DBS Overview

Summary

Discipleship Bible School (DBS) is a YWAM school focused on deep engagement with Scripture. At YWAM Sendai, DBS is designed to help students know God through His Word, strengthen their biblical foundation, and grow in faithful interpretation and application of Scripture.

DBS is not only about gaining information. It is about being formed by the Bible in mind, heart, and life.

DBS is a 12-week school in which students read through the entire Bible chronologically and study Scripture as one unified story of God’s redemptive purposes.

What is DBS?

DBS stands for Discipleship Bible School.

It is a Bible-focused YWAM school that helps students engage deeply with Scripture through sustained reading, study, interpretation, and reflection.

At YWAM Sendai, DBS emphasizes:

reading the whole Bible
understanding Scripture in chronological flow
learning historical and literary context
recognizing the unity of the biblical story
applying Scripture faithfully in life and ministry

Who can apply for DBS?

DBS is intended for students who have already completed a YWAM Discipleship Training School (DTS).

At YWAM Sendai, completion of DTS is required before beginning DBS.

What is the purpose of DBS?

The purpose of DBS is to help students:

know God more deeply through Scripture
understand the Bible as a unified revelation of God’s character and purposes
grow in biblical literacy
develop habits of careful reading and interpretation
apply Scripture faithfully in life and ministry

DBS also helps students grow in confidence and integrity in handling the Word of God.

How is DBS studied at YWAM Sendai?

DBS at YWAM Sendai is built around a chronological and immersive approach to Scripture.

Students read through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation in the order of the biblical storyline, while learning to pay attention to:

historical setting
literary genre
authorial intent
major themes
the unfolding story of redemption

The school also includes:

classroom teaching
small-group processing
discussion and reflection
written work and assignments
community life and shared spiritual rhythms

What is DBS like at YWAM Sendai?

DBS at YWAM Sendai is shaped by the wider mission and community life of the base. Students should expect Bible study within a context that also values:

worship and prayer
discipleship
humility and obedience
community participation
mission awareness
life in Sendai and the wider Tohoku context

Who is DBS for?

DBS is for people who want to:

deepen their understanding of Scripture
strengthen their biblical foundation
grow in disciplined engagement with the Bible
prepare for ministry, leadership, or further training
be formed by God’s Word in a focused community setting

Is DBS only for future teachers or leaders?

No. DBS is valuable for a wide range of students, not only those preparing for formal teaching roles.

It is appropriate for anyone who wants to become more grounded in Scripture and more faithful in understanding and applying the Bible.

What should students expect from DBS?

Students should expect:

serious engagement with Scripture
regular reading and academic responsibility
thoughtful participation in class and discussion
community life and shared rhythms
spiritual formation alongside study
a learning environment that requires discipline, attentiveness, and perseverance

Is there an outreach component?

DBS is primarily a lecture-phase school focused on Scripture. In some cases, students may have the opportunity to join a cross-cultural outreach after the lecture phase.

Where such an opportunity is offered, details will be communicated separately.