This weekend is the 14th gathering for Soma! The first 13 have been an awesome experience in “the body” and I’m pumped to see where God is leading us over the next 13 weeks. I’ve learned and planned enough to be absolutely confident of two things: It will be unexpected and it will be led by the Spirit. If God has reinforced anything in my mind over the past 13 weeks, it’s been this… Plans are made to be changed and the Holy Spirit is a MUCH better leader than I am!
As we head into this next season as Soma, I want to publicly share the DNA that has been directing who we are. Remember, Soma means “the body” in Greek and just like a physical body, it needs a set of core DNA to survive and thrive in the way it was created to be. So, here’s the 6 DNA of Soma…
1. We are fine dining, not a cheap buffet.
- Our gatherings should be done with the utmost planning, quality and excellence.
- The church should be the most creative place on the planet.
2. We are laser-focused.
- Our #1 goal is to reproduce disciples – not merely attenders – who love God with all they have.
- Our #2 goal is to be a beacon of light and justice in a broken world.
- ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Mt 22)
3. We are known for what we are FOR.
- We should be known for what we are FOR…not what we are AGAINST.
- Paul walked into the Areopagus in Athens, in the middle of a corrupt, idol-worshiping culture and preached what he was FOR – Jesus – instead of condemning what he was AGAINST. (Acts 17)
4. We are all about the numbers.
- Every number has a name and every name desperately needs God.
- Growing numbers don’t increase our prestige, they increase God’s glory in His Kingdom. We count the numbers so we can celebrate the growth of the Kingdom!
5. We are a generation of honor.
- We freely and humbly give honor to those above us, beside us and under us.
- We will NOT attack other churches, leaders or ministries.
6. We are not done.
- There are ways of “doing” church that no one has thought of yet.
- Culture is still changing…and, therefore, our methods are too.
Well said brother! I’ve been in prayer for this new service. I’m very interested in learning more. You need to connect me with the model.
Hey Mike! You should check out stuff by 3DM (3 Dimensional Ministries) – I think their website is weare3dm.com.
A lot of the way we do our Sunday morning gatherings is specific to us but we’re modeling a lot after them in everything else. For example: The use of huddles for leadership development, the building of missional communities, the use of “lifeshapes” to teach spiritual truths. There’s a ton more but this comment can’t be a book. lol
If you’re going to read one thing, check out a book by Mike Breen called “Building A Discipling Culture.” That should kick-start a lot for you.
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