WHAT IS SOMA SCHOOL?

An equipping environment where missional community moves from theory to experience.

We put people in an environment to experience missional community life, to taste and see, rather than just talk theoretically about it. Every participant stays in the home of a missional community leader and sees their lives. They’re immersed in a gospel rich environment and participate in everyday mission.

Soma School equips church planters, staff, elders and key leaders to engage in missional community life, to lead missional communities, and to lead a church of missional communities.

UPCOMING SOMA SCHOOL & Other Training Events

Soma Melbourne is hosting Soma School from Thursday the 3rd until Saturday the 5th of September 2026. More information to follow.

We’d decided not to host a Soma School in the Blue Mountains in 2026 after praying and considering what the needs are in Sydney. Instead, our guest Yoshi Noguchi will be visiting various churches in Sydney to preach, share stories, run training and share life with us. We really look forward to his visit. Check out the events we’ll be running in August partnership with other churches and organisations in the infographic below.

We’d love to host future Soma School’s in the Blue Mountains. Check out the links further down to get a feel for what they encompass.

SOMA SCHOOL GALLERIES AND PROGRAMS

What people have said:

‘We saw the gospel come alive and were given ideas and tools to do that with our community.’ 
 
‘I’ve learned a completely new way of life that holds Jesus at the centre. My life has been enriched by the time we shared, and there is so much I have realised about my own faith.’

‘I love how we were taught about the past and future of the gospel, but I now have a fresh understanding that the gospel is here in the present.’

‘An investment of time that will change the way you look at sharing the gospel.’

ALL THE DETAILS

What will I learn and experience at Soma School?
  • What is the Gospel?
  • The Story of God – The gospel through the whole biblical narrative. 
  • Identity and Rhythms – Living out of our new identity in Jesus, and missional rhythms.
  • Missional Communities – We’ll discuss how we live in communities of people who are united around a common mission, and how these communities are local expressions of Jesus and his church in the world.
  • Gatherings
  • Gospel Fluency
  • Life on Life Discipleship and 4 G’s – Four eternal truths about God: God is great, glorious, good and gracious.
  • Starting and Leading Missional Communities
  • Missional Community Church Realities and Leadership
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Who is the ideal applicant?

Lead planters or lead pastors who bring along with them one or two (or more) key leaders.

How long is Soma School?

Soma School occurs over 4 or 4.5 days, depending on location.

Because Soma School is an immersive learning experience, it is important that participants join all the prescribed activities. For this reason, please apply only if you can make it for 100% of Soma School.

Are there any requirements before arriving?

Please choose ONE of these:

    • Read Saturate by Jeff Vanderstelt -OR-
    • Work through the Saturate Field Guide by Jeff Vanderstelt and Ben Connelly -OR-
    • Read Gospel Fluency by Jeff Vanderstelt -OR-
    • Work through the Gospel Fluency Handbook by Jeff Vanderstelt and Ben Connelly.

AND also do the following: