YWAM Core Beliefs

Summary

YWAM Sendai is part of Youth With A Mission, a global Christian movement rooted in historic biblical faith. YWAM affirms the Bible as the inspired and authoritative Word of God and the absolute reference point for every aspect of life and ministry.

This page includes a short overview of YWAM Core Beliefs, followed by the original core belief responses emphasized in YWAM.

Why do the Core Beliefs matter?

The Core Beliefs matter because they shape:

worship and prayer
holiness and discipleship
evangelism and witness
fellowship and church life
service and mission
the theological foundation of YWAM schools, leadership, and community life

For YWAM Sendai, these beliefs are not abstract ideas. They shape how the community teaches, prays, serves, and understands its mission in Sendai and the wider Tohoku region.

Quick Summary of the Core Beliefs

YWAM affirms:

the Bible as the inspired and authoritative Word of God
God’s initiative of salvation through Jesus Christ
worship of God alone
holy and righteous living
witness to the Gospel
intercessory prayer
commitment to the Church
service in every sphere of life

Foundational Statement

Youth With A Mission (YWAM) affirms the Bible as the inspired and authoritative Word of God and the absolute reference point for every aspect of life and ministry. Based upon God’s Word, who He is, and His initiative of salvation through the atoning work of Jesus (His death, burial, and resurrection), the following responses are strongly emphasized in YWAM:

1. Worship

In brief: YWAM calls believers to worship and praise God alone.

We are called to praise and worship God alone.

Key Scriptures: Exo 20:2-3; Deu 6:4-5; 2Ki 17:35-39; 1Ch 16:28-30; Neh 8:2-10; Mar 12:29-30; Rom 15:5-13; Jud 24-25; Rev 5:6-14; Rev 19:5-8

2. Holiness

In brief: YWAM calls believers to live holy and righteous lives that reflect God’s character.

We are called to lead holy and righteous lives that exemplify the nature and character of God.

Key Scriptures: Lev 19:1-2; Psa 51:7-11; Jer 18:1-11; Eze 20:10-12; Zec 13:9; Luk 1:68-75; Eph 4:21-32; Tit 2:11-14; 1Pe 2:9,21-25; 1Jo 3:1-3

3. Witness

In brief: YWAM calls believers to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those who do not know Him.

We are called to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those who do not know Him.

Key Scriptures: Psa 78:1-7; Isa 40:3-11; Mic 4:1-2; Hab 2:14; Luk 24:44-48; Act 3:12-26; Act 10:39-43; 1Co 9:19-23; 2Co 2:12-17; 1Pe 3:15-18

4. Prayer

In brief: YWAM calls believers to intercessory prayer for people, nations, and the causes on God’s heart.

We are called to engage in intercessory prayer for the people and causes on God’s heart, including standing against evil in every form.

Key Scriptures: Gen 18:20-33; Exo 32:1-16; Jdg 3:9,15; 1Ki 8:22-61; Eze 22:30-31; Eze 33:1-11; Mat 6:5-15; Mat 9:36-38; Eph 3:14-21; 2Th 3:1-5

5. Fellowship

In brief: YWAM calls believers to commit to the Church in both local and mobile expressions.

We are called to commit to the Church in both its local nurturing expression and its mobile multiplying expression.

Key Scriptures: 2Ch 29:20-30; Psa 22:25-28; Psa 122:1-4; Joe 2:15-17; Mat 18:19-20; Act 2:44-47; Act 4:32-35; 1Co 14:26-40; Eph 2:11-18; Heb 10:23-25

6. Service

In brief: YWAM calls believers to serve God’s Kingdom purposes in every sphere of life.

We are called to contribute toward God’s Kingdom purposes in every sphere of life.

Key Scriptures: Deu 15:7-11; Deu 24:17-22; Psa 112:4-9; Pro 11:10-11; Zec 7:8-10; Mat 5:14-16; 2Th 3:13; Tit 3:4-8; Heb 13:15-16; Jam 2:14-26

How YWAM Sendai relates to these beliefs

YWAM Sendai receives these Core Beliefs as part of the wider YWAM movement. They help explain why the community emphasizes:

worship and prayer
biblical discipleship
holy living
Gospel witness
commitment to the Church
practical service in everyday life

These beliefs shape the spiritual and theological foundation of training, community life, and mission at YWAM Sendai.