redeemed aspects of culture, are positive factors that contribute to the health and growth of the mission.

• Have A Biblical World View  - YWAM is called to a Biblical worldview. We believe that the Bible makes a clear division between good and evil; right and wrong. The practical dimensions of life are no less spiritual than the ministry expressions. Everything done in obedience to God is spiritual. We seek to honor God with all that we do, equipping and mobilizing men and woman of God to take roles of service and influence in every arena of society.

• Function In Teams  - YWAM is called to function in teams in all aspects of ministry and leadership. We believe that a combination of complementary gifts, callings, perspectives, ministries and generations working together in unity at all levels of our Mission provides wisdom and safety. Seeking God’s will and making decisions in a team context allows accountability and contributes to greater relationship, motivation, responsibility and ownership of the vision.

• Exhibit Servant Leadership - YWAM is called to servant leadership as a lifestyle rather than a leadership hierarchy. A servant leader is one who honors the gifts and callings of those under his/her care and guards their rights and privileges. Just as Jesus served His disciples, we stress the importance of those with leadership responsibility serving those whom they lead.

• Do First, Then Teach - YWAM is committed to doing first, then teaching. We believe that firsthand experience gives authority to our words. Godly character and a call from God are more important than an individuals gifts, abilities and expertise.

• Be Relationship-Oriented - YWAM is dedicated to being relationship-oriented in our living and working together. We desire to be united through lives of holiness, mutual support, transparency, humility, and open communication, rather than a dependence on structures or rules.

• Value The Individual - YWAM is called to value each individual. We believe in equal opportunity and justice for all. Created in the image of God, people of all nationalities, ages and functions have distinctive contributions and callings. We are committed to honoring God-given leadership and ministry gifts in both men and woman.

• Value Families - YWAM affirms the importance of families serving God together in missions, not just the father and/or mother. We encourage the development of strong and healthy family units, with each member sharing the call to missions and contributing their gifts in unique and complimentary ways.

• Rely On Relationship-Based Support - YWAM is called to a relationship-based support system, depending upon God and His people for financial provision, both corporately and individually. We believe that relationships-based support promotes responsibility, accountability, communication, and mutual prayer. It involves the donor as a partner in ministry, As God and others have been generous toward us, so we desire to be generous. YWAMers give themselves, their time and talents to God through the Mission with no expectation of remuneration.

• Practice Hospitality - YWAM affirms the ministry of hospitality as an expression of God’s character and the value of people. We believe it is important to open our hearts, homes, and campuses and bases to serve and honor one another, our guest and the poor and needy, not as an act of social protocol, but as expressions of generosity