Youth With A Mission - Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

YWAM Edmonton Long-Term Vision Development

The following ten initiatives will be targeted by YWAM Edmonton in the development of its ministry mandate. They include:

1. Mobilization & Recruitment:

First priority will be placed upon mobilizing teams for outreach. This will involve recruiting individuals with a passion for outreach, the development of ministry teams, training and sending them out into outreach locations throughout Canada and the world.
The initial focus will primarily be upon summer outreach teams, in order to take advantage of summer breaks for students. It would also be advantageous to serve as a Mission Adventures site in order to more effectively train & equip, and mobilize these outreach teams.
Recruitment can take place at Missionsfest and other missions conference venues, where missions participation is being promoted.

2. Partnering & Relationship Building:

Steps need to be taken to identify local churches that have been “YWAM friendly” and are willing to partner with YWAM in mobilizing individuals into missions. There are many opportunities for YWAM to partner with these churches for the purpose of training & mobilization.

3. Resource Office:

It is necessary to have people in place who can effectively serve the public as an information resource regarding YWAM schools and materials, as well as to provide information on outreach and service opportunities. It is important to be able to respond to telephone and e-mail inquiries regarding YWAM and its programs in a courteous and timely fashion.

4. Teaching & Training:

Teaching & training courses, seminars and conferences can be provided locally, focusing on topics that are consistent with those being taught in YWAM schools across North America. A variety of schooling options should be investigated, including everything from evening courses to a full D.T.S. program.

5. Hospitality & Support:

YWAM Edmonton will continue to offer accommodation and facilitation to YWAM teams, speakers, and individual staff and leaders who are passing through our area.
Ongoing encouragement and support will also be provided to YWAM missionaries who have been sent out from Edmonton into various ministry locations.

6. Alumni Ministry:

Steps will be taken to locate and contact D.T.S. alumni in Edmonton and surrounding communities in order to draw them into continued involvement. This will also entail participation in YWAM’s Global Target Network, in order to enlist the participation of as many YWAM alumni from this region as possible.
YWAM Edmonton will also provide resources, support and counsel for YWAMer’s who are struggling with re-entry difficulties.

7. Kings Kids:

YWAM Edmonton has a rich history of Kings Kids teams being developed and trained here for outreach. As the necessary leadership is available, Kings Kids teams will continue to be recruited and trained, in order for them to minister locally and internationally.

8. International Student Ministries:

Students come from many different countries and diverse cultures to study in local universities and colleges. Because of this, YWAM has many doors of opportunity to reach out to these students in caring and practical ways. As students are brought into relationship with Christ here, they are then in a position to influence their own communities with the power of the gospel upon their return home.

9. Mentorship:

Many of our YWAM alumni have a wealth of Christian experience and maturity that can be passed on to younger Christians. It is our hope to intentionally mentor young YWAM alumni into places of leadership in local ministry positions.

10. Base Planting:

Since YWAM Alberta's relocation to Turner Valley from Edmonton in 1985, YWAM has had less of a physical presence and exposure in central and northern Alberta. As new leaders are raised up, we will look for opportunities to plant YWAM bases / ministry centres in the surrounding communities throughout North / Central Alberta.