Since the beginning of Youth With A Mission
(YWAM) in 1960, God has emphasized certain Biblical values
which serve as spiritual foundations for the mission. The
combined strength of these values has strongly influenced the
nature and character of YWAM around the world. These shared
values are the guiding principles for both the past and the
future growth of our mission. They are beliefs we hold in high
regard which determine how we live and make decisions.
God's word is the final authority for conduct
and faith in Youth With A Mission. Our foundational values are
not a list of rules to be adhered to ; they were not even
written down until YWAM was 25 years old. Rather, these values
are recorded here in an attempt to pass on to successive
generations that which God has emphasized to us as a mission.
1. YWAM is committed to know God, His character
and His ways. We affirm the vital importance of hearing
God's voice, seeking His counsel and obeying His instructions.
(Numbers 23 : 19-20 ; Deuteromy 32 : 3-4 ; John 5 : 30, 10 :
1-4 ; 16 : 13 ; Isaiah 6 : 8 ; Acts 16 : 6-10).
2. YWAM is called to make God known,
through Evangelism, Training and Mercy Ministries. All our
activities should contribute toward the goal of discipling the
nations. (Acts 13 : 2-3 ; Genesis 12 : 1-3 ; Matthew 28 :
19-20 ; Mark 16 : 15 ; Acts 1 : 8 ; Romans 10 : 9-18 ; 15 :
18-21).
3. YWAM recognizes the Bible to be God's
inspired and authoritative Word and relies upon the Holy
Scriptures as the standard for life and ministry. Obedience to
the Word of God is an evidence of our commitment to Jesus'
Lordship. (Hebrews 4 : 12 ; 2 Timothy 3 : 16 ; John 8 :
31-32 ; 2 Timothy 2 : 15).
4. YWAM is
visionary, doing new things in new ways where new
initiatives are required to accomplish the Great Commission.
(Isaiah 42 : 8-9 ; John 4 : 35 ; Matthew 10 : 1-10 ; Hebrews 11
: 1-3 ; Proverbs 29 : 18 ; Habakkuk 2 : 2).
5. YWAM is international and
interdenominational in its scope and constituency. We
believe that cultural, racial, and theological diversity are
positive factors that contribute to the health and growth of the
mission. (Matthew 24 : 14 ; Ephesians 4 : 1-16 ; Revelation
7 : 9).
6. YWAM affirms the importance of the local
church and seeks to promote unity among all God's people. We
endeavor to work in partnership with other believers, building
bridges among Christians leaders, churches and missions for the
fulfillment of the Great Commission. (Philippians 1 : 3-5 ;
1 Thesssalonians 1 : 2-10 ; Ephesians 3 : 8-10).
7. YWAM is broad structured and
decentralized, with operating locations linked together by
relationship, shared values, accountability to international
leadership and a commitment to world evangelization. (Mark
10 : 42-43 ; Exodus 18 : 17-26 ; John 8 : 36 ; 1 Corinthians 3 :
4-9 ; Hebrews 13 : 7, 17).
8. YWAM is called to praise and worship of the Lamb
of God, intercessory prayer and spiritual warfare. We
endeavor to resist the devil by moving in the opposite spirit,
which is the Spirit of Christ. In all things, we desire to keep
Jesus central to our lives and ministry. (Ephesians 5 :
19-20 ; 1 Thessalonians 5 : 16-18 ; Psalm 100 ; Psalm 32 : 6 ;
Psalm 150 ; John 17 : 15-21 ; Mark 11 : 24 ; Acts 1 : 14 ;
Colossians 4 : 2-3 ; 1 Timothy 2 : 1 ; Ephesians 6 : 10-18 ; 2
Corinthians 10 : 3-6 ; James 4 : 7 ; Matthew 12 : 23-29).
9. YWAM affirms the importance of living holy and
righteous lives. We believe that holiness is a fruit of
God's grace, transforming the motives of the heart, and
affecting our words, conduct, business dealings and
relationships. (1 Samuel 15 : 10-28 ;Psalm 32 : 1- 5 ; Psalm
51 : 6-17; Matthew 5 : 8 ; 2 Corinthians 7 : 1 , Hebrews 12 : 14
; 1 Thessalonians 4 : 7).
