ABOUT US
WHO IS YWAM BRISBANE?
We are a community committed to pursuing God, with lives and schedules centered around worship, the Word & walking in holiness. The natural expression of our faith is to share the truth & blessing of the Kingdom with those around us, starting with our local neighbourhood, expanding to our long-term relationships and ministries in rural towns & extending to the ends of the earth. We are committed to evangelism & serving the local church locally, rurally & internationally - not as an event but an ongoing lifestyle. To that end, we are a hub of creativity, both in our pursuit of God & in pioneering new ministry styles, locations & initiatives.
MEET OUR DIRECTORS
Dave and Jenni Neibling have led YWAM Brisbane since 1997. They are passionate about developing and releasing leaders who are equally passionate in their pursuit of God.
Our centre is a former primary school, that has been transformed to house students, staff and guests as well as our training courses.
GET A BASE TOUR
PHOTOS OF BASE
Click left and right to see photographs from around our campus.
ABOUT YWAM
YOUTH WITH A MISSION
Youth With A Mission is an international volunteer missions movement of Christians from many backgrounds, cultures and traditions. We are dedicated to serving throughout the world. Also known as YWAM (pronounced "Y - wam"), our purpose is simply to know God and to make Him known - fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).
We do this in three ways:
Evangelism, Training, and Mercy Ministries.
There are more than 1,500 YWAM locations in at least 187 countries worldwide, with a staff of over 20,000 volunteers from 200 nations and various denominations. More than four million students, short-term volunteers and staff have served with YWAM since its inception in 1960.
THE FOUNDERS
LOREN AND DARLENE
CUNNINGHAM
It all began with a vision. In June of 1956, Loren Cunningham, a 20-year-old student from the United States, spent a part of his summer break in Nassau, Bahamas touring with a singing group. One night after a busy day, Loren had an unusual experience. “I lay down on the bed,” he recalled, “doubled the pillow under my head and opened my Bible, routinely asking God to speak into my mind. What happened next was far from routine. Suddenly, I was looking up at a map of the world. Only the map was alive, moving! I sat up. I shook my head, rubbed my eyes. It was a mental movie. I could see all the continents. Waves were crashing onto the shores. Each went onto a continent, then receded, then came up further until it covered the continent completely. I caught my breath. Then, as I watched, the scene changed. The waves became young people–kids my age and even younger–covering the continents. They were talking to people on the street corners and outside bars. They were going house to house. They were preaching. ‘Was that really you, Lord?’ I wondered, still staring at the wall, amazed. Young people–kids really–going out as missionaries! What an idea! And I thought ‘Why did God give me this vision?’”
The past 65 years of ministry have all stemmed from that vision and Loren’s obedience. Now YWAM is one of the largest missions organization in the world and we remain dedicated to "Knowing God and Making God Known."
PURPOSE STATEMENT
Youth With A Mission (YWAM) is an international movement of Christians from many denominations dedicated to presenting Jesus personally to this and future generations, to mobilizing as many as possible to help in this task, and to the training and equipping of believers for their part in fulfilling the Great Commission. As citizens of God’s kingdom, we are called to love, worship and obey our Lord, to love and serve His body, the Church, to love all peoples everywhere, which includes presenting the whole Gospel for the whole person throughout the whole world.
We of Youth With A Mission believe in God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – and that the Bible is God’s inspired and authoritative Word, revealing that Jesus Christ is God’s son; fully God and fully human; that people are created in God’s image; that He created us to have eternal life through Jesus Christ; that although all people have sinned and come short of God’s glory, God has made salvation possible through the incarnation, life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ; that repentance, faith, love and obedience are fitting responses to God’s initiative of grace toward us through the active ministry of the Holy Spirit; that God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth; and that the Holy Spirit’s power is demonstrated in and through us for the accomplishment of Christ’s last commandments, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone” (Mark 16:15 NLT) and ”Go and make disciples of all the nations...” (Matthew 28:19 NLT).
CORE BELIEFS
WORSHIP
We are called to praise and worship God alone.
