Overall the world YWAM follows the same 18 foundational values:    

Know God

YWAM is committed to know God, His nature, His character and His ways

We seek to reflect who He is in every aspect of our lives and ministry. The automatic overflow of knowing and enjoying fellowship with God is a desire to share Him with others.

Make God Known

YWAM is called to make God known throughout the whole world, and into every arena of society

through evangelism, training and mercy ministries. We believe that salvation of souls should result in transformation of societies thus obeying Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations.

Hear God's Voice

We are dependent upon hearing His voice

YWAM is committed to creating with God through listening to Him, praying His prayers and obeying His commands in matters great and small. We are dependent upon hearing His voice as individuals, together in team contexts and in larger corporate gatherings, as an integral part of our process for decision making.

Practice Worship and Intercessory Prayer

YWAM is dedicated to worship Jesus and engage in intercessory prayer as integral aspects of daily life

We also recognize the intent of Satan to destroy the work of God and we call upon God's power and the Holy Spirit to overcome his strategies in the lives of individuals and in the affairs of nations.

Be Visionary

YWAM is called to be visionary, continually receiving, nurturing and releasing fresh vision from God

We support the pioneering of new ministries and methods, always willing to be radical in order to be relevant to every generation, people group, and sphere of society. We believe that the apostolic call of YWAM requires the integration of spiritual elder ship, freedom in the Spirit and relationship, centered on the Word of God.

Champion Young People

YWAM is called to champion youth

We believe God has gifted and called young people to spearhead vision and ministry. We are committed to value, trust, train, support, make space and release them. They are not only the Church of the future; they are the Church of today. We commit to follow where they lead, in the will of God.

Be Broad-Structured and Decentralized

YWAM is broad-structured and diverse, yet integrated

We are a global family of ministries held together by shared purpose, vision, values and relationship. We believe that structures should serve the people and the purposes of God. Every ministry at every level has the privilege and responsibility of accountability to a circle of elders, with overall international accountability to the YWAM Global Leadership Team.

Be International and Interdenominational

YWAM is international and interdenominational in its global scope as well as its local constituency

We believe that ethnic, linguistic and denominational diversity, along with redeemed aspects of culture, are positive factors that contribute to the health and growth of the Mission.

Have a Biblical Worldview

Have a Biblical Worldview

We believe that the Bible makes a clear division between good and evil; right and wrong

YWAM is called to a Biblical worldview. We believe that the Bible makes a clear division between good and evil; right and wrong. The practical dimensions of life are no less spiritual than the ministry expressions. Everything done in obedience to God is spiritual. We seek to honor God with all that we do, equipping and mobilizing men and women of God to take roles of service and influence in every arena of society.

Function in Teams

YWAM is called to function in teams in all aspects of ministry and leadership

We believe that a combination of complementary gifts, callings, perspectives, ministries and generations working together in unity at all levels of our Mission provides wisdom and safety. Seeking God's will and making decisions in a team context allows accountability and contributes to greater relationship, motivation, responsibility and ownership of the vision.

Exhibit Servant Leadership

YWAM is called to servant leadership as a lifestyle, rather than a leadership hierarchy

A servant leader is one who honors the gifts and callings of those under his/her care and guards their rights and privileges. Just as Jesus served His disciples, we stress the importance of those with leadership responsibilities serving those whom they lead.

Do First, Then Teach

YWAM is committed to doing first, then teaching

We believe that firsthand experience gives authority to our words . Godly character and a call from God are more important than an individuals gifts, abilities and expertise.

Be Relationship-Oriented

YWAM is dedicated to being relationship-oriented in our living and working together

We desire to be united through lives of holiness, mutual support, transparency, humility, and open communication, rather than a dependence on structures or rules.

Value the Individual

YWAM is called to value each individual

We believe in equal opportunity and justice for all. Created in the image of God, people of all nationalities, ages and functions have distinctive contributions and callings. We are committed to honoring God-given leadership and ministry gifts in both men and women.

Value Families

YWAM affirms the importance of families serving God together in missions, not just the father and/or mother

We encourage the development of strong and healthy family units, with each member sharing the call to missions and contributing their gifts in unique and complementary ways.

Practice Dependence on God for Finances

YWAM is called to practice a life of dependence upon God for financial provision

For individuals and YWAM corporately this comes primarily through His people. As God and others have been generous towards us, so we desire to be generous. YWAMers give themselves, their time and talents to God through the mission with no expectations of remuneration.

Practice Hospitality

YWAM affirms the ministry of hospitality as an expression of God's character and the value of people

We believe it is important to open our hearts, homes, campuses and bases to serve and honor one another, our guests and the poor and needy, not as acts of social protocol, but as expressions of generosity.

Communicate With Integrity

YWAM affirms that everything exists because God communicates

Therefore, YWAM is committed to truthful, accurate, timely and relevant communication. We believe good communication is essential for strong relationships, healthy families, communities and effective ministry.