Comments on: Is YWAM a Cult?

By: Loren

Loren — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:30:59 +0000

What’s more, you’ll also be trapped in the prison of never knowing forever. That way, even if you did disobey a leader they’ll always control you. Only Christ can set you free. Thanks be to God He has.

By: Loren

Loren — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 02:03:50 +0000

Is YWAM a cult? Sometimes I think yes, sometimes I think no. It’s an enigma wrapped up in a riddle. I think they designed it that way so that no-one can quite work it out and the leaders can stay in control. Perhaps that answers the question. Or does it?

By: ThirstyJon

ThirstyJon — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:32:30 +0000

I am burning with curiosity as to which YWAM Center you are at! I can understand why you wouldn’t mention the details, especially with this being a public website.

I’ve seen a lot of burnout in YWAM as well. Although I’ve never done a “scientific” study. None of what I have seen has anything to do with being a cult. It’s got more to do with some “off” priorities.

By: thirstyjon

thirstyjon — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 08:26:02 +0000

What is your definition of “cult?”

By: thirstyjon

thirstyjon — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 08:24:39 +0000

I doubt YWAM has ever had $10 million to donate to a political campaign. I don’t believe it.

Here is a quote from the article “A Kansas City-based organization, Youth with a Mission, is kicking in an additional $10 million to pay for the training of young people.”

Among other things, YWAM is not based in Kansas City.

I don’t believe it. Sounds like a myth.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 07:48:37 +0000

I am currently staffing at a YWAM base in North America.

I cannot say that I believe YWAM to be a cult. But I do question the major problems I witness with the whole YWAM community aspect. You’re either all in, or all out. And that’s just weird. And all of the mindless authoritarian rules…

I’ll say that I’ve learned a lot and drew closer to God during my DTS. Although, after joining staff, I have not received much staff care, and honestly, even though I have learned a lot, my relationship with God has not flourished, and my desire to do ministry does not come out of a place of wanting to, but instead out of a place of obligation. And that is my main worry. I feel there is so much burn out in YWAM, that YWAMers get drained, loose their grounding in God, and then they begin to question why they’re even there.

I have known multiple people that after leaving YWAM have spiraled downward, and I think a lot of that stems from the control aspect.

Again, I’ve learned a lot from YWAM, and I have made many good friends, think that DTSes are a great intro into missions, but I’m still trying to figure it all out.

I know that I will be glad when my commitment is done.

By: Barb

Barb — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 02:04:39 +0000

thirstyjon; I beg to differ. I believe YWAM to be a cult, plain and simple. The problems with this organisation are far more serious than “systematic”. Unfortunately, there will always be someone ready and willing to accomodate them.

By: PHIL

PHIL — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:52:34 +0000

Hi y’all! I did my DTS in Charlestown, West of Ireland. I wonder if any of you guys got to know that base? It was my second experience with YWAM, the first one was as staff at the King’s Lodge, near Nuneaton, UK.
YWAM in the West of the Republic of Ireland no longer exists, I wonder why )) The leader was a really horrible person and I would love to know if anyone got to know the place i’m talking about.
I also did part of the Reconciliation Walk in Northern Ireland, in 1998 (my outreach). Yes, YWAM helped me find out I was never ever gonna be a missionary and that I would never go back into a church!
I don’t know if they’re a cult, but there are loads of frustrated bastards working for them, young and old! That’s for sure!

By: ThirstyJon

ThirstyJon — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:56:32 +0000

YWAM is huge. I’ve known people that had negative experiences. I’ve known more that found it to be quite positive.

I don’t know if there is “cultish” stuff that goes on inside YWAM, but I do know that there is no top-down controlling leadership from the international leaders. In that sense, it is definitely not a cult.

YWAM mobilizes a lot of young leaders. Sometimes they can be quite immature.

Immature young leaders anywhere tend to be controlling due to insecurity. This is not unique to YWAM.

The point is, I find some of the screwy things in YWAM are just as likely to be found at your workplace. (The stupid, young, immature, insecure, controlling supervisor that you work for!)

YWAM is not a cult. There may be some systematic problems though.

There’s my two cents.

By: Jon

Jon — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:48:25 +0000

Go Dan!

I like it. Glad to see you here.