YWAM Tyler

When to go

About

• Lisa R★★★★★a year ago

  We volunteered for a month at this base. It was a wonderful experience. Everyone we met was kind and friendly. We were invited to base activities such as family nights and get togethers at people's homes. I was recovering from a broken ankle and they graciously accomodated my limitations with seated jobs. The people here genuinely cared about us. When there was a storm / small tornado, they texted us to make sure we were OK in our RV. Many people expressed how much they will miss us and how much they appreciated the work we did on the base. We will be back to visit our new friends and serve the Lord at this base again!

• Meg Gibson★☆☆☆☆6 months ago

  I would strongly caution anyone considering attending—or sending their child to—YWAM Tyler. What was once a thriving campus is no longer recognized by the broader Youth With a Mission organization. Despite this, the campus continues to operate publicly under the YWAM name, while presenting information to prospective students that I believe is misleading and deceptive. I spent 14 years connected to this campus. Over that time, a pattern became impossible to ignore: a culture of cover-up, unchecked authority, and a consistent lack of accountability. Concerns were often minimized or buried. Questioning leadership was discouraged. Image and reputation were prioritized over truth, safety, and genuine spiritual care. This environment allowed harmful dynamics to persist far too long. When authority goes unchecked in the name of “ministry,” real damage is done—to people’s faith, mental health, and sense of self. Years later, I am still doing the work of healing and separating what is true from what was distorted during my time there. I’m sharing this not out of bitterness, but out of responsibility. If you are considering YWAM Tyler, please do your due diligence. Speak with former staff and students, not just current leadership. Ask hard questions. Look beyond the branding. There are many healthy, Christ-centered places to grow and serve. In my experience, this is no longer one of them.

• Sid Weigand★★★★★a year ago

  We have been friends of this ministry for 20 years. I have met some of the most beautiful Christian people I have ever met in my life at YWAM Tyler. We have served with them on short term mission trips. We have also seen the lives of our kids changed through the ministries that take place there. Most recently, my son attended 3 SST programs that were put on by missionaries that were trained there. He has made several Christian friends and was really touched by the teaching, personal ministry, and love of the missionaries. The staff has unselfishly served the needs of others, and for decades has shown the love of God to people all over the world. Also, many mission bases have been established in the US and all over the globe as the result of the work there. Wonderful ministry!

• Teresa Short★★★★★a year ago

  Just out of college, I was blessed to attend Discipleship Training School in Tyler where I was taught through scripture, practical application, and the example of my leaders what it means to pursue a relationship with our wonderful Creator and Savior. I followed up by attending the School of Evangelism where, again, through the truth of scripture and opportunities provided, I enjoyed many opportunities to share the good news of Jesus Christ. I continued on with the School of the Bible and the Teacher Training program. I was further blessed to serve on staff for several years. Needless to say, through YWAM Tyler my faith was built upon this sure foundation that has transformed my entire life! I am forever grateful for the men and women who were willing to serve the Lord by pouring into the lives of countless young people for decades. Not only did my relationship with God flourish, I gained so many wonderful forever friends with hearts on fire for Jesus and His message who are currently serving all over the world. We walk with each other in faith through the ups and downs that life throws at us as we are all part of His family, “encouraging one another on to love and good works.” “His kingdom come, His will be done!” The fruit of YWAM Tyler’s decades-long ministry is strong and global. The ripple effect of servant trained at this base have become world-wide waves that are changing individual hearts and nations by the power of the Holy Spirit. On the flipside, I am grieved to see the negative reviews left here. Outside of Christ, there is no perfect person or ministry. None of us went to YWAM to follow any specific "leader" but to learn to follow Christ and His wonderful Word. If we put our hope in an imperfect human (who will make mistakes as we all do), we will be disappointed every time. Scripture lovingly teaches us as Christians that “when we have something against our brother or sister, we are encouraged to go directly to him/her and work it out”... we are not called to air out dirty laundry and slander people on social media. This simply spreads discontent and disorder. It is bad advertising for the Kingdom of God. “Let him who is without sin throw the first stone.” “Forgive”. “Restore”. “Pray for your enemies". Jesus said, "They will know you are My disciples by your LOVE one for another." “Love Is patient, Love Is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. For the sake of Christ our Lord and His kingdom, I would encourage you to apply the scriptures, go to God in humble prayer and consider removing your negative posts and instead seek reconciliation. “In as much as it depends on you, live at peace with all men.” If you still disagree, please part amicably and pray for one another. I have to believe that your heart’s desire is to “find out what is pleasing to the Lord” and walk in it. This is good advertising for the Kingdom of God - this keeps us all on the same page of seeing God glorified in all the world:) Love in Christ <3 from a fellow YWAMer:)

