YWAM, which stands for Youth With a Mission, was founded by Loren Cunningham in 1960 with a goal of empowering young people to get out on the mission field. At the time, you had to go to seminary in order to be a missionary. Now, YWAM has trained and equipped thousands and thousands of young people to know God and make Him known.

YWAM Seamill has been operating in West Kilbride, Scotland since 1994. Located in a castle on top of a hill, YWAM Seamill runs several Discipleship Training Schools (DTS) and other schools, hosts respite retreats for missionaries in challenging contexts, cares for its adopted people groups, and even runs a hiking ministry.

YWAM Distinctives: YWAM is ever growing and changing (just like its often-youthful constituents) but it has some unique characteristics. First off, we’re all self funded - whether school staff, administrator, or Loren Cunningham himself. Second, we emphasize prayer, worship, and creative expression as ways to connect with and share God’s heart with the nations. This reflects the organization’s origin in the Assemblies of God.

YWAM Seamill has its own thing going, even within the YWAM ethos. We connect with the history of Scotland and Celtic spirituality that involves a deep love for the Bible and liturgical formation, overflowing into passion for evangelism and social concern. Our mission statement is to “release radical world changers”, but to do so by grounding them in a sure and steady faith as old as the Gospel itself.