Youth With A Mission: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia

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'''Youth with a Mission''' (typically shortened '''YWAM''', generally pronounced {{IPAc-en|ˈ|w|aɪ|w|æ|m}}) is an [[interdenominational]] [[Christianity|Christian]] training organizationorganisation.

Founded in 1960, the group's initial focus was to get college ageyoung people involved in [[Christian missions]]. Today, while maintaining its original youth-oriented ethos, YWAMthe group has introducedexpanded programsits andmembership schoolsto thatthose focusof onolder families,ages school-ageas children, and older folkswell.

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">

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| access-date = 2008-01-30

| date=February 13, 1993}}</ref> The institute has faced a number of 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 that the organisation had a cult-like feeling.<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>

| date=February 13, 1993}}</ref>

YWAM train upwards of 25,000 short-term missions 'volunteers' annually.<ref>[http://www.derryjournal.com/journal/Youth-with-a-Mission-in.3792785.jp Youth with a Mission in Derry visit – Derry Today<!-- Bot generated title -->]</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>

==History==

Youth with a Mission was foundedconceived by [[Loren Cunningham]] in 1956. As a 20-year-old student in an [[Assemblies of God USA|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

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By 1966, there were 10 full-time YWAM staff including the Cunninghams, and hundreds of summer short-term 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 1967, Loren Cunningham began to work on the organizationorganisation's first summer school. Named 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, and was held in Chalet-A-Gobet. The students' lodging and classes took place in a newly renovated and 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 programsprogrammes at later Games.

The [[University of the Nations]] online magazine has stated that Cunningham met scientist and professor [[Howard Malmstadt|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 [[Kailua, Hawaii County, Hawaii|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]". University of the Nations, Kona, Hawaii.</ref>

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| 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 [[good news (Christianity)|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.

In 2018, YWAM joined with various other Christian ministries to host the first of many stadium gatherings known as The Send at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, FL. The gatherings are aimed to "activate the every day believer in their missional calling" and to send people into missions at their local schools, places of work, hometowns, and the nations. The Send has since held events in Brazil in 2020, which Brazilian president, Jair Bolsonaro attended; 2022 at Arrowhead stadium in Kansas City, MO and later in 2022 at Telenor Arena in Oslo, Norway.

==Programs==

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*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<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

*[[1976 Summer Olympics]], [[Montreal]]: The outreach included street evangelism.<ref>[http://www.christianity.ca/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?&pid=4162&srcid=2212 Christianity.ca – Everyone Benefits from STM]</ref>

*The [[1980 Summer Olympics]] in [[Moscow]] were heavily boycotted and afforded little opportunity for evangelism because of Communist precepts. YWAM didis presumed not participateto 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 and dance in the streets.<ref>[http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/fred_edwords/freethot.html Freethought Challenges Of The '90s<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

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*[[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 | 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<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

*[[2002 Winter Olympics]], [[Salt Lake City]]: YWAM was hosted by the [[Salvation Army]].<ref>[http://deseretnews.com/oly/view/0,3949,60000162,00.html An army of charming volunteers – 2002 Winter Olympics coverage<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

*[[2004 Summer Olympics]], [[Athens]]: YWAM member musician [[Benny Prasad]] was invited to perform during these games.<ref>[http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=47153 Saipan Tribune<!-- Bot generated title -->]</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><!-- This reference replaces the new article reference which mis-states that evangelism is illegal. In fact, only proselytism is banned, not evangelism itself. -->http://www.forum18.org/Archive.php?article_id=321</ref>

*[[2006 Winter Olympics]], [[Torino]]: 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<!-- Bot generated title -->]</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=Archived copy |access-date=2022-07-25 |archive-date=2018-11-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111192402/http://forever2012.com/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

* [[2016 Summer Olympics]], Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: OutreachAn teamsoutreach wereis sentplanned to the 2016for Olympicthis Gamesevent.<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]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref><!-- This bullet point needs to be updated or it should be deleted -->

===Training===

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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", 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]". International DTS Centre, YWAM. 1 February 2005.</ref>

