impact of the game
We were created for camaraderie, challenge, and intimacy. When we work alongside each other for a common purpose, we develop trust. When we compete with one another, a bond of respect is forged. Basketball provides an environment for these things to happen naturally, and often very quickly. Where trust and respect are present, intimacy becomes a possibility, and there is nothing more intimate than the Gospel.
Through skills camps, open gym, local street ball, and organized games, we have seen basketball soften the hearts and minds of individuals to the love of God. Through the game and as we mentor, disciple, and play alongside others, we strive to share the love of God and the relationship He desires to have with those He created.
playing ball in missions
The Basketball Discipleship Training School (BDTS) aims to bring you into a more intimate relationship with God and prepare you as an effective messenger of the Gospel. We desire for you to discover your individual design, develop your passions and step into God’s greater purposes for your life.
Designed to "Know God and Make Him Known" in our neighborhoods to the nations, you’ll use your basketball skills as a method for missions to like-minded individuals. Engaging in the international sports world will allow direct access to it’s sphere of influence and give you an unique platform to share the Word. Past DTS students have even played competitive games against high school, college, club and professional teams.
We will train and prepare you to use the following methods and work in various ministries:
Run basketball camps
Physical fitness training
Designated practice times
Preparing for international games
Local inner-city open gym
The school is open to both male and female applicants.
Please note this is not a “basketball camp” nor a “local traveling basketball team”. This is a 5 month, live-in, missions-minded school aimed at one’s relationship with God while using basketball as a means to share the Gospel.
the 5 month journey
The DTS is made up of two unique phases: Lecture and Outreach. Both phases are required in order to complete your DTS.
lecture phase : 12 weeks
In this classroom-setting phase, you will receive powerful teaching from motivating speakers and missionaries, meant to disciple, challenge, and encourage you. Such topics include:
Hearing God’s Voice
The Nature & Character of God
The Father Heart of God - His Heart for You & the World
Inductive Bible Study
Biblical Worldview & Apologetics
Destiny by Design - Finding God's purpose for your life
World Missions - Taking the Gospel to the Nations
Cross Cultural & Forefront Evangelism
Christian Rights Around the World
And much more!
This phase will also engage your mind, provide community-bonding, train you to use your track focus for effective evangelism, and allow space for real heart change.
The BDTS will receive special basketball training weekly as well as help run a local Open Gym on Mondays, followed by another Open gym and Bible study on Wednesdays.
Outreach : 8 weeks
After Lecture, you will travel abroad to use basketball as a way to bring the Gospel to the nations.
It is a time to apply all you've learned about the nature and character of God, effective and creative evangelistic methods, and the heart of a missionary as you experience God use you to see lives changed beyond what you could have imagined.
The impact you will make on the court and in the nations as well as the personal effect this cross cultural experience will leave on you, will change our world forever. Every outreach is tailored to the country of focus, team dynamic and skill set.
Outreach location will be determined after school begins.
Past outreaches have taken us to Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Belize, El Salvador, Liberia, Ghana, Namibia, Israel, Romania, Hungary, Poland, Moldova, Bulgaria, Mongolia, China, India, Thailand, South Korea, Fiji, Samoa, Cuba, etc.
“TO WIN MEN FOR THE MASTER THROUGH THE GYM”
-James Naismith
the inventor of basketball
cost
Registration fee $35
Due with your submitted application. Can be paid online or by mail.
LECTURE PHASE: $3,500 USD
Lecture fees covers ground transportation costs, food, housing & lecture materials. The fee for the lecture phase is due at the start date.
OUTREACH PHASE: $4,000 USD
Outreach fees cover airfare and other transportation costs, food and housing. The fee for the outreach phase will be due by the end of the first 4 weeks of the school.
Total Basketball DTS Cost: $7,535
Both phases are required in order to complete a DTS.
Students from specific countries may qualify for Financial Aid in the form of a Lecture Phase Discount. Click below for details.
Requirements
Students must:
Be 17 years of age or older with a high school diploma or a “Certificate of High School Equivalency” (Ex. GED)
Speak the English language proficiently
Complete all application forms in order to be considered for acceptance
Dates
UPCOMING Basketball SCHOOLS:
MARCH 13, 2025 - July 31, 2025*
SEPTEMBER 12, 2025 - FEBRUARY 5, 2026*
*Dates subject to change
VISAS
International students will need a VISA to attend DTS. Once you have received acceptance to our DTS, you will be provided a special letter with which formal application for a B-1 Visa can be made in a US Consulate or Embassy. Full details will be given to you once accepted.
Please do not apply for any visas without our acceptance letter.
faq
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