10. YWAM is committed to doing, then teaching,
according to Jesus' example. We affirm the importance of living
a concept, theory or belief in personal experience as essential
to passing it on to others. We believe that godly character and
the fruit of the Spirit are more important than an individual's
gifts, abilities and expertise. (Ezra 7 : 10 ; Acts 1 : 1 ;
Philippians 4 : 8-9 ; Colossians 3 : 1-17 ; 2 Peter 1 : 5-10 ;
Micah 6 : 8).
11. YWAM is dedicated to being relationship
oriented in our living and working together. We desire to
minimize the need for structures and rules by leading lives of
transparency, humility and open communication. (1 John 1 : 7
; Galatians 5 : 1).
12. YWAM is called to value each individual.
We believe all races, ages, cultures and individuals, male and
female, have distinctive contributions and callings.
(Genesis 1 : 27 ; Psalm 139 : 13-16 ; Galatians 3 : 28 ; 1
Corinthians 12 : 4-31 ; Acts 13 : 1-3 ; Ephesians 2 : 19-22 ; 4
: 4-7).
13. YWAM recognizes the value of the family.
We affirm the importance of fathers, mothers and children all
sharing a call to missions and contributing in unique,
complementary and vital ways. We support the necessity for each
individual family to be a strong and healthy unit.
(Deuteronomy 4 : 9-10, 40 ; 6 : 6-7 ; 32 : 46 ; Proverbs 31 ; 1
Timothy 3 : 4).
14. YWAM is called to champion young people.
We believe in their leadership and potential to change the world
and are dedicated to equip them with the tools to do so. (Joel
2 : 28 ; Acts 2 : 17 ; 1 Timothy 4 : 12 ; 1 Samuel 2 : 18-19 ;
17 : 33-37 ; Daniel 1 : 4, 8-9 ; Jeremiah 1 : 5-10).
15. YWAM is commited to team ministry.
We recognize that functioning in teams at all levels of the
organization provides an opportunity for balance of spiritual
gifts and insights. (Ecclesiastes 4 : 9-12 ; Mark 6 : 7 ;
Ephesians 5 : 21 ; Proverbs 15 : 22 ; Acts 15 : 22 ; Acts 10 :
25-26).
16. YWAM affirms personal responsability and
volunteerism, encouraging individuals to seek God for
guidance and direction regarding ministry roles and methods of
performing their work. We encourage personal initiative in these
areas, making decisions together with their leaders, both YWAM
and others. (Exodus 3 : 4 ; Isaiah 6 : 8 ; 1 Samuel 3 : 10 ;
Mark 1 : 17-18 ; Matthew 9 : 9 ; Acts 26 : 12-20).
17. YWAM is called to servant leadership.
A servant leader is one who honors the calling of his/her
followers and guards their rights and privileges. Just as Jesus
served His disciples, we stress the importance of those with
leadership responsabilities in our mission serving those whom
they lead. (Luke 17 : 7-10 ; John 13 : 12-17 ; Mark 10 : 42
-45).
18. YWAM makes no distinction between the
sacred and the secular. We seek to honor all functions
equally within the Kingdom of God. No roles or ministries are
more important or spiritual than others. We seek to equip and
mobilize men and women of God to take roles of service and
influence in every sphere of society. (Acts 11 : 9 ; 1 Peter
4 : 11 ; 1 Corinthians 6 : 19 ; Zechariah 14 : 20-21 ; Romans 12
: 3-8 ; 13 : 1-10 ; Philemon 1-2 ; Titus 3 : 13 ; Colossians 4 :
14 ; Hebrews 13 : 16).
19. YWAM is called to practice a life of
dependance upon God and His people for financial provision,
both corporately and individually. (Matthew 6 : 25-33 ;
Philippians 4 : 6-7 ; 10- 20 ; 3 John 5-8).
20. YWAM is dedicated to hospitality. We
believe it is important to serve and honor all fellow YWAMers,
guests and the poor and needy through this ministry. (3 John
8 ; Hebrews 13 : 2 ; 1 Timothy 3 : 2 ; Titus 1 : 8 ; Romans 12 :
13 ; 1 Peter 4 : 9).
21. YWAM is called to practice generosity
and to model and teach the spirit of generosity in all we do.
(Romans 12 : 8-13 ; 1 Timothy 5 : 17 ; 6 : 18 ; Philippians
4 : 17-18 ; Luke 6 : 38 ; Acts 20 : 35 ; Psalm 112 : 5).
NB: This list has been
reviewed by the YWAM International Executive Commitee and
approved by the International Council.
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