The YWAM Christian Teaching Podcast

Eldership - Tripod Message for Youth With A Mission When I was seven years old, my family and I visited Niagara Falls. I have an indelible picture in my mind of what I saw: a barge, wedged against a huge rock right at the edge of the falls, with the water raging around it. I was forever impacted by the story I heard:  Two young boys had been guarding the barge, safely tied to a dock far upstream. When night came, they fell asleep. As the boat gently rocked, the knot loosened and they began to float downstream. The boys slept on... drifting... not knowing they were in danger. Hitting rapids, the lads awoke with a jolt. Realizing that they were in peril, they yelled for help, but no one was awake to hear their cries. As daylight came, people saw the boys in distress, now rapidly rushing toward eminent death, but there was nothing anyone could do-they were too far out in the middle of the river, and no one could reach them in time. They fell to their knees and cried out to God to save the boys. Miraculously, just at the edge of the falls, the barge hit a huge rock and lodged securely against it. From there, the townsfolk were able to throw ropes and rescue the boys. I shared this story in 2001 with the Youth With A Mission Global Leadership Team gathered in Kenya, expressing my concern that there were areas where we as a mission were "adrift" from our founding values and this drift could lead to our demise. Few organizations are able to continue with vision and passion beyond the second generation. Although YWAM was then 41 years old and had many thousands of full-time participants working all around the globe, future multiplication could not be assured by momentum alone. We needed God's understanding of where we had drifted and His re-alignment to bring a new thrust of apostolic growth.  I carried this concern continuously in my heart. Then, on July 13, 2002, God reassured me that we as a mission had "hit the rock." He promised that if we would obey His course correction, He would give us a new apostolic release. I wept with gratitude and relief. The following month, the Lord called me to a time of fasting and prayer for YWAM. I asked "what are the essential ingredients for regaining our apostolic edge?" He began to bring an understanding of key elements for growth that I will explain below. ELEMENTS FOR APOSTOLIC GROWTH The following elements thrived among us as a mission during our first four decades, resulting in many new ministries and launching of YWAMers globally, but in the 90s we began to drift in some places. These are the moorings that I believe will bring about a renewed apostolic thrust Freedom in the Spirit Spiritual Eldership Relationship All of these must function under the Lordship of Jesus, according to His word and His will. FREEDOM IN THE SPIRIT Every individual, from the youngest to the oldest, must have freedom in the Spirit to hear and obey the word of the Lord. This opens up creativity for Him and from Him to initiate among us anything He wants to do. We teach students, "You can hear God's voice...but you also must obey it and step out to trust Him to do the impossible." The steps are: (1) God gives revelation, (2) we interpret the revelation and (3) we apply what we understand. We may make mistakes sometimes in our interpretation or application, but that's not evil-that is how we learn. Often the young and inexperienced hear God most clearly, for they do not yet believe that it can't be done! It is important that individuals have this freedom in the Spirit to hear and obey God, but this is not done in a vacuum or independently. Otherwise you can end up with the "tyranny of one." This is where it becomes important to understand how spiritual leadership works. SPIRITUAL ELDERSHIP Elders are not necessarily older in age (Timothy, a youth, was an elder and appointed other elders). But elders have a breadth and depth of experience and spiritual maturity,

In this episode of the YWAM Teaching Podcast Joseph Avakian tells us about the journey that God took him on in Discovering and Restoring the Identity that God created him with. Joseph Avakian has been working with Youth With A Mission since 1984 and has been involved in teaching and projects around the world. He has been responsible for pioneering and launching many of the schools that YWAM is currently running in the area of communication. Joseph was also one of the key developers of the current YWAM logo. You can find out more about Joseph Avakian on his personal web-site and blog. Subscribe to the YWAM Teaching Podcast: Subscribe via Email

David Hamilton shares with us about God's Calling and Gifting on us as individuals in YWAM, and God's unique Calling and Gifting on Youth With A Mission as a Missions Organisation. David Hamilton has served in YWAM for almost 30-years. During this time he has served in many different roles, including: The International Associate Provost of the University of the Nations Assistant to the YWAM President Member of the International Leadership Team of the U of N Member of the Global Leadership Team of YWAM Director of Training on the YWAM/U of N Kona campus Vice President for Strategic Innovation at YWAM’s University of the Nations In this teaching David Hamilton talks about some of the unique ways that God has and is using YWAM in the world. They include stories of: Solar powered audio bibles small enough to fit in a g-string of pygmy people Training lab rats to assist in the disarming of land mines Malaria research in Brasil and Uganda and many more stories ... David Hamilton has also participated in the writing of three different books: Courageous Leaders – Transforming Their World His Kingdom Come - An Integrated Approach to Discipling the Nations/Fulfilling the Great Commission Why Not Women? - A Fresh Look at Scripture on Women in Missions, Ministry, and Leadership Subscribe to the YWAM Teaching Podcast: Subscribe via Email

