Our consumeristic culture encourages people to keep their commitments light and to dabble — take a little from here, a little from there. But the biblical vision for church involvement is a robust, relational commitment to the teaching and the common life of a church. Historically, Christian churches have called believers to express that commitment through covenant membership.
We don’t expect people to become members in their first weeks or even months of getting involved at Soma — it’s a big enough commitment that we’d rather people make the decision to commit slowly (or make it at another church!). We also acknowledge that church membership can carry some baggage. But we believe that church membership reflects what church really is: the unified body of Christ.
Here are the major steps that are involved in becoming a member at Soma:
1. Complete Soma DNA
Soma DNA courses walk through the doctrine, mission, and distinctive characteristics of Soma as well as our vision for the Christian life. This is the best way to find out who we really are and what that means for you.
You can complete a Soma DNA course according to your own schedule with audio files. To get audio files from your congregation, please email Kent Livingston
We also hold in-person Soma DNA classes. Our next Soma DNA is TBD
Once you complete Soma DNA, you’ll also need to fill out our membership application:
2. Sit Down for a Membership Interview
Next, you’ll be invited to sit down with a Soma leader for a brief interview. Don’t be intimidated — this is a great time for you to ask us any questions you may have about life in our church family. It’s also an opportunity for us to draw near to hear your story.
3. Finalize the Process
Once you’ve completed your interview, we will collaborate with you to determine any final steps in the membership process. This could involve things like:
Joining a missional community (MC)
Stepping into service at Soma
Getting baptized (connect with Soma Leader)
4. Take Your Membership Vows
Following the completion of any final steps, we’ll invite you to come up front on a Sunday morning, take the following vows, and be welcomed by the congregation. We’ll discuss these vows at the membership interview (if not during the DNA class itself), but you’re welcome to ask questions about them at any point in the process:
All of you being here present to make a public profession of faith, are to assent to the following declarations and promises, by which you enter into a solemn covenant with God and His Church.
1. Do you acknowledge yourselves to be sinners in the sight of God, justly deserving His displeasure, and without hope except for His sovereign mercy?
I do.
2. Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior of sinners, and do you receive and rest upon Him alone for salvation as He is offered in the Gospel?
I do.
3. Do you now resolve and promise, in humble reliance upon the grace of the Holy Spirit, that you will endeavor to live as becomes the followers of Christ?
I do.
4. Do you promise to support the Church in its worship and work to the best of your ability?
I do.
5. Do you submit yourselves to the government and discipline of the Church, and promise to pursue its purity and peace?
I do.