WHO WE ARE
WHO WE ARE
YWAM Furnace is a Mission Training Centre with a passion for God’s presence. Everything we do revolves around the goal of encountering Jesus, being equipped to follow Him wholeheartedly, and being sent out to make Him known. In the wake of the Impact World Tour’s nationwide evangelism events in 2004, in which 23,500 Kiwis responded to the gospel, God led us to set up a centre in Tauranga. We desired to create a “beachhead* of prayer and missions” – providing a platform for the masses to be trained and sent. Since 2005 we’ve grown into a mission base with a diverse range of ministries and missional training options, all centred around the prayer and worship. From the ends of the earth, fully surrendered and filled with joy, we are compelled to bring the gospel to a world that is aching for love and truth.
*a defended position on a beach taken from the enemy by landing forces, from which an attack can be launched.
OUR SEVEN CULTURES PIECES
Intimacy – with God and passion for His presence is the foundation of all we do. We strive to centre our lives around the person and presence of Jesus. Immersed in hearing His voice, studying His scripture, pursuing passionate prayer and engaging in genuine worship. We will never graduate from the simplicity of loving God. Wholehearted love of God is the beginning and end of it all. We are most effective when we are walking closely with Jesus.
Matthew 22:37; Psalms 27:4; John 15:4
Faith – We choose to be people who trust in the written and spoken word of God regardless of what people might say, what we may feel or our present circumstances. It is embodied in complete trust in the character, nature and work of Christ. We take God at His word, believing that God really is who He says He is and He will do all that He has promised. Faith is lived out daily in simple obedience to His written and spoken word.
Hebrew 11:1, 6; Romans 4:18-21
Honour – is our primary means of expressing love and value for one another. We believe in the intrinsic value of every person beyond what they’ve done or do. This is shown through our deep commitment to walking in right relationship with each other, radical biblical optimism, serving one another, endeavouring to always believe the best. We desire to see each other as God sees us and express that view in love.
Romans 12:10; John 13:35
Wholeheartedness – We endeavour to put all that we have into everything that we do. Our desire is to hold nothing back, joyfully surrendering all to Him who gave it all for us. It is a state of the heart that is characterized by radical obedience, passion and thankfulness. Following Jesus is joyful and exciting and we want to reflect that.
Deuteronomy 6:5; Jeremiah 19:13
Missions & Evangelism – We are willing to go anywhere and do anything in order to share Jesus with those who don’t know Him or haven’t heard about Him. No place is too hard, too dark or too far for the power of God to reach. The simple gospel has the power to radically transform lives. We don’t need a gift of evangelism to share our faith with the lost. We value the one and the multitudes.
Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15; Romans 1:5
Discipleship – We are actively looking to be discipled and disciple others. In humility, we are ready to learn anything from anyone. Freely we have received and freely we give. We are ready and willing for inconvenient breakthroughs in our own lives as well as fighting for the hardest of hearts. Discipleship is about an entire generation and an indication of our fruit should be marked by multiplication.
1 Corinthians 11:1; John 13:15
Holiness – We want unbroken communion with God and believe that it is possible. We take on the challenge of 1 Peter 1:16 “Be Holy as I am Holy” because we are happiest when we are most holy. Radical transparency is the key to radical transformation. Repentance is joyful because it is my superior pleasure to remove this from my life because what I have to gain is far better than what I am giving up. We determine to remain unoffended and we commit to removing anything that hinders love.
1 Peter 1:16; James 4:8; Romans 12:1
Encounter . Equip . Send .
ENCOUNTER
The Person, Presence, and Word of God is everything to us. Every day we’re committed to exalting Jesus together and have centred our mission and training activity around prayer and worship. We want to give a generation the space to love Jesus wildly, surrendering their all to Him as they burn with a desire for his presence.
EQUIP
We are training a generation to passionately and wholeheartedly follow Jesus, using their talents and skills to fulfil His command to go into all the world (Matthew 28:19). Our onsite training forum, the University of the Nation (UofN), enables students to be immersed in world-class teaching preparing them for global service in a multitude of ways. From basic discipleship to leadership, hospitality, worship and prayer, communication, medical mission, media and much more, we offer a wide range of opportunities to be equipped to serve.
SEND
Tauranga is the farthest city* on earth from Jerusalem. We take being the “uttermost parts” of the earth seriously. Our mandate is to be a launching pad for a generation to be sent into all the world. Our heart’s cry is for Jesus to be exalted in every nation, among every people, and in every language. It’s our great joy to go and to make Him known in every way possible. Jesus’ compassion for the least, the last, and the lost to know Him has become ours. From large urban centres to remote hill tribes, to the isolated islands, we only have one option – we must go!
*(with a 100,000+ population)
The 18 Foundational Values of the YWAM Movement
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.
2Ki 19:19; Job 42:5; Psa 46:10; Psa 103:7-13; Jer 9:23-24; Hos 6:3; Joh 17:3; Eph 1:16-17; Php 3:7-11; 1 Jo 2:4-6
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 the salvation of souls should result in the transformation of societies thus obeying Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations.
1Ch 16:24-27; Psa 68:11; Psa 71:15-16; Psa 145:4-7; Mat 28:18-20; Mar 16:15; Act 1:8; Act 13:1-4a; Rom 10:8-15; Rom 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.
1Sa 3:7-10; 2Ch 15:2-4; Psa 25:14; Isa 6:8; Amo 3:7; Luk 9:35; Joh 10:1-5; Joh 16:13-15; Heb 3:7-8,15; Rev 2:7,11,17,27; 3:6,13,22
4. Practice Worship and Intercessory Prayer
YWAM is dedicated to worshipping Jesus and engaging in intercessory prayer as integral aspects of daily life. We also recognize the intent of Satan to destroy the work of God and we call upon God’s power and the Holy Spirit to overcome his strategies in the lives of individuals and in the affairs of nations.