• googly eyes★★★★★a year ago

  I've learned by visiting YWAM a lot that there are people here who have really dedicated their lives and have made an impact for God and His Kingdom for Jesus around the world. They've been around for a while and always make me feel welcome. I do sense the presence of the Lord here & would recommend anyone to come for training in being a disciple of Christ & do missions work.

• Rebecca Childers★☆☆☆☆a year ago

  I joined YWAM Tyler when I was 18 out of a deep love of service to God. I left trying to recover from the damage and trauma done in His name. Behind the ongoing “ministry” is a toxic culture built on fear, control, and unchecked authority. Abuse is ignored. Questions are silenced. Image is everything. Anti-christ at its core operation. This isn’t just “church hurt.” It’s systemic, sometimes intentional, abuse. And it’s wrong. If you’re thinking about joining—pause. Ask former staff. Look beyond the hype. This place is not worth your time or money. You will pay more down the road in therapy bills. Make a better investment.

• Krista Schild★★★★★a year ago

  My husband and I have been involved with YWAM Tyler missions, going and giving, for 22 years. They’re family to us, and these relationships have enriched our lives and brought us on a closer walk with our Lord Jesus Christ!

• Alex Sinke★☆☆☆☆a year ago

  If you are considering going to or sending someone to a YWAM campus, please know that this campus has been removed from affiliation with Youth With a Mission by the organization. This campus will not let you know that information, and are continuing to use the name YWAM without permission from the greater organization.

• Micah Glinter★★★★★2 years ago

  if you are here reading this then that means you heard about YWAM-Tyler (youth with a mission) some how, first of all praise god! Ywam Tyler isn’t just an organization, it’s an opportunity, it’s a community that has been crafted by the lord through generations to know him and make him known! God has been upbringing servant leaders of Christ from all over the world through youth with a mission and ywam Tyler! And it’s a lot easier to be apart of god plans and purpose through YWAM! I did my dts here in 2023 and god had not only shown me who he was but who I am and what Im here for. Which that for most people is the biggest questions in the universe! I thank god for these amazing people of YWAM Tyler and I pray that you would consider being a Jesus follower and utilizing the gift that this comm-unity has and will be to the world. God bless you. Love you. Amen!

• David Kappeler★★★★★3 years ago

  Came to Youth With a Mission-Tyler in 1993 and never thought back then that I would become and continue to this day as a missionary. Knew what I wanted to be at the age of nine - a comedian, an astronaut, or President of The United States, but being a missionary was the last thing on my mind. God has a sense of humor. 😁 I do not have any brother, sister, or cousins and yet God has provided many through the ministry and some have taken me in as part of their family as my parent’s generation passes into Eternity. Is there is better place on Earth? Probably but, the training is great, many seasoned missionaries on staff who have served all over the world, the people are humble seeking God, and not ridge and legalistic in dealing with helping individuals though their personal challenges.

Services and facilities

Events and programs

• Family Night

  Every Sunday at 5:30 PM

  Weekly event featuring messages from missionary leaders, worship, and stories from around the world.

• Staff Conference

  Around Memorial Day

  Annual event for staff to gather, relax, and be encouraged.

• Staff Kick-Off

  Around Labor Day

  Event to kick off the new training year, featuring keynote speakers and team-building activities.