THE BENEFITS OF ADOPTION INTO SOMA

Often pastors ask, what are the benefits of being officially adopted into the Soma family of churches?

1. YOU RECEIVE HELP FROM OTHER SOMA CHURCHES

Being adopted into Soma means we commit to being family with other Soma churches, especially in our area. This is a key part of what makes us Soma. Being Soma is not just a piece of paper, it’s our intentional, ongoing relationship with other Soma churches. And the benefits we receive from being adopted into the Soma family of churches are our love for and commitment to each other, around an agreed set of values.

Soma is only what it is when we’re all choosing to actively support one another. The strength of Soma is what we give to each other, when we work together to support each other to be better disciples and leaders and to see Christ’s kingdom grow.

SOME Expectations OR SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE:

  • Bring your team to the Soma Australia National Retreat each year
  • Meet regularly with Soma churches in your city to pray
  • Give financially to other Soma churches
  • Work together to provide training as needed
  • Visit and preach in each other’s churches
  • Overlap your church with other Soma churches by co-hosting events

Defining family further

  • We don’t want a relationship of authority. There is no bishop. This is not a denomination. There are no rights of appointment. We can’t toss you out of your job.
  • Leaders of Soma are only consultants – you invite them in if you want them to come and train or help. It won’t be forced on you.
  • But we can toss you out of the family (that’s the nature of any network – otherwise it’s meaningless).

MOVING TOWARDS BEING FAMILY 

There are three categories moving towards being family (bearing in mind we want to create an open-hearted generosity):

Acquaintances

  • Interested
  • Use resources
  • Take what you want
  • Transactional

Friends/Leaning in

  • Participate in conferences
  • Receive coaching
  • Participate in cohorts
  • Give to and support others
  • Relational

Family

  • As church plant or church
  • Committed to each other and all the benefits of this
  • Some expectations
  • Give money to the Soma family
  • Voluntary financial commitment to other Soma churches
  • Co-host events, training, etc.

2. YOU RECEIVE HELP FROM THE SOMA GLOBAL AREAS LEADERSHIP TEAM, which:

  • Serves, equips and champions the emerging global areas
  • Assists global areas, leaders and churches in issues of conflict, disagreements, and in accusations against elders and area leaders
  • Helps establish healthy families of churches in each area
  • Resources pastors and church leaders with coaching and encouragement
  • Establishes new areas

3. YOU RECEIVE HELP FROM THE AUSTRALIAN AREA LEADERSHIP TEAM:

  • Pastor retreats
  • Adoption process for churches
  • Soul care for pastors
  • Church Planting Residencies/Internships
  • Soma Schools/Exposure Trainings
  • Quarterly Cohorts
  • Prayer gatherings
  • Communications (newsletter, website, videos, etc)
  • Soma Immerse (3.5-week experience for Uni-age group)
  • Admin/office (9 Springwood Ave, Springwood NSW – Dave Miles & Hope Foskett)
  • Resources that we have produced here in Australia
  • City or regional get-togethers for support, training, etc.

Let us know if you would like to officially join us, and we will send you information on the process.

READ ADOPTION PROCESS DOCUMENT contact us