Words by Nissi Chiasson.

Taking a gap year can be a transformative experience, especially when it's centered around gaining a deeper understanding of your faith and discovering your purpose.

For young Christians across the globe, YWAM San Diego/Baja's Discipleship Training School (DTS) provides a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in their relationship with God. As a cross-cultural experience, our Christian gap year programs are tailored to recent high school graduates and other young adults who want to pursue a lifetime of missions within their chosen sphere of society.

Our DTS has many different tracks of focus, including the School of Worship. At YWAM San Diego/Baja, this program isn't just about learning how to lead worship; it's about experiencing a profound spiritual journey that impacts every aspect of your life.

Learn more about the School of Worship DTS from our blog and student testimonial below. When you're ready to answer God's call and pursue the path. He's laid out for your life, contact YWAM San Diego/Baja or apply online today.

Christian Gap Year Programs From a Student's Perspective

I came to the School of Worship wanting to learn how to be a worship leader and hoping to deepen my relationship with God along the way.

Little did I know, I would gain so much more than that. I was truly impacted by understanding what it means to have a good heart posture before the Lord. That having that deeper relationship with Him-that is where the outflow of our worship comes from.

If we have the wrong idea of the Lord, how can we even begin to worship? If we have the wrong idea of Him, we aren't really knowing Him. We need that deep relationship to begin to understand who He is.

Through this school, God taught me to pursue Him, to pursue relationships, as He pursues me with an unending love.

Gap Year Discoveries: Spiritual Growth Through Worship

In my School of Worship (SOW), I also discovered a newfound love for the word of God. I realized my need to have it written on my heart in deeper ways.

The more we read the word of God, the more we know His character and through this growth in knowing Him, I began going into the deeper places of worship and letting the song God has put into my heart come forth. My SOW taught me to love the Lord not only with my heart but with my mind as well.

Learning to Worship Outside of the Limelight Like Jesus Christ

During our worship times on campus, I found that my heart and mind were being awakened to how great He is. I learned that it is not about having a stage, as I didn’t always get to be up there and lead worship, and in this, the Lord really humbled me.

He asked me, “Why do you need a stage? How does your love for me change from the floor to the stage?" This question wrecked me to my core. I had become all about being on stage and being noticed, I had forgotten it wasn’t about me. It was about the Lord being worthy of praise - no matter if I had a stage to do it from or not.

Our worship shouldn’t change from the floor to the stage, and our recklessness and passionate worship should never be for performance's sake. It doesn’t matter if people are around or not, my heart posture should be the same. My worship to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords is important because He is worthy of all my praise and adoration.

I am so thankful for this season of the School of Worship, it not only impacted me as a worship leader but as a daughter of the King.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. ”

— Psalms 23:6

The School of Worship: Additional Training for Young Adults

The School of Worship at YWAM San Diego Baja delves into what it looks like for worshippers and creatives to be fully devoted to serving God, and invested in strong relationships with Him. If your heart is stirring to live out a lifestyle of worship, join us as we seek God and grow together through practical musicianship and biblical teaching.

The School of Worship is an elective track of the YWAM San Diego/Baja DTS. It is essentially a course that informs and drives the direction and learning of your missions training throughout the entirety of DTS. All of our electives exist to help you get the training that will be most applicable to your passions and chosen path in life.

Gain a Heart of Worship in the DTS School of Worship

Throughout the Bible, we see the mighty ways that God called and walked alongside worshipers and musicians. Partnering with them as they used their musical abilities to minister.

The heart of this school is to establish a lifestyle of leaning into God’s heart and offering up our abilities and honor to Him. We first focus on strengthening our relationships with Him and then leading and creating from the identity and purpose that He has given us.

As part of DTS, this school includes a three-month campus phase of learning from inspiring speakers and cultivating growth in the creative gifts God has given you. Following the campus phase, you will have the opportunity to serve on a two-month outreach where you can step out, share what you have learned, and pour into the lives of others.

Choosing the School of Worship for your gap year is more than just a step in your education; it's a commitment to growing in your relationship with God and using your gifts to serve His kingdom. This journey will challenge you, inspire you, and equip you to lead others in worship, making a lasting impact on your life and the lives of those you encounter.

For more information about our upcoming school CLICK HERE!!

The School of Worship at YWAM San Diego Baja will be delving into what it looks like for worshipers and creatives to be fully devoted to serving God and invested in strong relationships with Him. If your heart is stirring to live out a lifestyle of worship, join us as we seek God and grow together through practical musicianship and biblical teaching. This school includes a three month lecture phase of learning from inspiring speakers and cultivating growth in the creative gifts God has given you. Following the lecture phase, you will have the opportunity to serve on a two-month outreach where you can step out and share what you have learned and pour into the lives of others. For more information about our upcoming school CLICK HERE!!

What Is DTS? Our Christian Gap Year Program

DTS, or Discipleship Training School, is YWAM San Diego/Baja's flagship Christian gap year program designed to ignite your faith and equip you for a life of purpose. If you’re looking to break away from the ordinary and dive into an extraordinary adventure with God during your gap year, our DTS is the perfect place to start.

Our headquarters in sunny San Diego serves as the launch pad for an unforgettable journey that spans our two vibrant campuses in Mexico.

Just 20 minutes south of the border lies our San Antonio Del Mar campus, our flagship location where the beauty of the Pacific Ocean meets a thriving, faith-filled community. Further down the coast, 1.5 hours south of the border, you'll find our Ensenada campus, nestled along the picturesque shores of Baja California. Between these two campuses lies the bustling city of Tijuana, offering a unique blend of culture and mission opportunities.

DTS at YWAM San Diego/Baja spans five transformative months, beginning with an 11-week campus phase and ending with mission trips to international destinations that last about eight weeks.

DTS is more than just a program; it's a life-changing experience that will shape your future and strengthen your relationship with God. Whether you're exploring the vibrant streets of Tijuana, soaking in the scenic beauty of the beach, or growing in faith through small group discussions, your time in DTS will be filled with moments that challenge, inspire, and transform you.

Join us at YWAM San Diego/Baja and embark on a gap year that will impact your life forever. Apply for DTS and do the School of Worship today.

The Campus Phase

In the lecture phase, which lasts about 11 weeks and takes place on one of our two beautiful campuses south of the border, you'll engage in daily worship, in-depth Bible study, and dynamic teaching sessions designed to deepen your understanding of God’s word and His calling for your life.

The community atmosphere is electric, with small groups and personal mentorships that foster authentic relationships and personal growth. You'll also have plenty of free time to explore the town, walk to the beach, and enjoy authentic local tacos. We also encourage students who prefer attending church to join a local congregation.

Practical Training: Our Gap Year Courses

Our elective courses are the highlight of the campus phase, also called the lecture phase. The School of Worship is just one of these unique, in-depth missions training tracks that allow you to focus on your specific passion.

If you haven't chosen a path, which is likely what led you to take a gap year, our electives like the DTS worship elective allow you to explore what skills and God-given talents you may want to continue pursuing after your gap year.

YWAM San Diego/Baja elective courses include:

Apply for DTS today for formal training in your chosen area.

The Outreach Phase

After the campus phase, the adventure truly begins with an 8-week outreach trip. You'll step out of your comfort zone and into the mission field with your gap year team, whether it's in Mexico or beyond. This phase is all about putting your faith into action, serving others, and spreading the love of Jesus in tangible ways.

Possible outreach destinations include Europe, South East Asia, Latin America, The Caribbean, and Africa. It all depends on where your Christian community is called to by God. Ministry leaders are needed all over the world to help share His story with the nearly 2.2 billion people who may never hear the Word of God otherwise.

What Is a Christian Gap Year?

A Christian gap year is a purposeful break from traditional education or career paths, focused on deepening your faith, discovering your purpose, and serving others. Unlike a conventional gap year that might emphasize travel or self-discovery, a Christian gap year integrates spiritual growth with practical experiences.

At YWAM San Diego/Baja, our Christian gap year programs, like the Discipleship Training School (DTS), are designed to immerse you in a community of believers, provide comprehensive Biblical teaching, and offer hands-on mission opportunities. This gap year is about stepping out of the ordinary and embracing a journey that brings you closer to God, equips you with life-changing skills, and prepares you for a future of impactful service.

Is a Gap Year Only for High School Graduates?

Absolutely not! While many participants in gap year programs are recent high school graduates looking for direction before college, gap years are beneficial for anyone seeking a transformative experience.

College students, graduates, and even those in the workforce can benefit from taking a Christian gap year. At YWAM San Diego/Baja, our programs cater to a diverse age range, offering unique opportunities for spiritual growth, leadership development, and mission work to everyone no matter their stage in life.

Whether you’re looking to take a break from your academic routine, find clarity in your career path, or simply deepen your relationship with God, a Christian gap year DTS can provide the space and structure needed for meaningful personal and spiritual growth.

Take a Gap Year You'll Never Forget - Do a YWAM DTS!

It's time to forget about the boring, traditional gap year you see in the movies. No more wasting your precious time wondering how to start your life or if you're making the right choices. Seek assurance in God's plan for you from a Christ-centered community during a Christian gap year program with YWAM San Diego/Baja. Apply for DTS today!

Already done a DTS? DTS graduates can serve alongside more experienced disciples, earn college credit, and get additional training by immersing themselves in the Holy Spirit with our secondary schools. These extended training opportunities are the perfect way to fulfill the remaining months of your gap year after DTS. Check out our YWAM San Diego/Baja secondary schools today.

Faith-Based Gap Year: How the School of Worship Can Impact Your Relationship With God