the power of relationship to transform your life
The Classic Discipleship Training School (CDTS) is a 5-month program designed to “Know God and Make Him Known.” This time will bring you into a more intimate relationship with Him and equip you to share Him creatively and effectively with the world before you. It gives space for you to discover your passions and important role in God’s purposes for the world.
Not a program for the faint of heart, we are all in. You’ll dive into deepening your relationship with him through a variety of lecture topics, worship, prayer, time alone with him, and discipleship by our dedicated missionary staff. You’ll grow in faith in a supportive community of adventurous, diverse, like-minded youth eager to impact the world alongside you.
the power of the gospel to transform neighborhoods + nations
God has commissioned us to take the Good News to the nations so that’s what we do. We are committed to seeing our CDTS students gain a heart for missions locally through our refugee and inner-city ministries here in Pittsburgh and globally through your outreach overseas experience.
During the Lecture Phase you’ll get to minister in a variety of our City Outreach programs and see God impact others through you in ways that will surprise and fulfill you. During the Outreach Phase, your perspective of the world will shift as you encounter the diversity of other cultures. As you share in God’s purposes for the locations you reach, we’ll write a new chapter in the history books as nations come to love and believe in the name of Jesus.
Join us as we take the God’s life-changing message across the globe and experience firsthand the impact you can have on others by communicating His awesome, redeeming love in unendingly creative ways. You’ll never be the same.
PITTSBURGH IS MULTI-CULTURAL + VERY DIVERSE SO THE OPTIONS FOR USING CREATIVE METHODS TO SHARE THE GOSPEL ARE ENDLESS. THIS TRACK HAS A SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON APPLYING THOSE VARIOUS METHODS. IT WILL COVER:
Multi-cultural methods for sharing your faith
How to communicate the Gospel to Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, Catholics, Atheists, Agnostics, + other religions/belief systems
Opportunities to share your faith downtown, on college campuses, + in neighborhood plazas/parks
Getting involved with our local youth + refugees in our “Kidz Clubs”
Using dance, drama, + sports to draw crowds for group evangelism
How to use Solarium, a photographic, conversation-sparking tool
Prayer-station ministry in locations around the city
Any additional ways God would lead us locally + globally…
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 CDTS has a special emphasis on creative methods for sharing your faith with others. You will spend additional time each week engaging in our ongoing city ministries as well as other local opportunities.
Outreach : 8 weeks
After Lecture, you will travel abroad to use this medium 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 in the nations and 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.
“confidence to share, joy to serve + understanding of the Bible. ”
“Over the time I spent in DTS, I saw God move so much in my life. Honestly, I’ve seen growth in my confidence to share, joy to serve, and understanding of the Bible. From that growth it has taken my relationship with God deeper whether I’m doing ministry locally or internationally.”
-Kohl from PA, spring CDTS 2017
cost
Registration fee $35
Due with your submitted application. Can be paid online or by mail.
LECTURE PHASE: $3,500 USD
Lecture fees cover 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 Classic 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 at least 17 years of age or older with a high school diploma or a “Certificate of High School Equivalency” (Ex. GED)
Students must speak the English language proficiently
Complete all application forms in order to be considered for acceptance
Dates
UPCOMING Classic 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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