About Loren Cunningham
Loren Cunningham is the Founder of Youth With A Mission (YWAM), an ever-expanding global missions movement born in 1960 which has reached into every nation on earth (www.ywam.org). YWAM encompasses evangelism, training and mercy ministries. It is manned by tens of thousands of full-time staff from 200+ countries and a wide variety of denominations and Christian traditions who serve at more than 2,000 YWAM locations in 191 nations. By the time of YWAM’s 50th anniversary in 2010, more than five million participants had served in YWAM programs as students, short-term volunteers and full-time staff. From that point, YWAM went “viral” and they decided to stop trying to keep a count. Now only God knows the numbers.
Loren is also the Co-Founder and International Chancellor of the University of the Nations (UofN), a global ministry of YWAM (www.uofn.edu). Since the university was established in 1978, it has grown to offer more than 600 different kinds of courses and seminars (some of which are offered in nearly 100 languages), held at more than 800 locations/campuses in 162 countries. The ten colleges of the UofN are: Applied Linguistics & Languages; Arts; Christian Ministries; Communication; Counseling; Education; Health Care; Humanities & International Studies; Science & Technology and Sports & Fitness. Hundreds of thousands of students have registered within the global UofN system and taken at least a Discipleship Training School (DTS), the entry course and pre-requisite for all other UofN courses and/or for becoming YWAM staff.
Loren and his wife, Darlene, his ministry partner from the beginning of YWAM, reside in Kailua Kona, Hawaii investing their wisdom and influence into the leaders and staff of the University of the Nations Kona campus which they pioneered in 1977. (www.ywamkona.org).
By 1999, Loren had personally gone to every sovereign nation on earth, all dependent countries, and more than 100 territories and islands for the sake of Christ and the Great Commission. This has given him valuable insights into global trends and uniquely prepared him to share God’s strategies for world evangelism. His wisdom, experience, leadership understanding and call to build bridges of unity within the body of Christ have given him opportunity to speak publicly to live audiences from a few to more than a million people gathered in one location. Pre-COVID, he usually ministered on all six continents each year, and during COVID he says he went further and reached more people via Zoom than during all his previous years of ministry combined.
Since the 1960s, Loren has carried a burden with many other global leaders to make the Bible accessible to every person on earth, thereby ending Bible poverty worldwide. Wherever the Scripture goes, the Spirit of God brings transformation! He has met with hundreds of influential leaders in evangelical, charismatic and Pentecostal denominations, as well as those leading the oldest Christian traditions, to invite their partnership in this cause. More recently, his passion has become fine-tuned to focus on making an ORAL translation of the Bible available in every MOTHER TONGUE on earth, because that is the language of the heart. This must happen to fulfill Jesus’ prayer “on earth as it is in heaven” pictured in Revelation 7:9: “…a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb….”
Born in Taft, California, Loren’s family heritage is rich with generations of Christian ministers. His educational background includes three Bachelor degrees, a Master of Science in Administration of Education, and three Honorary Doctorates. Loren is the author of six books: Is That Really You, God?(translated into more than 140 languages), Making Jesus Lord, Daring to Live on the Edge, Why Not Women?, The Book that Transforms Nations—the Power of the Bible to Change any Country and We Can End Bible Poverty Now.
(February 2023)
Darlene Cunningham was born in Vancouver, Canada to Pastor Ed and Enid Scratch. From an early age, she was aware of a distinct calling from God on her life. The course of that call became clarified forever when she met a handsome, single young man-with-a-vision named Loren Cunningham. Upon marrying Loren in 1963, she became the Co-founder of Youth With A Mission, the ever-expanding global missions movement Loren had started in 1960, which has now reached into every nation on earth (www.ywam.org).
The work of YWAM encompasses evangelism, training and mercy ministries and is manned by tens of thousands of full-time staff from 200+ countries and a wide variety of denominations and Christian traditions who serve at more than 2,000 YWAM locations in 191 nations. By the time of YWAM’s 50th anniversary in 2010, more than five million participants had served in YWAM programs as students, short-term volunteers and full-time staff. From that point, YWAM went “viral” and they decided to stop trying to keep a count. Now only God knows the numbers.
Darlene is also the International Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Nations (UofN), a global ministry of YWAM (www.uofn.edu). Since the university was established in 1978, it has grown to offer more than 600 different kinds of courses and seminars (some of which are offered in nearly 100 languages), held at more than 800 locations/campuses in 163 countries. The ten colleges of the UofN are: Applied Linguistics & Languages; Arts; Christian Ministries; Communication; Counseling; Education; Health Care; Humanities & International Studies; Science & Technology and Sports & Fitness. Hundreds of thousands of students have registered within the global UofN system and taken at least a Discipleship Training School (DTS), the entry course and pre-requisite for all other UofN courses and/or for becoming YWAM staff.
