Join the Deep-dive team as they discuss Towards an Institutional or Apostolic Vision by Alejandro Rodríguez, a long-time member of Youth With A Mission (YWAM) since 1989. The book is addressed to fellow "warriors" in YWAM, encouraging them to reflect on the organization's vision and remove practices that are commonplace in ministry but do not align with God's expectations.

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The book argues that YWAM is best understood not as a Christian organization but as an "apostolic mission.". This distinction is important because it impacts how the organization and its members see themselves. Rodríguez warns against falling into a "Para-church" mentality, where YWAMers view themselves as separate from or superior to the local church. Instead, YWAM should be "part of something greater" -- namely, the global church.

An apostolic vision, according to the sources, has several key characteristics:

• It involves recognizing that God has already been at work and that YWAM has "a glorious inheritance" to build on and pass on to future generations
• It requires seeing YWAM as a family, not just a hotel where people come and go as they please
• It prioritizes discipleship, which is "a lifestyle," not just a six-month or one-year program
• It calls for "passing on a legacy," not just delegating tasks
• It means impacting society beyond just church activities, striving to be "relevant in society"
• It involves dependence on God, not money

One of the biggest threats to this apostolic vision is the tendency to become "institutionalized". Rodríguez draws contrasts between an institutional and an apostolic approach to various aspects of YWAM life and ministry:

Institutional vs. Apostolic

• Christian Organization vs. Apostolic Mission [4]
• Looking Out for One's Own Ministry vs. Being Part of Something Greater [7]
• Bases vs. Missionary Communities [17]
• Leaders vs. Pastors/Spiritual Parents [18]
• Training vs. Discipleship [19]
• Staff Members vs. Servants of God [20]
• Pastoral Care vs. Pastoral Life [21]
• Delegating a Task vs. Passing on a Legacy [22]
• Students vs. Disciples [23]
• Institutional Presence vs. A Mission that is Relevant in Society [14]
• Ministerial Activities vs. A Vision to Follow [24]
• Bound to Money vs. Depending on God [16]

Rodríguez uses numerous examples and anecdotes to illustrate his points. These range from personal experiences in YWAM Argentina to biblical stories. Notably, he emphasizes the role of families in YWAM, highlighting the challenges and opportunities they face [25, 26]. He also stresses the importance of recognizing "openings, opportunities, and urgency" in missions [27]. By responding to these, YWAM can truly make a difference in society and be part of God's work of transforming nations.

The sources conclude with a call to action, urging YWAMers to reflect on what they have read and to allow the Holy Spirit to renew their lives and ministries [28]. Rodríguez encourages them to embrace the apostolic vision and to build upon the foundation they have inherited. He emphasizes that God still has much to reveal about this vision and that YWAM, as a family, can achieve great things together in fulfilling the Great Commission [29].