Inaugurated in 1972
THE HISTORY
YWAM Los Angeles began in 1972 when John Dawson started ministering in the heart of Los Angeles, California. A few years later, he decided to establish roots in California and founded the YWAM base in Sunland. Eventually, YWAM LA moved to Lake View Terrace, where we have been planted for more than 43 years.
From the beginning, YWAM LA has carried a passion to see the city transformed and lives restored through the love of Jesus. We dream of seeing Los Angeles pursue God’s heart with love, justice, mercy, and worship. Our base brings God’s presence into the city through evangelism, mercy ministries, discipleship, prayer, and justice work.
Every week, students and staff go into the streets of Los Angeles to share the Gospel, serve the unreached, bring hope to those in need, and demonstrate the love of Christ in practical ways. At the same time, we continue reaching beyond Los Angeles and sending people to the nations to make God known around the world.
Throughout our history, YWAM LA has welcomed and trained more than 6,000 people who have gone on to share the Gospel locally and internationally. Our base has served as a bridge to more than 30 nations around the world, sending teams, missionaries, and leaders into long-term ministry.
Many who came through YWAM LA not only participated in short-term outreaches, but also pioneered ministries, planted YWAM bases, and helped establish long-term missions work in different nations.
Today, YWAM LA continues investing in discipleship and missions through our Discipleship Training School (DTS), Discipleship Bible School (DBS), and Mission Adventures program for high school students. Through these programs, students are equipped to know God deeply, live out the Gospel, and impact both Los Angeles and the nations.
YWAM LA remains committed to knowing God and making Him known, carrying the vision of seeing both our city and the nations transformed by the love of God.
We are a Global and Apostolic Discipling Community
We are GLOBAL – YWAM LA express God’s heart for diversity, through representing many different nations, cultures and languages. In addition, we aim to have a global reach: making God known all over the world.
We are APOSTOLIC – we follow the teaching of Jesus’ apostles, as recorded in the Word of God. YWAM is a movement of God’s “sent one’s” (apostles), called to bring Kingdom culture to Earth and bring God glory through many different initiatives.
We are DISCIPLING – we obey the call to be disciples and to make disciples of Jesus. Our community is a place where people are challenged to follow God, and grow deeper in their relationship with Him.
We are COMMUNITY – not just geographically, but in the way that we live: sharing life together. We are a family of ministries, each with a different part to play in expressing the love of Jesus.
Our Vision
To be a dynamic movement of Jesus’ messengers to LA and the World
Our Mission
Call, Equip and Commission the next generation with the Gospel message, to serve ALL people groups and EVERY Mother Tongue
Our vision to be Jesus' messengers to LA and the world can only be accomplished together. This is why we welcome pioneers who align with this vision and want to work with the body of Christ in LA and the world to reach our city and all nations and mother tongues. Everything that we do, from our daily schedule to ministry initiatives, are for this Vision.
Campus Tour
Chapel
At the YWAM Los Angeles base, we are proud to offer a 24-hour open chapel, providing a serene and welcoming environment for moments of meditation, intercession, and praise. This space is available to the community, offering a tranquil sanctuary for those seeking a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere. Whether it’s a quiet reflection or a time of communal worship, our chapel is open to all who wish to utilize it.
Coffee Shop
The Aviva Cafe, nestled within the YWAM Los Angeles base, goes beyond being just a coffee haven; it stands as a unique opportunity for both sustenance and support for our ministry. Besides serving delightful coffee, the cafe provides a wonderful chance for individuals to contribute to our mission while enjoying moments of fellowship in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Here, patrons not only savor delicious beverages but also actively participate in the larger purpose of our community. The Aviva Cafe thus becomes a hub for both culinary pleasure and meaningful connections, fostering an environment where every cup contributes to the shared journey of faith and service.
Gym
Within the YWAM Los Angeles base, we prioritize the holistic well-being of our staff members. To support both their physical and mental fitness, we have established an on-site gym facility. This dedicated space serves as a convenient resource for staff who wish to maintain and enhance their overall health. Recognizing the importance of a balanced lifestyle, our gym not only caters to physical fitness but also provides a space for mental rejuvenation. This initiative underscores our commitment to nurturing a supportive environment where staff can thrive personally and contribute wholeheartedly to the mission and community life.
Playground
At YWAM Los Angeles, we strive to create a family-oriented atmosphere, recognizing the importance of nurturing a sense of community for everyone involved. To cater to the needs of our families and their little ones, we’ve established a playground on our premises. This dedicated space is designed to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for children to play, fostering a sense of community among families. We believe in the value of a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where not only the adults but also the children feel at home, contributing to the overall warmth and cohesion of our YWAM Los Angeles community.
Laundry
Additionally, we have a laundry facility at YWAM Los Angeles, aimed at easing the daily lives of our workers. Understanding the demands of mission work and the importance of practical support, our on-site laundry service provides a convenient solution for the busy schedules of our dedicated workers. This amenity is part of our commitment to creating an environment that attends to both the practical and personal needs of our team, ensuring that they can focus on their mission with ease and comfort.
Volleyball court
We are excited to share that YWAM Los Angeles boasts a sand volleyball court where we regularly invite members of the community to join us for a time of fellowship and sports. This vibrant space serves as a focal point for building connections, fostering community spirit, and promoting a healthy lifestyle through the joy of beach volleyball. Weekly gatherings provide an opportunity for both our residents and guests to come together, not only to engage in friendly competition but also to strengthen the bonds of community through shared moments of camaraderie and sport. It’s a testament to our commitment to holistic well-being and the belief that a balance of physical activity and community engagement contributes to a vibrant and thriving YWAM Los Angeles experience.
