Learning cohorts

Join a cohort

Members are recruited by the cohort leader directly through their own networks or through central applications. Each member fills in an application form and provides two referees. Applications are then assessed and those who seem right for the team invited to a conversation to clarify any questions before joining a cohort.

Cohort leader facilitates 8 ‘leadership intensives’ [one hour zooms] spread over 2-4 months. These are based on SOMA core curriculum topics and other leadership/spiritual development material the leader tailors to the needs of the group. These leadership intensives impart knowledge, hone skills and develop team. SOMA will provide guidelines for each session and a teaching video for participants to watch in advance, as well as other suggested viewing/reading materials.

As the mission approaches cohort members also need to complete the SOMA team training videos, and the cohort will likely spend a supplementary session reviewing these and preparing together for the mission. This is often best done in person, with time for prayer and ministry as well as answering questions. A SOMA NLT member or National Director will be available to assist in such a day (in person/zoom), and some of these days will be offered centrally for groups to tap in to as numbers and demand grow.

Cost

There is a discounted fee of £295 to join the cohort [full cost £450 for anyone with sufficient support e.g. denomination/church grant]. A few bursaries a year may also be available.

Cohort members will also need to raise support for their mission trip - costs vary, but include international flights and in-country costs of the team.. Joining the cohort will be an exercise in faith for God’s provision, but take heart - he does not lack supply.

Core Curriculum

The eight core sessions are designed so that participants can teach the material for themselves if called on while they are on the mission, and on their return home. This happens through a content video summarising SOMA core teaching, pre-reading and preparation and then a 60 minute leadership clinic with the mission team leader, which may also introduce leadership tools. Participants are encouraged to buddy up to process spiritual learnings and pray for each other outside of the clinic time.

Each Core Session is designed to be both simple and advanced. Simple in language and easy to follow. Advanced in content, pushing leaders forward in a faith journey in their thinking and practice.

While the topics may look familiar, seasoned leaders find that being trained to deliver this material themselves and then putting it into practice in a totally different context is life changing for them and for their churches.

If you are open to God and stepping out in faith you can expect massive breakthroughs in your thinking and practice.

1. Holiness / Repentance - our deepest need

2. Forgiveness - our growth accelerator

3. Keeping step with the Holy Spirit

4. Ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit

5. Prophesy 102. Unlocking doors for mission.

6. Healing the Jesus Way.

7. Your spiritual authority and the spiritual realm.

8. ‘Deliver us from evil’: every Christian’s birthright.

Supplementary leadership development material may also be used in the second half of each leadership intensive at the leader’s discretion. This is aimed at helping you hold increasing competency and gifting in the right balance with character and calling as well as building you up as a team. SOMA will provide a suite of resources for the cohort leader to draw upon here in addition to their own experiences.

FAQs for Mission Teams

Got a question? Check our FAQs to see if we’ve got it covered