In this episode of the YWAM Teaching Podcast we get to hear from Dean Sherman as he shares about The Spirit of the World - 1 John 5:19. Dean Sherman is dean of the College of Christian Ministries for the University of the Nations. He is a respected international Bible teacher, having ministered in 49 states and more than 40 countries. He and his wife, Michelle, make their home in Salem, Oregon. They have two children. Dean Sherman has written books and created video and audio teachings that have been used at YWAM locations and churches around the world about the topics of relationships and spiritual warfare. SPIRITUAL WARFARE FOR EVERY CHRISTIAN How to Live in Victory & Retake the Land God has called Christians to overcome the world and drive back the forces of evil and darkness at work within it. Spiritual warfare isn't just casting out demons; it's Spirit-controlled thinking and attitudes. Dean delivers a no-nonsense, both-feet-planted-on-the-ground approach to the unseen world. RELATIONSHIPS The Key to Love, Sex, and Everything Else With clarity and a sharp wit, Dean Sherman illuminates the often confusing and mysterious world of love, sex, and relationships in this accessible, hard-hitting examination of romantic love and sexuality in the Christian's life. Learn the secret of your "attraction gift" Discover that the real question is not  "How far is too far?" Investigate the meaning and value of being in right, godly relationships with others. Build your life relationships upon God's logical, loving, and freeing precepts. Begin the healing process if you struggle with sexual sin from your past. Understand the loving and practical principles behind the relationship boundaries God has established. Relationships: The Key to Love, Sex, and Everything Else is an immediately relevant and refreshingly direct discussion of the most dynamic and foundational facet of our lives. Bold and thorough, this book is the answer for those who are disillusioned with the self-centred, anything-goes attitude modelled in much of today's media or the legalistic advice that attempts to reduce relationships to a list of rules. With balance and thoughtfulness, Dean Sherman offers a soundly biblical alternative that works. Subscribe to the YWAM Teaching Podcast: Subscribe via Email

In this episode of the YWAM Teaching Podcast we get to hear from Loren Cunningham as he talks about the Conditions for Knowing God's Voice. Loren Cunningham is the founder of Youth With A Mission (YWAM) and the co-founder and International Chancellor of the University of the Nations (U of N). He is also the leader of the YWAM UofN Campus in Hawaii and a member of the YWAM International Eldership. Loren Cunningham is the author of a number of books including: Is That Really You God? Hearing the Voice of God Daring to Live on the Edge: The Adventure of Faith and Finances Making Jesus Lord: The Dynamic Power of Laying Down Your Rights (formerly titled Winning God’s Way) Why Not Women? A Fresh Look at Scripture on Women in Missions, Ministry, and Leadership (co-written with David Hamilton) The Book that Transforms Nations: The Power of the Bible to Change Any Country You can read more about Loren Cunningham on his personal web-site. This teaching is an earlier recording and has some gaps in the middle of his talk. We have put the teaching together as best we can to convey Loren's message, but you will probably find that some of the middle of his talk sounds disjointed. After listening through a number of times we have decided to publish this teaching in it's current state as it is a valuable teaching about hearing God's Voice. Subscribe to the YWAM Teaching Podcast: Subscribe via Email

In this YWAM Teaching Podcast we get to hear from Joy Dawson as she talks to us about Spiritual Authority. Joy Dawson's Bible-teaching ministry and missionary journeys have taken her to fifty-five countries on every continent. Most of her teaching ministry has been at spiritual leadership conferences. Multitudes have been blessed by her television and radio ministries, and countless lives have been changed through the international distribution of her audio and videotapes. The character and ways of God are the Biblical basis of her penetrating teachings, which cross denominational lines (from her web-site). Joy Dawson has authored or co-authored eight different books: Forever Ruined for the Ordinary The Adventure Of Hearing And Obeying The Voice Of God How to Pray for Someone Near You Who Is Away from God Intercession, Thrilling and Fulfilling Intimate Friendship with God Through Understanding the Fear of the Lord Jesus the Model The Plumb Line for Christian Living Knowing God A Devotional About the Character and Ways of God Some of the Ways of God in Healing How to get answers and directions when you are suffering The Fire of God Discovering its many life-changing purposes Subscribe to the YWAM Teaching Podcast: Subscribe via Email

