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YWAM Japan Community Commitments

This page details some commitments and expectations we have for all Japan YWAMers.

Be a YWAMer​

DTS​

It is necessary to have completed a YWAM DTS in order be a full-time YWAMer anywhere in the world.

YWAM Purpose, Beliefs & Values​

It is also important to make a commitment to the YWAM Purpose, Beliefs & Values. All Japan YWAMers are expected to not only know what YWAM is about, but also live it. We ask all Japan YWAMers, new and old, to refresh themselves regularly on what it means to be a YWAMer.

YWAM International & Japan​

All Japan YWAMers are expected to commit to the wellbeing of the whole YWAM family, both through prayer and through attending gatherings. This includes YWAM International and YWAM Japan.

Personal Relationship with God​

All Japan YWAMers are expected to have an active, ongoing spiritual life which inspires and challenges other YWAMers and the local Japanese people. This means investing in one's personal relationship with God by keeping spiritual disciplines such as regular prayer, Bible study, and worship. Also to wholeheartedly participate in corporate times of worship, prayer, and intercession.

Of course, things aren't always rosy, so we encourage everyone to be real and honest about how they are doing spiritually also, reaching out for prayer.

Time​

All Japan YWAMers must make a commitment to attend scheduled meetings and events as requested by your local YWAM ministry. On top of this, our expectation is that each Japan YWAMer manage their time well, giving appropriate time for work, ministry, community building, and language learning.

Communication​

As we all live in separate locations, we need to communicate well both in person and online. We need to aim to over-communicate, rather than under-communicate. Especially as our community grows (and pioneer new communities!). All Japan YWAMers are encouraged to be active and attentive to all communication done over Discord.

Japanese Language & Culture​

Joining us in Japan means God brought you to Japan in order to love the Japanese people. In order to do this, you will need to both speak to and listen to people's hearts. All Japan YWAMers are expected to develop a passion to learn Japanese culture and language, and to keep learning even when it gets tough.

One good way to learn is to pursue opportunities to be immersed in Japanese-only settings (e.g. church). This can be difficult, especially at the beginning--but it is worth it! Also, food is a huge part of Japanese culture. We encourage you to try everything at least twice (even if you're not too sure!) and cook Japanese food at home and as a community. This attitude will speak volumes!

Learning this language requires discipline and good strategy. We encourage each YWAMer to set achievable goals in language study and to stick to a study schedule. We are in this together, so we ask everyone to keep each other accountable. As we want to be a multilingual YWAM community with Japanese as our common language, we also challenge each YWAMer to speak in Japanese together in their locations and ministries. A great way to practice (and stay humble!).

There are many opportunities to practice and learn the language in Japan. Please seek them out! Read this page for a suggested plan to learn this language.

Local Church​

Though we as YWAMers worship together and function as the Body of Christ, we expect that all Japan YWAMers will pursue relationship with local Japanese believers and get stuck into the places where they are worshipping and being church. Whether they enjoy singing ancient hymns or contemporary songs, we desire to love and serve and be a refreshment and encouragement to God's people here in Japan.

Financial Support​

Each YWAM location/ministry in Japan is encouraged to set a Minimum Support Level that must be reached before we can start the visa application process of a new YWAMer. Even those not on a YWAM Japan-sponsored visa are recommended to reach this amount. You can find this information here.

Each Japan YWAMer is responsible to make all required monthly payments in order to live in Japan: rent, utilities, phone bills, health insurance, etc. YWAM Japan is not responsible for your finances, so missed payments could mean penalty fees, jail time, or even deportation.

YWAMer Contributions/Fees​

As each YWAMer is financially supported in order to live in Japan, YWAMers' needs are met. Though this is the case, your receiving YWAM location/ministry has expenses that are not met because they may not have their own regular income. In order to meet these needs, your location/ministry may ask that each YWAMer pay a monthly contribution/fee.

The following are ways in which this money may be used:

  • At least ¥1,000 goes to the YWAM Japan National Office
  • Fund to purchase and maintain a building (for office, meetings, cafe, school lectures, public worship etc.)
  • Emergency fund (disaster relief etc.)
  • Ministry events
  • Admin costs (printing, website, office supplies etc.)
  • Purchasing shared assets (computer, projector, instruments, vehicle etc.)
  • Community meeting supplies (coffee, snacks etc.)
  • Fund to purchase and maintain a vehicle
  • Hospitality (hosting guests, volunteers & teams)
  • Donate to local churches and ministries
  • Rent and utilities (if there is YWAM accommodation)

Please feel free to ask your receiving location/ministry specific questions regarding any contribution/fee. We want to be as transparent as possible in regards to community finances!