(Exodus 20:2-3; Deuteronomy 6:4-5; 2Kings 17:35 39; 1Chronicles 16:28-30; Nehemiah 8:2-10; Mark 12:29-30; Romans 15:5-13; Jude 24-25; Revelation 5:6-14; Revelation 19:5-8).
WITNESS
We are called to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those who do not know Him.
(Psalms 78:1-7; Isaiah 40:3-11; Micah 4:1-2; Habakkuk 2:14; Luke 24:44-48; Acts 3:12-26; Acts 10:39-43; 1Corinthians 9:19-23; 2Corinthians 2:12-17; 1Peter 3:15-18).
FELLOWSHIP
We are called to commit to the Church in both its local nurturing expression and its mobile multiplying expression.
(2Chronicles 29:20-30; Psalms 22:25-28; Psalms 122:1-4; Joel 2:15-17; Mathew 18:19-20; Acts 2:44-47; Acts 4:32-35; 1Corinthians 14:26-40; Ephesians 2:11-18; Hebrews 10:23-25).
HOLINESS
We are called to lead holy and righteous lives that exemplify the nature and character of God.
(Leviticus 19:1-2; Psalms 51:7-11; Jeremiah 18:1-11; Ezekiel 20:10-12; Zechariah 13:9; Luke 1:68-75; Ephesians 4:21-32; Titus 2:11-14; 1Peter 2:9,21-25; 1John 3:1-3).
PRAYER
We are called to engage in intercessory prayer for the people and causes on God's heart, including standing against evil in every form.
(Genesis 18:20-33; Exodus 32:1-16; Judges 3:9,15; 1Kings 8:22-61; Ezekiel 22:30-31; Ezekiel 33:1-11; Matthew 6:5-15; Matthew 9:36-38; Ephesians 3:14-21; 2 Thessaloniasns 3:1-5).
SERVICE
We are called to contribute toward God's Kingdom purposes in every sphere of life.
(Deuteronomy 15:7-11; Deuteronomy 24:17-22; Psalms 112:4-9; Proverbs 11:10-11; Zechariah 7:8-10; Matthew 5:14-16; 2Thessalonians 3:13; Titus 3:4-8;
Hebrews 13:15-16; James 2:14-26).
FOUNDATIONAL VALUES
1.
KNOW GOD
YWAM is committed to know God, His nature, His character and His ways. We seek to reflect who He is in every aspect of our lives and ministry. The automatic overflow of knowing and enjoying fellowship with God is a desire to share Him with others.
2.
MAKE GOD KNOWN
YWAM is called to make God known throughout the whole world, and into every arena of society through evangelism, training and mercy ministries. We believe that salvation of souls should result in transformation of societies thus obeying Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations.
2Kings 19:19; Job 42:5; Psalm 46:10; Psalm 103:7-13; Jeremiah 9:23-24; Hosea 6:3; John 17:3; Ephesians 1:16-17; Philippians 3:7-11; 1 John 2:4-6.
1Chronicles 16:24-27; Psalm 68:11; Psalm 71:15-16; Psalm 145:4-7; Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; Acts 13:1-4a; Romans 10:8-15; Romans 15:18-21
3.
HEAR GOD'S VOICE
YWAM is committed to creating with God through listening to Him, praying His prayers and obeying His commands in matters great and small. We are dependent upon hearing His voice as individuals, together in team contexts and in larger corporate gatherings, as an integral part of our process for decision making.
1Samuel 3:7-10; 2Chronicles 15:2-4; Psalm 25:14; Isaiah 6:8; Amos 3:7; Luke 9:35; John 10:1-5; John 16:13-15; Hebrews 3:7-8,15; Revelation 2:7,11,17,27; Revelation 3:6,13,22.
4.
PRACTICE WORSHIP
& INTERCESSORY PRAYER
YWAM is dedicated to worship God and engage in intercessory prayer as integral aspects of daily life. We also recognize the intent of Satan to destroy the work of God and we rely upon God’s empowering presence, the Holy Spirit, to overcome Satan’s strategies in the lives of individuals and in the affairs of nations.