In this episode of the YWAM Teaching Podcast we hear from Winkie Pratney as he shares with us about what it means to be "Free as a Slave". Winkie Pratney is a youth communicator, Christian apologist, evangelist, and writer from Auckland, New Zealand. With a mostly teenaged audience, Pratney speaks world wide to over 500,000 annually in churches, universities, high-schools, and Christian-oriented festivals. Winkie Pratney has written over 20 different books since he began writing in 1964. The latest book that he published is called Ultimate CORE: Church on the Radical Edge. Ultimate Core is described as: This in-depth approach to discipleship is designed for young people who want to experience and radiate the core of heart commitment to Christ. The ULTIMATE CORE is grounded in the ageless principles taught in the Sermon on the Mount. Relevant chapter topics range from purity to spiritual gifts to evangelism and offer insights to empower and challenge older teens and twenty-somethings to become effective, powerful Christians for this millennium. Written by Winkie Pratney and Trevor Yaxley, two youth ministry and evangelism experts. Some of Winkie Pratney's other books include: Youth Aflame: Manual for Discipleship Devil Take the Youngest Revival: Principles To Change the World Counterfeit Conversion ($0.99 on Kindle) And many more books ... Subscribe to the YWAM Teaching Podcast: Subscribe via Email

In this episode of the YWAM Teaching Podcast we get to hear from Darelene Cunningham as she shares about Who is Jesus to a group of YWAM Leaders. Darlene Cunningham is the co-founder of Youth With A Mission and continues to be active in the YWAM eldership. You can read and download more from Darlene Cunningham on the YWAM Life web-site, including her teaching about the YWAM Foundational Value about hearing God’s voice here. Photo of Darlene Cunningham by Rob Darby. Subscribe to the YWAM Teaching Podcast: Subscribe via Email

In this edition of the YWAM Teaching Podcast David Hamilton talks about inovation in YWAM. David talks about various stories that express how innovation is a core part of the identity of Youth With A Mission. This teaching was originally recorded at a YWAM DNA conference in Woodcrest North Carolina. David Hamilton has served in YWAM for almost 30-years. During this time he has served in many different roles, including: The International Associate Provost of the University of the Nations Assistant to the YWAM President Member of the International Leadership Team of the U of N Member of the Global Leadership Team of YWAM Director of Training on the YWAM/U of N Kona campus Vice President for Strategic Innovation at YWAM’s University of the Nations Over his years in YWAM he has witnessed many different unique innovations, including: Development of a new bread of "YWAM" Goats in Uganda Candle Making in Thailand A unique preschool curriculum used by over 900 organisations around the world Focussed and specialised ministries like Cowboys With A Mission David Hamilton has also participated in the writing of three different books: Courageous Leaders - Transforming Their World His Kingdom Come - An Integrated Approach to Discipling the Nations/Fulfilling the Great Commission Why Not Women? - A Fresh Look at Scripture on Women in Missions, Ministry, and Leadership Subscribe to the YWAM Teaching Podcast: Subscribe via Email

In this YWAM Teaching podcast we hear from Loren Cunningham as he shares with us about the Importance of the Bible and the need to continue the work of previous generations in getting it into new places. This teaching was originally recorded at a YWAM DNA conference at YWAM Woodcrest in North Carolina. Loren Cunningham is the founder of Youth With A Mission (YWAM) and the co-founder and International Chancellor of the University of the Nations (U of N). He is also the leader of the YWAM UofN Campus in Hawaii and a member of the YWAM International Eldership. Loren Cunningham is the author of a number of books including: Is That Really You God? Hearing the Voice of God Daring to Live on the Edge: The Adventure of Faith and Finances Making Jesus Lord: The Dynamic Power of Laying Down Your Rights (formerly titled Winning God's Way) Why Not Women? A Fresh Look at Scripture on Women in Missions, Ministry, and Leadership (co-written with David Hamilton) The Book that Transforms Nations: The Power of the Bible to Change Any Country You can read more about Loren Cunningham on his personal web-site. Subscribe to the YWAM Teaching Podcast: Subscribe via Email

In this YWAM Teaching podcast we get to hear from Jim Stier share about the privilege of suffering for Christ. Jim Stier is a former president and executive director of Youth With A Mission. He has also served as the international director of evangelism and frontier missions, and the national director for Brasil. He is currently involved internationally as a part of the YWAM eldership. Jim Stier contributed to the continued discussion about eldership in Youth With A Mission in the April 2012 International YWAMer, Leadership Takes Shape. Jim Stier wrote the book Against All Odds and is a contributor to the book His Kingdom Come - An Integrated Approach to Discipling the Nations / Fulfilling the Great Commission. You can hear more of Jim Stier's teaching on the YWAM Madison podcast and find even more on the YWAM Life web-site. Subscribe to the YWAM Teaching Podcast: Subscribe via Email

