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:
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
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
2. Complete Member Application
Once you complete Soma DNA, you’ll also need to fill out our membership application:
3. Pre-Membership Check-In Meeting
Next, you’ll be invited to sit down with a Soma leader for a Pre-Membership Check-In Meeting. 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.
4. 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)
5. 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 Soma DNA and in the Pre-Membership Check-In.