Do you feel a stirring in your heart that God might be inviting you into something deeper? Discover the clear signs that a Discipleship Training School could be your next bold step of faith!
You're already called. That's the beautiful truth we need to start with. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus gives us the Great Commission: 'Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.' This isn't just for pastors or career missionaries—it's for every follower of Jesus. You are already called to go and share the good news.
But here's what makes a DTS different: that restlessness you're feeling might be God's specific invitation into deeper preparation for the calling He's already placed on your life. It's that persistent stirring in your heart that won't settle, the sense that there's more to your faith than what you're currently experiencing. This holy restlessness isn't dissatisfaction with God—it's hunger for more of Him.
If you find yourself daydreaming about what it would be like to dive deeper into Scripture, to live in community with other passionate believers, to step out in faith in ways you haven't before—pay attention. That might be the Holy Spirit drawing you toward something transformative. A DTS isn't about earning God's approval or finding a hidden will that's impossibly difficult to discover. It's about responding to the call you've already received with intentionality and preparation.
Here's a truth that changes everything about decision-making: God's will isn't a pencil dot on a piece of paper that you'll miss if you're not careful. It's more like a hula hoop—there's room to move, to choose, to step forward in faith. God delights in giving you freedom to make decisions that honor Him, and He's big enough to redirect you if you get off course.
So if you're excited about doing a DTS, if the idea lights something up inside you—that's actually a really good sign. God often speaks through the desires He places in our hearts. Psalm 37:4 tells us, 'Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.' When your heart is aligned with His, the desires you feel aren't distractions from His will—they're often expressions of it.
This is precisely how I felt when God put DTS on my heart. I remember crying out with my whole heart for something super clear. Basically, I wanted a letter to fall from heaven with a detailed plan for my next steps. It took many last night convos with my mom and my mentor to discover the truth. If my heart was submitted to God, He would give me desires that were already aligned with His will.
You're not looking for a burning bush or an audible voice (though God can certainly speak that way). Sometimes His call sounds like joy, like adventure, like a deep 'yes' rising up in your spirit when you consider taking this step.
There's something wired into the human heart that longs for adventure, for experiences that matter beyond ourselves. But here's the truth: not all adventures are created equal. A DTS offers something unique—it combines the thrill of cross-cultural exploration, the challenge of stepping outside your comfort zone, and the eternal significance of seeing lives transformed by the gospel.
Jesus promised His disciples an adventure when He said, 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men' (Matthew 4:19). He didn't call them to comfort—He called them to a mission that would change the world. If you're feeling pulled toward adventure with purpose, toward something bigger than tourist experiences or career advancement, that pull has a source. God created you for meaningful impact, and a DTS is specifically designed to equip you for exactly that.
The five months of a DTS include three months of discipleship training in Mazatlán, Mexico, followed by two months of cross-cultural outreach. You'll study the Bible intensively, worship with an international community, work through personal growth in areas where you've felt stuck, and then put everything you've learned into practice on the mission field. This isn't just theory—it's faith in action, and it's the kind of adventure that leaves a mark on your soul.
If your heart beats faster when you think about sharing Jesus with people who've never heard His name, about serving communities in practical ways, about discovering how God wants to use your unique gifts and personality in His kingdom—pay attention to that. The pull toward eternal purpose isn't something to ignore or dismiss as impractical. It's often the most meaningful thing you can do with your life.
Another indicator that God is calling you to a DTS is peace. A peace to trust God in bigger ways, and to step into situations where you'll have to depend on Him more fully. A peace that, honestly, might not make sense.
To clarify, this isn't a peace that comes from within ourselves. It's not based on our feelings. God's calling is higher than our feelings. This peace is an assurance of who God is and that He is higher and worthy of our yes, even if we don't feel it. You discern it by a deep steadiness when you ask God about doing a DTS and taking the next steps. It comes in the stillness of a heart waiting on God's timing. It might not be loud, or even the biggest emotion that you feel. When you sit down intentionally to ask God about DTS, what do you leave with? In His presence, we witness His calling taking over our own fears.
God's way comes with peace, even when it's challenging. Philippians 4:6-7 says, 'Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.' When you pray about doing a DTS, what do you feel? Anxiety that drives you away, or peace that settles deep even amid the butterflies?
It's normal to feel nervous about big decisions. But there's a difference between the natural nervousness of stepping into something new and the anxious dread that signals you're moving in the wrong direction. God casts out anxiety and replaces it with peace. Isaiah 26:3 promises, 'You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed on You, because they trust in You.' If you're finding peace when you imagine yourself in a DTS, even though it would require sacrifice and faith, that peace is significant.
If you've read this far and you're feeling that familiar stirring—that sense that maybe, just maybe, God is calling you to do a DTS—what do you do next? First, remember that dedicating five months of your life to God can rarely be a negative thing. The investment you make in your relationship with God, in biblical knowledge, in community, in practical ministry skills, and in personal growth can bear fruit for the rest of your life!
There are so many things you'll gain: clarity about your purpose and calling, deeper intimacy with God, lifelong friendships with people from around the world, practical ministry experience, breakthroughs in areas where you've been stuck, and stories of God's faithfulness that will anchor your faith for years to come. These aren't small things—they're the building blocks of a life lived fully for Jesus.
I did my DTS 3 years ago, and I'm still walking in the transformation from those 5 months. I found confidence in my identity that wasn't there before. Before, every decision was filled with overthinking and anxiety. Now, I have an anchor in my soul (God's voice) that is firm, no matter the storms I go through.
I encourage you to take time to pray specifically about whether a DTS is your next step. Journal about what you're feeling, what excites you, what scares you, and what you sense God saying. Talk to people who know you well—mentors, pastors, family, friends who follow Jesus. Their insights can help confirm what you're already sensing. Research YWAM Mazatlán specifically: look at testimonies from past students, learn about the location and program structure, and ask questions. Schedule a call with us and honestly share your heart and questions. We've all been there, and we'd love to share our personal stories of transformation.
Remember, God is a good Father who loves to guide His children. If you want to do a DTS, if it excites you, if you have peace about it even amid the natural nervousness of a big decision—these are good signs that God is indeed calling you to go. And when God calls, He also equips, provides, and walks with you every step of the way. Your job isn't to have it all figured out; it's simply to say yes to the invitation He's extending.