SOMA NATIONAL RETREAT 2023: BUILDING & STRENGTHENING

With Brad Watson, Director of Global Areas and Chris Synesael, Soma Canada
5pm Monday 16 – 10am Thursday 19 October 2023
CMS Conference Centre, 8 Violet St, Katoomba

God has been at work in exciting ways over the last 12 months, building momentum across Soma Australia areas, bringing in new faces and new energy. At this year’s retreat, we want to consolidate the last 12 months and continue to build and strengthen our network by learning from and equipping one another.
We’re excited to have Brad Watson, Director of Global Areas joining us to speak into our area, and encourage us from God’s word. We’ll spend time hearing from and praying for our churches and City Areas, and also dream together about all that’s possible for Soma Australia in the next 10 years!
 

Registrations close Tuesday 3 October 2023.

Register Now

WHO’S IT FOR?

The National Retreat is for Soma pastors and spouses, their teams, and those leaning into Soma or thinking about becoming Soma. It’s an opportunity to connect as a network of churches, be encouraged by all that God is doing in our midst, learn from and support one another.

ACCOMMODATION

This year we’ll be staying at CMS Conference Centre, Katoomba, NSW, which was recently renovated to include ensuites in each room. The centre enjoys spectacular uninterrupted views of the world renowned Three Sisters and the beautiful world heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park. You’ll be refreshed not only in God’s word, but also his beautiful creation! https://staycmskatoomba.com.au/

KIDS

The retreat is an opportunity for husbands and wives to have a refreshing break together. For this reason we encourage you to come without your children, if possible. If you do want to bring kids, please be aware that no childcare will be provided. A Parents Room with lounge seating and a Smart TV will be available for parents of infants.

DRAFT PROGRAM

MONDAY 16 OCTOBER

5:00pm – Arrive
6:00pm – Dinner
7:00pm – Welcome (Retreat Overview, Church Share & Prayer)

TUESDAY 17 OCTOBER

7:30am – Breakfast
8:45am – Praise & Worship
9:00am – Session 1: What Does It Mean to be Partakers in the Gospel? (Brad Watson)
10:00am – Church Share & Prayer (x2)

10:30am – Morning Tea

11:00am – Session 2: 10-Year Vision & Direction for Soma Australia (Brad Watson, Dave Miles & Stephen Tan)
12:15pm – Church Share & Prayer (x1)

12:30pm – Lunch & Free Time

4:45pm – Session 3: How to Lead an Empowering Church (Empowering Leadership – Dave Miles & Empowering Structures – Stephen Tan)

6:00pm – Dinner
7:15pm – Evening Outing

WEDNESDAY 18 OCTOBER

7:30am – Breakfast
8:45am – Praise & Worship
9:00am – Session 4: Gospel Devotion (Chris Synesael, Soma Canada)
10:00am – Church Share & Prayer (x2)

10:30am – Morning Tea

11:00am – Session 5: How to Grow a City Area (Brad Watson, Stephen Tan & Pete Greenwood)
12:15pm – Church Share & Prayer (x1)

12:30pm – Lunch & Free Time

4:45pm – Session 6: How Suffering Commissions Us to Advance the Gospel in Us and Around Us (Brad Watson)

6:00pm – Dinner
7:00pm – Praise & Worship Night (Soma Blue Mountains showcasing new songs from album, opportunity to share testimonies & thanksgiving)

THURSDAY 19 OCTOBER

7:30am – Breakfast
8:45am – Praise & Worship
9:00am – The Lord’s Supper
10:00am – Depart