1Samuel 7:5; 2Chronicles 7:4; Psalm 84:1-8; Psalm 95:6-7; Psalm 100:1-5; Mark 11:24-25; Acts 1:14; Ephesians 6:13-20; 1Thessalonians 5:16-19; 1Titus 2:1-4
5.
BE VISIONARY
YWAM is called to be visionary, continually receiving, nurturing and releasing fresh vision from God. We support the pioneering of new ministries and methods, always willing to be radical in order to be relevant to every generation, people group, and sphere of society. We believe that the apostolic call of YWAM requires the integration of spiritual eldership, freedom in the Spirit and relationship, centered on the Word of God
Numbers 12:6; 1Samuel 12:16; Proverbs 29:18; Ezekiel 1:1; Habakkuk 2:2 3; Mark 1:35-39; Luke 9:1-6; Acts 16:9-10; Acts 26:19; 2Peter 3:9-13.
7.
BE DECENTERALIZED
YWAM is a Christ-centered, faith-based global volunteer movement, united by shared vision, core beliefs, foundational values and relationships. We do not have a centralized structure. Every YWAM ministry has the privilege and spiritual responsibility to develop and maintain healthy relationships with appropriate authorities and circles of elders.
Exodus 18:13-26; Numbers 1:16-19; Numbers 11:16-17,24-30; Deuteronomy 29:10-13; Joshua 23:1-24:28; Acts 14:23; Acts 15:1-31; 1Corinthians 3:4-11; Titus 1:5-9; Hebrews 13:7,17.
6.
CHAMPION YOUNG PEOPLE
YWAM is called to champion youth. We believe God has gifted and called young people to spearhead vision and ministry. We are committed to value them, trust them, train them, support them, make space for them and release them. They are not only the Church of the future; they are the Church of today. We commit to follow where they lead, in the will of God.
1Samuel 17:32-50; Ecclesiastes 4:13-14; Ecclesiastes 12:1-7; Jeremiah 1:5-10; Daniel 1:17-20; Joe; 2:28; John 6:9; Acts 16:1-5; 1Titus 4:12-16; 1John 2:12-14
8.
BE INTERNATIONAL &
INTER-DENOMINATIONAL
YWAM is international and interdenominational in its global scope as well as its local constituency. We believe that ethnic, linguistic and denominational diversity, along with redeemed aspects of culture, are positive factors that contribute to the health and growth of the mission.
Genesis 12:1-4; Genesis 26:2-5; Psalm 57:9-10; Jeremiah 32:27; Daniel 7:13-14; Acts 20:4; 1Corinthians 12:12-31; Ephesians 4:1-16; Colossians 3:11; Revelation 7:9
9.
HAVE A BIBLICAL CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW
YWAM is called to a biblical Christian worldview. We believe that the Bible—the textbook for all of life—makes a clear division between good and evil; right and wrong. The practical dimensions of life are no less spiritual than the ministry expressions. Everything done in obedience to God is spiritual. We seek to honor God with all that we do, equipping and mobilizing men and women of God to take roles of service and influence in every arena of society.
Deuteronomy 8:1-3; Deuteronomy 32:45-47; 2Kings 22:8; Psalms 19:7-11; Luke 8:21; John 8:31-32; Philippians 4:8-9; 2Titus 3:16 17; Hebrews 4:12-13; James 4:17
11.
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.
10.
FUNCTION IN TEAMS
YWAM is called to function in teams in all aspects of ministry and leadership. We believe that a combination of complementary gifts, callings, perspectives, ministries and generations working together in unity at all levels of our mission provides wisdom and safety. Seeking God’s will and making decisions in a team context allows accountability and contributes to greater relationship, motivation, responsibility and ownership of the vision
Deuteronomy 32:30-31; 2Chronicles 17:7-9; Proverbs 15:22; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Mark 6:7-13; Romans 12:3-10; 2Corinthians 1:24; Ephesians 5:21; Philippians 2:1-2; 1Peter 4:8
12.
DO FIRST, THEN TEACH
YWAM is committed to doing first, then teaching. We believe that firsthand experience gives authority to our words. Godly character and a call from God are more important than an individual’s gifts, abilities and expertise.
Deuteronomy 4:5-8; Ezra 7:10; Psalm 51:12-13; Psalm 119:17-18; Proverbs 1:1-4; Matthew 7:28-29; Acts 1:1-2; Colossians 3:12 17; 2Titus 4:1-5; 2Peter 1:5-1
Deuteronomy 10:12-13; Psalm 84:10; Isaiah 42:1-4; Micah 6:8; Mark 10:42-45; John 13:3-17; Romans 16:1-2; Galatians 5:13-14; Philippians 2:3-11; 1Peter 4:10-11
13.
BE RELATIONSHIP-ORIENTATED
YWAM is dedicated to being relationship-oriented in our living and working together. We desire to be united through lives of holiness, mutual support, transparency, humility, and open communication, rather than a dependence on structures or rules.
Leviticus 19:18; Psalm 133:1-3; Proverbs 17:17; Proverbs 27:10; John 13:34-35; John 15:13-17; John 17:20-23; Romans 13:8-10; 1John 1:7; 1John 4:7-12
15.
VALUE FAMILIES
YWAM affirms the importance of families serving God together in missions, not just the father and/or mother. We also embrace the inclusion of single-parent families. We encourage the development of strong and healthy family units, with each member sharing the call to missions and contributing their gifts in unique and complementary ways. We uphold and celebrate the biblical view that God’s intent for holy matrimony is between one man and one woman.
Genesis 2:21-24; Genesis 18:17 19; Deuternomy 6:6-7; Proverbs 5:15-23; Proverbs 31:10-31; Malachi 2:14-16; Matthew 19:3-9; 1 Corinthians 7:1-16; 1Timothy 3:2-5; Hebrews 13:4
17.
PRACTICE HOSPITALITY
YWAM affirms the ministry of hospitality as an expression of God’s character and the value of people. We believe it is important to open our hearts, homes, YWAM locations and campuses to serve and honor one another, our guests and the poor and needy, not as acts of social protocol, but as expressions of generosity.
Genesis 18:1-8; 2Samuel 9:1-11; Psalm 68:5-6; Proverbs 22:9; Isaiah 58:7; Matthew 25:31 46; Acts 28:7-8; Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:1-3; 1Peter 4:9
14.
VALUE THE INDIVIDUAL
YWAM is called to value each individual. We believe in equal opportunity and justice for all. Created in the image of God, people of all nationalities, ages and functions have distinctive contributions and callings. We are committed to honoring God-given leadership and ministry gifts in both men and women.
Genesis 1:27; Leviticus 19:13-16; Deuteronomy 16:18-20; Psalm 139:13-16; Mark 8:34 37; Acts 10:34-35; Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 6:5-9; Hebrews 2:11-12; James 2:1-9
16.
PRACTICE DEPENDENCE ON GOD
YWAM is called to practice a life of dependence upon God for financial provision. For individuals and for any YWAM team or community this comes primarily through His people. As God has been generous toward us, so we desire to be generous, giving ourselves, our time and talents to God with no expectation of remuneration.
Genesis 22:12-14; Exodus 36:2-7; Numbers 18:25-29; Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 6:25-33; Luke 19:8-9; 2Corinthians 8:1-9:15; Philippians 4:10-20; Titus 3:14; 3John 5-8
18.
COMMUNICATE WITH INTEGRITY
YWAM affirms that everything exists because God communicates. Therefore, YWAM is committed to truthful, accurate, timely and relevant communication. We believe good communication is essential for strong relationships, healthy families and communities, and effective ministry.
Genesis 1:3-5; Numbers 23:19; Proverbs 10:19; Proverbs 25:9-14; Zecheriah 8:16-17; Matthew 5:33-37; Luke 4:16-22; John 1:1 5; Colossians 4:6; James 3:1-18
