Covenant Membership
In a cultural moment of hyper-individualism, consumerism, and thin commitments, we want to live intentionally as a spiritual family with thick commitments to Jesus and each other. Covenant membership is our way of specifically naming these commitments.
We don’t expect people to become members in their first weeks or even months of getting involved at Soma — in fact, we ask that people make the decision to commit slowly. We also know that church membership can carry some baggage. But we believe that covenant membership reflects what church really is: the unified body of Christ.
How to Become a Member at Soma
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Soma DNA walks you through the doctrine, mission, and culture of Soma, as well as our vision for life with Jesus. This is a two hour gathering (available 2-3x a year) to learn and to build relationships with others interested in covenant membership. If you're unable to attend a scheduled date, you can listen to the Soma DNA recordings before moving to the next step. Once you complete Soma DNA, you’ll be able to fill out a membership application.
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Next, you’ll be invited to sit down with a Soma leader for a brief interview. 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 listen to your story.
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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 Soma community (MC), stepping into ministry service, or getting baptized.
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Following the completion of any final steps, we’ll invite you to come up front during a Sunday Gathering or Members Meeting, take these vows, and be welcomed by the congregation. We’ll discuss these vows at Soma DNA and the membership interview, but you’re welcome to ask questions about them at any point in the process.
To learn more about the vision and practice of Covenant Membership, check out this article from Zac Hicks on the “why” behind membership within the local church.