About Us
A vibrant community where discipleship, training, and mission intersect, empowering young people to step into their calling and bring transformation to every sphere of society.
Meet Our Base Leaders
Stepping onto the YWAM Lausanne campus, you encounter a rich heritage of missions.
YWAM Lausanne was the first YWAM training location, and continues to be a gateway into world missions. We are a community that trains and empowers leaders to go to the nations and engage their personal and professional world with the life-changing message of the Gospel.
We believe that the creation of new missions opportunities is important. That’s why we offer training schools, local and international outreaches and, most importantly, an environment that allows you to cultivate an intimate relationship with God.
We would like to invite you to discover more about us and pray about how God could lead you to join the wave of missions and be a part of the YWAM Lausanne family.
Markus, Anita, Emeline, Jordan
Base Leaders Team
Who Are We?
YWAM Lausanne is a pioneering community committed to knowing God and making Him known. As the first YWAM training centre, established in 1974, we have been a launching point for thousands of individuals seeking to grow in their faith, discover their purpose, and impact the nations for the glory of God. Rooted in discipleship, missions, and servant leadership, we provide transformative training and outreach opportunities to equip believers for a life of influence and obedience to God’s call.
Our Values
At YWAM Lausanne, we are committed to transformed lives and communities, rooted in encounters with God that bring lasting change. We value community as a place of growth and shared purpose, training to equip people for their calling, and outreach to serve and share the gospel worldwide.
Our History
As the first Youth With A Mission training centre, YWAM Lausanne holds a unique place in the global YWAM story. Established in 1969, our campus became a launching ground for thousands of missionaries who have been equipped, inspired, and sent out to the nations. Rooted in a legacy of faith and pioneering spirit, we continue to build on this foundation, training and empowering generations to know God and make Him known across the globe.
1969
YWAM Lausanne begins
YWAM Lausanne began in 1969 when Loren and Darlene Cunningham (founders of Youth With A Mission) started the first YWAM training program. Since that time, YWAM Lausanne has been and continues to be a community that equips young leaders who go to the nations and engage the world with the transforming message of the Gospel.
1975
First Africa Trip
In 1975, YWAM Lausanne embarked on its first trip to Africa, marking a pivotal moment in our mission's history. A passionate team of young missionaries, filled with vision and courage, set out to share God’s love and serve communities in need. This journey was more than just a geographical venture; it was a step of faith into the heart of God’s global calling.
From this first journey to today, we continue to say "yes" to God's call, reaching across borders and cultures to bring His love to the ends of the earth.
1985
YWAM 25th Anniversary
What began as a vision to mobilise young people in missions grew into a dynamic movement, impacting countless individuals and nations. From humble beginnings in 1969 to establishing a presence in numerous countries and witnessing God's power and faithfulness in incredible ways, YWAM Lausanne celebrated its 25th anniversary in 1985.
1994
Re-Pioneering
In 1994 YWAM Lausanne’s community and ministry needed to be re-established. On the word of the Lord, Loren and Darlene Cunningham returned to Lausanne along with a new team. They sought the Lord and trusted Him for Lazarus-style resurrection. God was faithful: by 1995 the building was renovated and students arrived once again. Alongside renovation of the building, fresh vision was released and ministries, such as GENESIS, were launched.
2019
Ground Breaking
In 2019 we celebrated 50 years of YWAM’s innovative missions training. With YWAMers from around the globe who had come to visit for that event, we broke the ground for our campus expansion. Loren and Darlene Cunningham were present to witness this powerful step of faith, trusting God for what he had spoken of and promised many years earlier.
2021
Crossing the Jordan
By 2021 the campus development project was complete, doubling our capacity. It was clear that God was inviting us to “cross the Jordan” into the land and inheritance that he had established for YWAM Lausanne.
This was more than a “bricks and mortar” expansion; this was a call from God to increase the training and launching of hundreds of missionaries into global missions, building on the faith-filled legacy of YWAM Lausanne on which we were standing.
Life at YWAM Lausanne
YWAM Lausanne is a diverse community united by a passion for Jesus and mission
A Glimpse of Our Campus
Experience a vibrant, international community where faith, learning, and friendships come together. Our campus is a place to grow spiritually, connect deeply, and live out your calling in a dynamic environment. From shared meals to times of worship, every moment is designed to inspire and equip you.
Discover Campus Life
