Am I Too Old for DTS?

Let's take a deeper look at some DTS options:

• - Crossroads DTS

  A Crossroads DTS (CDTS) is a Discipleship Training School designed for people who aren’t in the typical just-out-of-high-school stage of life. It’s for those who are a bit older—often 30+, but some schools welcome younger participants who feel more at home in a multi-generational setting.

  What makes it different?

  • Life Experience Focus – Many participants are professionals, parents, retirees, or people in a transition season.
  • Deeper Discussions – The teaching and small groups often focus on life, family, calling, and missions from a more mature perspective.
  • Family-Friendly Options – Some CDTS programs are designed to better allow families to attend together.
  • Still Missions-Focused – Just like any DTS, it includes a lecture phase and an outreach phase, preparing people to serve in missions long-term or deepen their faith for wherever God leads.

   

  It’s perfect for someone thinking, "I love Jesus, I want to grow, and I want to do something with my life—but am I too old for DTS?"

    Crossroads DTS at YWAM Grimerud in Norway  

    Crossroads DTS at YWAM El Paso/Juárez in USA/Mexico  

    Crossroads DTS at YWAM Kona in USA  

    Crossroads DTS at YWAM Nelson in New Zealand  

• - Couples DTS

  A Couples DTS is specifically designed for married couples to grow in their relationship with God and each other while exploring missions. While you could do any DTS as a couple, this version is more intentional about integrating marriage into the journey.

  What makes it different?

  • Marriage-Focused Content – In addition to the usual DTS topics, there’s extra teaching on marriage, communication, and serving God as a team.
  • Couples Community – You’re surrounded by other married couples who are also pursuing Jesus and missions together.
  • Guidance for Missions as a Couple – Special mentoring and discussions help couples navigate their unique calling in missions.

   

  It’s a great option for couples who want to grow spiritually while strengthening their marriage, whether they’re newlyweds or have been married for years.

    Couples DTS at YWAM Wiler in Switzerland  

    Couples DTS at YWAM Matamata in New Zealand  

• - Family DTS

  A Family DTS is a Discipleship Training School designed for families who want to grow in their faith and explore missions together. It’s similar to a regular DTS but structured to include both parents and kids in the journey.

  What makes it different?

  • Family-Friendly Teaching – Parents go through the DTS lectures, while kids have their own age-appropriate discipleship program.
  • Living Arrangements for Families – Instead of dorms, families get their own housing.
  • Outreach for the Whole Family – Kids don’t get left behind! Outreach locations and activities are chosen with families in mind.
  • Parenting & Missions Focus – Some Family DTS programs include teaching on raising kids in a faith-filled home and doing missions as a family.

   

  It’s a great option for parents who feel called to missions but don’t want to wait until their kids are grown to take that step.

    Family DTS at YWAM Matamata in New Zealand  

    Family DTS at YWAM Grimerud in Norway   

    Family DTS at YWAM Chico in USA  

    Family DTS at YWAM Kona in USA  

    Family DTS at YWAM Rancho Abierto in Mexico  

• - 50plus DTS

  The 50Plus DTS is a Discipleship Training School (DTS) specifically designed for people over 50 who want to deepen their relationship with Jesus and engage in missions. It’s similar to a regular DTS—focused on knowing God and making Him known—but tailored for a more mature age group.

  What makes it different?

  • Life Experience Matters – This DTS values the wisdom and experience older participants bring.
  • Slower Pace & Comfortable Environment – While still adventurous, it's structured to be less intense than a youth-focused DTS.
  • Intergenerational Community – You’ll likely have opportunities to connect with younger missionaries while being in a group of peers.
  • Calling & Purpose – Many participants are in a season of life where they’re asking, "What’s next, God?" This DTS helps answer that.

   

  After the lecture phase, there's still an outreach phase—because God’s mission isn’t just for the young! Some schools even focus on strategic ways to serve in missions later in life, like mentoring younger missionaries or using professional skills abroad.

    50plus DTS at YWAM Wiler in Switzerland  

• - All Generations DTS

  An All Generations DTS is a Discipleship Training School designed for people of all ages—young adults, older adults, couples, and even families. Unlike a typical DTS that’s mostly 18-25-year-olds, this one intentionally brings together a mix of generations to learn, grow, and do missions together.

  What makes it different?

  • Multi-Generational Community – You’ll have young people, older adults, and sometimes families all in the same school.
  • Rich Discussions – A mix of life experience and fresh perspectives makes for deeper conversations and learning.
  • Inclusive Outreach – Teams are built to include different generations, showing the world what it looks like when all ages serve God together.

   

  It’s a great option if you’re looking for a diverse DTS experience where you can learn from and be encouraged by people in different life stages.

    All Generations DTS at YWAM Matamata in New Zealand