The Way & The Word
A Biblical foundation for leadership in long-term ministry
Are you looking to bridge the gap between DTS and what comes next? This 7-month program is perfect for you. The Way & The Word weaves together leadership development, biblical study, and practical application. Live and learn in a missional community as you discover your calling, and develop the skills necessary for long-term ministry.
What to Expect
The Way & the Word is a 7-month program that integrates three YWAM schools into one robust, cohesive program. You will engage with all the content from the Discipleship Bible School, the School of Ministry Development, and a Leadership Practicum. After successful completion of the program, you will receive full credit for all three schools! Additionally, we have embedded two seminars for specialized training, one in the fall and one in the spring. This program will help you bridge the gap between DTS and whatever comes next. Whether you want to move to the field, join staff with YWAM, or return home to pursue a different ministry, this program will equip you with the foundation you need to confidently take the next step.
Weekly activities include:
In-person lectures, practical ministry placement, leadership opportunities, one-on-ones, homework, prayer, worship, and small groups.
Embedded Seminars:
Durring the Way & the Word you will participate in two, embedded seminars for more specific, specialized training. You will have the opportunity to choose from a Teaching and Ministry Development Seminar (TMDS) or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) in the fall. In the spring we offer a Community Development Seminar (CDS) or a Seeing the Scriptures Seminar (STS).
Example Content
Overarching Biblical narrative
God’s redemptive plan
The role of humans in God’s plan
An overview of the intertestamental period
Critical Thinking
Leading Diverse Teams in YWAM
Missions and Mobilization
Human Sexuality & Discipleship
Community Development
Self-leadership and Character Building
Conflict Resolution
Loving People, Cities, and Evangelism
Fundraising
And more
Optional Further Training:
This program includes two optional elements for further training: an Overseas Outreach and a Leadership Practicum II. If you want to continue your journey into ministry or if you want to pursue a degree with the University of the Nations (UofN), completing both of these optional programs will give you the experience and degree requirements to get there.
School of Ministry Development
The School of Ministry Development (SOMD) will help you discover what it means to lead! Each week is rife with opportunities to learn from capable leaders and speakers about how to lead like Jesus, as well as chances to practice your leadership skills. Even if you don’t know what ministry you want to do long-term, this school equips you with the tools to step into any ministry well; we will help you explore your next steps by providing opportunities to engage with different ministries.
Discipleship Bible School
This program includes the complete Discipleship Bible School (DBS). You will read the Bible cover to cover with your classmates, work through engaging assignments, and receive lectures on every book. The Discipleship Bible School (DBS) keeps in perspective the overarching narrative of the Bible, focusing on God’s redemptive plan and the role of humans in the world. The Bible will come to life as you learn more about how to study inductively, the historical context, and God’s design through it all!
Leadership Practicum
Leadership Practicum I builds off of the School of Ministry Development (SOMD). After you return from Christmas break, you will shift into more leadership responsibilities. This aspect of the Way and the Word program is structured to provide ample leadership opportunities. We are committed to the development of each student, and will provide ministry placement that aligns with what you feel called to explore.
Schedule
The WAY & THE WORD IS A 7-MONTH PROGRAM
Arrival day is on a Thursday and classes will start on Monday. Each week includes lectures on a different topic, various ministry placements, small group Bible reading, and more. There will be breaks in the program over Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Christmas break is three weeks long allowing students to return home to be with family for the holidays. Graduation is always on a Friday morning, and students are welcome to invite family and friends.
Starting 2026
Starting 2027
Cost
The total cost for The Way & The Word program is $7,000. This translates to monthly payments of $1,000.
What does this cover?
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- Food
- Housing
- Transportation
- Program related expenses (Books, speaker costs, background checks, etc.)
The program cost will cover all of the essentials for your time here. The optional Outreach and Leadership Practicum II are an additional cost, and will similarly cover associated expenses.
University of the Nations
If 7 months feels like just the beginning, we have options for you to continue your development and practice after you graduate from The Way & The Word. For students who are looking to receive a degree in the University of the Nations (UofN), we offer the final two courses you will need for an Associate of Arts (AA) in Leadership. If you would like a more detailed description of how the The Way & The Word program elements contribute to a University of the Nations degree, please reach out to training@ywamnorthcascades.com!
Overseas Outreach
We are excited to facilitate an 8-week overseas outreach immediately following The Way & The Word. This outreach will fulfill the requirements of a Secondary School Outreach in the University of the Nations, and will provide you an opportunity to put your leadership skills and Biblical knowledge into practice.
Leadership Practicum II
For students who are looking to receive a degree in the University of the Nations (UofN), we offer the final course required for the AA in Leadership. The Leadership Practicum II can be very flexible, allowing you to pursue your calling while receiving further guidance and structure. Inquire for more information.