1Sa 7:5; 2Ch 7:4; Psa 84:1-8; Psa 95:6-7; Psa 100:1-5; Mar 11:24-25; Act 1:14; Eph 6:13-20; 1Th 5:16-19; 1Ti 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, centred on the Word of God.
Num 12:6; 1Sa 12:16; Pro 29:18; Eze 1:1; Hab 2:2-3; Mar 1:35-39; Luk 9:1-6; Act 16:9-10; Act 26:19; 2Pe 3:9-13
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, trust, train, support, make space 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.
1Sa 17:32-50; Ecc 4:13-14; Ecc 12:1-7; Jer 1:5-10; Dan 1:17-20; Joe 2:28; Joh 6:9; Act 16:1-5; 1Ti 4:12-16; 1Jo 2:12-14
7. Be Broad-Structured and Decentralized
YWAM is broad-structured and diverse, yet integrated. We are a global family of ministries held together by shared foundational covenants, purpose, vision, values and relationships. We believe that structures should serve the people and the purposes of God. Every ministry at every level has the privilege and responsibility of accountability to a circle of recognized spiritual elders.
Exo 18:13-26; Num 1:16-19; Num 11:16-17,24-30; Deu 29:10-13; Jos 23:1-24:28; Act 14:23; Act 15:1-31; 1Co 3:4-11; Tit 1:5-9; Heb 13:7,17
8. Be International and Interdenominational
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.
Gen 12:1-4; Gen 26:2-5; Psa 57:9-10; Jer 32:27; Dan 7:13-14; Act 20:4; 1Co 12:12-31; Eph 4:1-16; Col 3:11; Rev 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 honour 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.
Deu 8:1-3; Deu 32:45-47; 2Ki 22:8; Psa 19:7-11; Luk 8:21; Joh 8:31-32; Php 4:8-9; 2Ti 3:16-17; Heb 4:12-13; Jam 4:17
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.
Deu 32:30-31; 2 Ch 17:7-9; Pro 15:22; Ecc 4:9-12; Mar 6:7-13; Rom 12:3-10; 2 Co 1:24; Eph 5:21; Php 2:1-2; 1 Pe 4:8
11. 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.
Deu 4:5-8; Ezr 7:10; Psa 51:12-13; Psa 119:17-18; Pro 1:1-4; Mat 7:28-29; Act 1:1-2; Col 3:12-17; 2Ti 4:1-5; 2 Pe 1:5-10
12. Exhibit Servant Leadership
YWAM is called to servant leadership as a lifestyle, rather than a leadership hierarchy. A servant leader is one who honours 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.
Deu 10:12-13; Psa 84:10; Isa 42:1-4; Mic 6:8; Mar 10:42-45; Joh 13:3-17; Rom 16:1-2; Gal 5:13-14; Php 2:3-11; 1 Pe 4:10-11
13. Be Relationship-Oriented
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.
Lev 19:18; Psa 133:1-3; Pro 17:17; Pro 27:10; Joh 13:34-35; Joh 15:13-17; Joh 17:20-23; Rom 13:8-10; 1 Jo 1:7; 1 Jo 4:7-12
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 honouring God-given leadership and ministry gifts in both men and women.
Gen 1:27; Lev 19:13-16; Deu 16:18-20; Psa 139:13-16; Mar 8:34-37; Act 10:34-35; Gal 3:28; Eph 6:5-9; Heb 2:11-12; Jam 2:1-9
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.
Gen 2:21-24; Gen 18:17-19; Deu 6:6-7; Pro 5:15-23; Pro 31:10-31; Mal 2:14-16; Mat 19:3-9; 1Co 7:1-16; 1Ti 3:2-5; Heb 13:4).
16. Practice Dependence on God for Finances
YWAM is called to practice a life of dependence upon God for financial provision. For individuals and YWAM corporately this comes primarily through His people. As God and others have been generous towards us, so we desire to be generous. YWAMers give themselves, their time and their talents to God through the mission with no expectations of remuneration.
Gen 22:12-14; Exo 36:2-7; Num 18:25-29; Mal 3:8-12; Mat 6:25-33; Luk 19:8-9; 2Co 8:1-9:15; Php 4:10-20; Tit 3:14; 3Jo 5-8
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, campuses and bases to serve and honour one another, our guests and the poor and needy, not as acts of social protocol, but as expressions of generosity.
Gen 18:1-8; 2Sa 9:1-11; Psa 68:5-6; Pro 22:9; Isa 58:7; Mat 25:31-46; Act 28:7-8; Rom 12:13; Heb 13:1-3; 1 Pe 4:9
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.
Gen 1:3-5; Num 23:19; Pro 10:19; Pro 25:9-14; Zec 8:16-17; Mat 5:33-37; Luk 4:16-22; Joh 1:1-5; Col 4:6; Jam 3:1-18
YWAM International Movement
Founded by Loren Cunningham in 1960, Youth With A Mission International is a movement of Christians from many nations and denominations committed to “Know God and Make Him Known.” It gives young people an opportunity to be involved in missions (an unusual idea at the time!). YWAM has since grown into a multi-generational movement that spreads over 180 nations with more than 1,100 legally and financially decentralized locations, bound together by relationship, shared vision and values. Our three primary modes of action are evangelism, discipleship and mercy ministry.
You may be thinking “I am a YWAMer! How do I join this amazing group of people!”
More information will be coming here soon on how to do that, in the meantime, you can contact us here.