In this episode of the YWAM Teaching Podcast we get to hear from Darelene Cunningham as she shares about Faith at a North American Leadership Conference. Darlene Cunningham is the co-founder of Youth With A Mission and continues to be active in the YWAM eldership. You can read and download more from Darlene Cunningham on the YWAM Life web-site, including her teaching about the YWAM Foundational Value about hearing God's voice here. Photo of Darlene Cunningham by Rob Darby. Subscribe to the YWAM Teaching Podcast: Subscribe via Email

In this episode of the YWAM Teaching Podcast Lynn Green shares about how we in YWAM can avoid the pitfall of institutionalising leadership. Servant Leadership is on one of the foundational values of Youth With A Mission: EXHIBIT SERVANT LEADERSHIP YWAM is called to servant leadership as a lifestyle, rather than a leadership hierarchy. A servant leader is one who honors the gifts and callings of those under his/her care and guards their rights and privileges. Just as Jesus served His disciples, we stress the importance of those with leadership responsibilities serving those whom they lead. It emphasises the importance of leadership being a lifestyle, and not a hierarchy.  1 Samuel 8 (NIV) Israel Asks for a King 1 When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as Israel’s leaders.[a]2 The name of his firstborn was Joel and the name of his second was Abijah, and they served at Beersheba. 3 But his sons did not follow his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice. 4 So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. 5 They said to him, “You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king to lead[b] us, such as all the other nations have.” 6 But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. 7 And the LORD told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. 8 As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. 9 Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will claim as his rights.” 10 Samuel told all the words of the LORD to the people who were asking him for a king. 11 He said, “This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots. 12 Some he will assign to be commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and still others to make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. 13 He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. 14 He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. 15 He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants. 16 Your male and female servants and the best of your cattle[c] and donkeys he will take for his own use. 17 He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves. 18 When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, but the LORD will not answer you in that day.” 19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want a king over us. 20 Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.” 21 When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the LORD. 22 The LORD answered, “Listen to them and give them a king.” Tom Hallas, a member of the YWAM Global Leadership Forum and the YWAM Asia/Pacific Field Director, wrote an article about Servant Leadership entitled "Serving as Sons", which you can download and read here. Subscribe to the YWAM Teaching Podcast: Subscribe via Email

In this episode of the YWAM Teaching Podcast Lynn Green shares about financial integrity at a Base Leader Training Session. Leadership Letter from Lynn Green about Personal Finances, February 2007: Dear Sisters and Brothers, For the past couple of years I have been hosting and speaking at Base Leaders’ Training Weeks. I think they are a lot of fun. I really enjoy meeting with base leaders from different nations and continents, learning about their joys and triumphs, struggles and disappointments and helping them find a way forward. As a result of listening to these leaders, I am beginning to identify some common and widespread issues we are facing. Recently a base leader asked, “What do you do when one person from a staff couple takes a job to supplement their income and then the other member has to take responsibility for child care? We end up having just one person on a part -time basis and yet we are housing an entire family. How do we respond to this?” I could readily understand the question because I see this issue cropping up all over the world and it can dramatically change the dynamics of a YWAM base. In practical terms, it can lead to less ministry happening in and from the base simply because you don’t have the same man-power available. It can actually be more damaging than that, but it will take me a bit to explain. I joined YWAM when I signed up for a School of Evangelism in 1969. I loved that year in the SOE! The best part of it was living in an old hotel with a bunch of other young people (especially one particular young lady whom I married before the year was out) and with Loren and Dar. We saw them relate to one another as a married couple and then as parents. I still have warm memories of Karen and, later, David Cunningham bedded down in little sleeping bags in the lecture room in the evenings. There was no doubt at all that the entire family was called into missions! From the very beginning, they demonstrated that single people, couples and families are all welcome in YWAM and that God has put a special anointing on YWAM to welcome families in ministry. A number of years after my first experience in YWAM, a young couple by the name of Dale and Carol Kaufman were at the newly established base in Kona. It was the summer of the Olympic outreach in Montreal and Dale was deeply disappointed because he had no freedom to go to the outreach. Their disappointment was turned to an adventure and the birth of a new ministry, King’s Kids. Over the years God would use it to mobilize thousands of children and then families into outreach together. I personally know many families who would say that their family came to deeper togetherness and spiritual maturity as a result of outreaches with KKI and, as far as they are concerned, their children are serving God today because of KKI. YWAM may not be unique in this calling but we are certainly unusual. Traditionally, most mission organizations were not family oriented. From time to time we still meet missionary children who had very painful experiences in boarding schools or because their parents were not allowed to have more children due to the policy of their mission. Times have changed, thank God! When Darlene Cunningham and a team from the Global Leadership Team first started working on the values of YWAM, they noted how God had led Loren and Dar at the beginning and how much He had blessed families in YWAM and that is why we included the following value: 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) Being a YWAMer is not a job, it is not a part-time calling and it is not a calling for just one member of a couple. Now,