Darlene is a “prime mover” in the areas of leadership development and implementation of vision. One of her greatest heart motivations is to discover leadership giftings in young men and women and help them to reach their full potential in God. Over the past four decades, she has led scores of YWAM Leadership Training Schools and DNA Infusion leadership training events on every continent of the world, in response to a call from God to “take a banquet of leadership training to those who have not had opportunity to eat,” especially those in the Global South, making it accessible geographically, financially and in the languages of the regions where they have been held.
Darlene is eagerly sought as a speaker worldwide because she is recognized as a woman of wisdom who hears from God. Whatever the context, she constantly points the hearer to God’s faithfulness in every situation, and to His great grace.
She is uniquely qualified to give leadership to those within Youth With A Mission because she understands the lifestyle, pressures and joys of the Mission from an inside perspective. Darlene is the one who first began to identify and teach on YWAM’s Foundational Values in 1985. That teaching was later formalized as one of YWAM’s cornerstone documents: The Statement of Purpose, Core Beliefs and Foundational Values of Youth With A Mission. Her book Values Matter – Stories of the Beliefs and Values of YWAM expands on these topics through many inspiring, live-giving narratives, and includes one of her core teachings for life and decision-making, “The Belief Tree.”
Darlene and Loren reside in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii investing their wisdom and influence into the leaders and staff of the University of the Nations Kona campus which they pioneered in 1977. (www.ywamkona.org).
The Cunninghams have two adult children, Karen, who has a University of the Nations Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education, and David, who is a graduate of University of the Nations and University of Southern California. Karen is a preschool teacher and David is a film director. David and his wife Judy have also given Loren and Darlene their most cherished title, promoting them to the role of “grandparents,” by producing three wonderful grandchildren, two of which (so far) have attended University of the Nations and are called to various aspects of the film industry.
(February 2023)
About Darlene Cunningham
FOUNDATIONAL VALUES
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01. 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.
2Kings 19:19; Job 42:5; Psalm 46:10; Psalm 103:7-13; Jeremiah 9:23-24; Hosea 6:3; John 17:3; Ephesians 1:16-17; Philippians 3:7-11; 1 John 2:4-6.
04. PRACTICE WORSHIP& INTERCESSORY PRAYER
YWAM is dedicated to worship God 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 rely upon God’s empowering presence, the Holy Spirit, to overcome Satan’s strategies in the lives of individuals and in the affairs of nations.
1Samuel 7:5; 2Chronicles 7:4; Psalm 84:1-8; Psalm 95:6-7; Psalm 100:1-5; Mark 11:24-25; Acts 1:14; Ephesians 6:13-20; 1Thessalonians 5:16-19; 1Titus 2:1-4
07. BE DECENTERALIZED
YWAM is a Christ-centered, faith-based global volunteer movement, united by shared vision, core beliefs, foundational values and relationships. We do not have a centralized structure. Every YWAM ministry has the privilege and spiritual responsibility to develop and maintain healthy relationships with appropriate authorities and circles of elders.
Exodus 18:13-26; Numbers 1:16-19; Numbers 11:16-17,24-30; Deuteronomy 29:10-13; Joshua 23:1-24:28; Acts 14:23; Acts 15:1-31; 1Corinthians 3:4-11; Titus 1:5-9; Hebrews 13:7,17.
10. 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.
Deuteronomy 32:30-31; 2Chronicles 17:7-9; Proverbs 15:22; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Mark 6:7-13; Romans 12:3-10; 2Corinthians 1:24; Ephesians 5:21; Philippians 2:1-2; 1Peter 4:8
13. BE RELATIONSHIP-ORIENTATED
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.
Leviticus 19:18; Psalm 133:1-3; Proverbs 17:17; Proverbs 27:10; John 13:34-35; John 15:13-17; John 17:20-23; Romans 13:8-10; 1John 1:7; 1John 4:7-12
16. PRACTICE DEPENDENCE ON GOD
YWAM is called to practice a life of dependence upon God for financial provision. For individuals and for any YWAM team or community this comes primarily through His people. As God has been generous toward us, so we desire to be generous, giving ourselves, our time and talents to God with no expectation of remuneration.