The various training schools of YWAM are organized under the structure of the 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 other higher education institutions, rather than by accrediting agencies. 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]". University of the Nations, Kona, Hawaii.</ref> AnyoneMost whoschools wantsin tothe joinUniversity YWAMof mustNations firstsystem dohave a Discipleshipthree-month Traininglecture School (DTS)phase which is 3 months of lectures and classesthen followed by 2a two- to 3 months of outreach inthree-nationmonth orfield in another countyassignment. DTS, while mainly focused on missions and evangelism, can also have secondary focuses like sports, entertainment, medicine, and education. YWAM offers higher level courses through the University of the Nations with more in depth studies. <ref name="LynnGreenCP"/>

===Mercy Ministries===

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====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, and training, toand localthe healthcare workers andorganisation's communityspiritual leadersmessage.<ref>[http://www.marinereach.com/ Marine Reach – - Youth With a Mission<!-- Bot generated title -->]</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.

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In 2007, ARMS announced a new ministry focus – an international campaign against Malaria called Buzz Off.<ref>[http://arms.org.au/ministryarea.asp?id=41 ARMS<!-- Bot generated title -->]</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]] camps providing LLIN 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>

YWAM has sent many medical teams of doctors and nurses to various unreached and hard-to-reach locations to provide lacking medical and family services such as health education, assisting local doctors and clinic, supplying medication and vitamins, vaccination, women and children's health services, and pregnancy and family planning services. YWAM has also started various clinics and healthcare facilities which are still operating in various locations around the world.

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

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===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 serveserved; 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]. 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=Archived copy |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 }}</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=Archived copy |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===

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[[David Loren Cunningham]], son of the group's founders, recently produced a controversial film titled [[Hakani: A Survivor's Story]], which contains a depiction of infanticide among Amazonian tribes of Brazil. The film gave new vigor to the debate on human rights regarding indigenous people.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hakani| url=http://livenews.com.au/world/brazilian-infanticide-film-highlights-native-rights/2009/5/23/207487 }}</ref>

== Associations and Workingworking Relationships.relationships ==▼

In 2018, David Cunningham working with various studios released Running for Grace. It premiered in theaters and was later released on Netflix. The film is set in the [[Kona Coffee Belt]] of Hawaii during the 1920s. Japanese immigrant laborers and the white upperclass live in a rigidly classist society. Jo (played as a child by Cole Takiue), an orphan of mixed-race lineage, finds himself ostracized by both groups until Doc ([[Matt Dillon]]), a white doctor from the mainland, is hired as a physician for workers on the plantation owned by Mr. Danielson ([[Nick Boraine]]).

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"/>▼

The Wind and the Reckoning is an upcoming film from David Cunningham and Honua Studios. Set in Hawai'i in the immediate aftermath of the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawai'i by the United States military, the film revolves around native Hawaiian, Ko'olau and his family as they run from and fight the Republic of Hawaii's policy of forced relocation during an outbreak of leprosy. In production for several years, the film was shot on [[Hawai'i]] in late 2020. Due to the ongoing [[COVID-19 pandemic]], the film's crew and cast were sequestered on a 50 acre ranch. As of 2021, the film is in post production.

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 mergingtaking withover 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.▼

▲== Associations and Working Relationships. ==

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

A notable working relationship is the OneStory Project<ref name="autogenerated3">[http://ywamonestory.org/partnership.htm The OneStory Partnership<!-- Bot generated title -->]</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<!-- Bot generated title -->]</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<!-- Bot generated title -->]</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<!-- Bot generated title -->]</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>[http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/valleyindependent/jubilation/s_305449.html Epiphany School given new life – PittsburghLIVE.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>▼

▲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 merging with local 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<!-- Bot generated title -->]</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<!-- Bot generated title -->]</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<!-- Bot generated title -->]</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<!-- Bot generated title -->]</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>[http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/valleyindependent/jubilation/s_305449.html Epiphany School given new life – PittsburghLIVE.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

===Partnerships===

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*[[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|url=http://www.jonathanbaldwin.org/node/193|access-date=16 July 2013}}</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}}</ref>

*The Send

===Memberships===

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===2007 Shooting incident===

{{Main|2007 Colorado YWAM and New Life shootings}}

A gunman identified as an formerexpelled YWAM student, Matthew Murray,<ref name="denverpost-revenge">{{cite news

| last = Meyer

| first = Jeremy P.

