Youth With A Mission

Youth With A Mission (typically shortened YWAM, generally pronounced /ˈwaɪwæm/) is an interdenominational Christian training organization.

Founded by American missionary Loren Cunningham and his wife Darlene Cunningham in 1960, YWAM's stated purpose is to "know God and to make Him known". Despite his ordination by the Assemblies of God, his untraditional ideas were met with considerable criticism as denominational leaders pointed out problems with his plan to send young, inexperienced youth from many denominations, overseas. The organization has faced numerous controversies over its doctrine and the behavior of its members, including complaints from former members of spiritual abuse, financial abuse, manipulation, and cultic indoctrination.

The organization pioneered self-funded short-term missions targeted towards young people. Today, while maintaining its original youth-oriented ethos, the group has expanded its membership to those of older ages as well. The efficacy, safety, and morality of the types of short-term missions pioneered by YWAM has been called into question. YWAM trains upwards of 25,000 short-term missions volunteers annually, accepting participants from across all Christian denominations, including Catholicism via it's Kerygma Ministry.