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DTS ELECTIVES
What Is A DTS Elective?
A DTS elective is an opportunity to focus on the things that interest you most and where you can use your skills, gifts and passions to serve God. It is something that is added on to the classic DTS schedule and will focus on teachings and practical application alongside an experienced staff in your chosen area of interest.
CHILDREN AT RISK
The Children at Risk Discipleship Training School (DTS) is designed to equip you to serve children facing challenging circumstances globally. This track dives into the realities of children in at-risk situations, exploring issues like: children of prisoners, foster care youth, street children, and more. You'll gain practical skills in trauma-informed care and learn how to connect before correcting. We will also focus on the heart of God who promises to be a “Father to the fatherless, who sets the lonely in families.” (Psalm 68:5,6)
Crucially, this track emphasizes that your personal healing and self-awareness are foundational. You'll focus on learning self-regulation—how to manage your own "big emotions"—before engaging with kids who have experienced abuse, neglect, and rejection. Your healing is essential before you mentor.
EQUINE THERAPY
Dive into the powerful world of Equine Therapy at Rock'n-H-Ranch, a unique space for healing and restoration for both people and horses. Led by Horse Program Manager Amy, this elective will focus on how the incredible connection between humans and horses helps foster children and those who have experienced trauma and loss build trust and develop confidence.
This isn't just theory—you'll explore a hands-on ministry model where the horses' journey of rescue and rehabilitation mirrors the children's path to healing. The elective will cover:
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The practical application of equine-assisted activities in trauma recovery.
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How horses help at-risk children develop empathy and resilience.
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The ministry model of giving a new life to both horses and children.
Ultimately, this elective is about participating in a ministry model that is transforming lives—two hooves and two feet at a time.
IDENTITY & CALLING
The Identity and Calling elective has weekly break-out sessions as well as a full week dedicated to discovering your God-given identity and purpose. The goal is to help develop students understanding of who they are and what God has called them to out of a relationship with Him. Have you ever felt that your life was meant to be lived for something significant? Have you known you were created to make a difference but not known exactly how? The Identity and Calling focus is crafted to help you answer these questions by engaging with your Heavenly Father and asking Him why He has you on the earth at this point in His story.