Genesis 22:12-14; Exodus 36:2-7; Numbers 18:25-29; Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 6:25-33; Luke 19:8-9; 2Corinthians 8:1-9:15; Philippians 4:10-20; Titus 3:14; 3John 5-8
02. 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.
2Kings 19:19; Job 42:5; Psalm 46:10; Psalm 103:7-13; Jeremiah 9:23-24; Hosea 6:3; John 17:3; Ephesians 1:16-17; Philippians 3:7-11; 1 John 2:4-6.
05. 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 eldership, freedom in the Spirit and relationship, centered on the Word of God.
Numbers 12:6; 1Samuel 12:16; Proverbs 29:18; Ezekiel 1:1; Habakkuk 2:2 3; Mark 1:35-39; Luke 9:1-6; Acts 16:9-10; Acts 26:19; 2Peter 3:9-13.
08. BE INTERNATIONAL &INTER-DENOMINATIONAL
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.
Genesis 12:1-4; Genesis 26:2-5; Psalm 57:9-10; Jeremiah 32:27; Daniel 7:13-14; Acts 20:4; 1Corinthians 12:12-31; Ephesians 4:1-16; Colossians 3:11; Revelation 7:9
11. 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.
Psalm 78:72, Proverbs 11:14, Matthew 20:26–28, Luke 12:48, John 13:13–17, Acts 20:28, Romans 12:3–8, Ephesians 4:11–13, Philippians 2:3–4.
14. 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.
Genesis 1:27; Leviticus 19:13-16; Deuteronomy 16:18-20; Psalm 139:13-16; Mark 8:34 37; Acts 10:34-35; Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 6:5-9; Hebrews 2:11-12; James 2:1-9
17. 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, YWAM locations and campuses to serve and honor one another, our guests and the poor and needy, not as acts of social protocol, but as expressions of generosity.
Genesis 18:1-8; 2Samuel 9:1-11; Psalm 68:5-6; Proverbs 22:9; Isaiah 58:7; Matthew 25:31 46; Acts 28:7-8; Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:1-3; 1Peter 4:9
03. HEAR GOD'S 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.
1Samuel 3:7-10; 2Chronicles 15:2-4; Psalm 25:14; Isaiah 6:8; Amos 3:7; Luke 9:35; John 10:1-5; John 16:13-15; Hebrews 3:7-8,15; Revelation 2:7,11,17,27; Revelation 3:6,13,22.
06. 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 them, trust them, train them, support them, make space for them 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.
1Samuel 17:32-50; Ecclesiastes 4:13-14; Ecclesiastes 12:1-7; Jeremiah 1:5-10; Daniel 1:17-20; Joe; 2:28; John 6:9; Acts 16:1-5; 1Titus 4:12-16; 1John 2:12-14
09. HAVE A BIBLICAL CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW
YWAM is called to a biblical Christian worldview. We believe that the Bible—the textbook for all of life—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.
Deuteronomy 8:1-3; Deuteronomy 32:45-47; 2Kings 22:8; Psalms 19:7-11; Luke 8:21; John 8:31-32; Philippians 4:8-9; 2Titus 3:16 17; Hebrews 4:12-13; James 4:17
12. 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 individual’s gifts, abilities and expertise.
Deuteronomy 4:5-8; Ezra 7:10; Psalm 51:12-13; Psalm 119:17-18; Proverbs 1:1-4; Matthew 7:28-29; Acts 1:1-2; Colossians 3:12 17; 2Titus 4:1-5; 2Peter 1:5-1Deuteronomy 10:12-13; Psalm 84:10; Isaiah 42:1-4; Micah 6:8; Mark 10:42-45; John 13:3-17; Romans 16:1-2; Galatians 5:13-14; Philippians 2:3-11; 1Peter 4:10-11
15. VALUE FAMILIES
YWAM affirms the importance of families serving God together in missions, not just the father and/or mother. We also embrace the inclusion of single-parent families. 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. We uphold and celebrate the biblical view that God’s intent for holy matrimony is between one man and one woman.
Genesis 2:21-24; Genesis 18:17 19; Deuternomy 6:6-7; Proverbs 5:15-23; Proverbs 31:10-31; Malachi 2:14-16; Matthew 19:3-9; 1 Corinthians 7:1-16; 1Timothy 3:2-5; Hebrews 13:4
18. 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 and communities, and effective ministry.
Genesis 1:3-5; Numbers 23:19; Proverbs 10:19; Proverbs 25:9-14; Zecheriah 8:16-17; Matthew 5:33-37; Luke 4:16-22; John 1:1 5; Colossians 4:6; James 3:1-18
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