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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 Hawai'iHawaii 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&nbsp;million dollars, amounting to $50,000 per month. According to the YWAM Konaschool leadership, in order to compensate for the fraud, increased charges were applied to staffvolunteers and students at YWAM Kona.<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 [https://www.justice.gov/usao-hi/pr/university-nations-cfo-pleads-guilty-wire-fraud <nowiki>[9]</nowiki>] to supplement his lavish lifestyle; this included plastic surgery, failed stock market investments and a gold mine in Sierra Leone.<ref name="seattletimes.com"/>

=== 2019 Accused rapist to study at YWAM Perth ===

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==Political affiliations==

Youth with A Mission has no official political affiliations. Since it is an international organization, the political beliefs of each individualThe YWAM staff/student/volunteer will vary greatly.org YWAM.orgwebsite 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 (sociologist)|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]], who led a coup in Guatemala from 1982 to 1983, implying a connection with Christian evangelicalism.<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> Diamond also suggested that YWAM "sought to gain influence within the Republican party."

In 2009, YWAM was linked to [[C Street Center]] property used for hosting Bible studies, prayer 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]] <!-- Citation needed -->spoke of the importance of influencing seven main segments or spheres of society and culture (Family, Celebration, Religion, Government, Education, Science, Media).<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>

==Controversies==

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| author = Ross, Rick A.

|date=October 1990}}</ref>

For example, 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 Kona, Hawai'iHawaii. 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|url=http://www.icsahome.com/articles/my-experience-in-ywam-jacobson|publisher=International Cultic Studies Association|volume=3|issue=2|pages=204–33|access-date=December 12, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel+34:20-22&version=NIV|title=Bible Gateway passage: Ezekiel 34:20-22 - New International Version|website=Bible Gateway|access-date=2018-03-05}}</ref>

The Apologetics Index also lists a number of personal accounts of "spiritual abuse" within the organisation. 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|url=http://www.apologeticsindex.org/4550-youth-with-a-mission|title=Youth with a Mission (YWAM) {{!}} Apologetics Index|date=2014-05-03|work=Apologetics Index|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en-US}}</ref> He also quotes [[Harold Bussell|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 [[Christian Research Institute]] also say they have received complaints about YWAM.<ref name="ApologeticsIndexYWAM" /> In 1990, [[cult]] "consultant" [[Rick Ross (consultant)|Rick Ross]] published an evaluation of Youth with a Mission, that cited both positive and negative aspects of YWAM.<ref name="Ross Report" /> After the [[2007 Colorado YWAM and New Life shootings|2007 shootings]], Ross told the [[Fox News Network]] that he continued to receive occasional complaint"serious complaints" about Youth with a Mission, but he believed it is "not a cult" ."<ref name="FoxNews2007" /> 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

| access-date = 2020-08-12

| archive-date = 2016-03-04

| 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|url= https://www.thenation.com/doc/20060925/path_to_911| last=Blumenthal|first = Max|title=ABC 9/11 Docudrama's Right-Wing Roots|newspaper=The Nation|date=September 11, 2006|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081202011811/https://www.thenation.com/doc/20060925/path_to_911| archive-date = December 2, 2008| 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 (blogger)|Digby]], but has been cached on Google at the link above).}}</ref>

===Theological and doctrinal concerns===

In response to complaints and allegations, YWAM leaders in various bases have worked to better the spiritual training atmosphere at their respective locations. YWAM is de-centralized so each individual experience of YWAM will differ, sometimes greatly between different locations.

Evangelical theologians Alan Gomes and E. Calvin Beisner believe certain doctrines taught to young missionaries at some YWAM locations from the 1970s until the 1990s to be unorthodox. These doctrines include a "Moral Government Theology", which incorporate aspects related with the nature and attributes of God, the nature of man, and the process of salvation as described by the [[Governmental theory of atonement]].{{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}} 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|p=11, 15, 40}}

==Notes and references==