The SOMA Discipleship Program

In Kenya, the scarcity of sound, affordable Biblical resources is a significant barrier to sound doctrinal training and spiritual maturity. In fact, nine out of every ten pastors on the African continent have no access to formal theological education. And if the spiritual leaders are not properly trained, neither are their congregations.  

As a way of expanding on KanKen’s reading ministry and fulfilling the command of the Great Commission, we are now equipping our Reading Coaches, as well as a few pastors, with essential knowledge and skills for faithful, doctrinally sound ministry. By grounding our reading coaches in Truth, they become sound presenters of the gospel and representatives of Christ to children at the Pods. Likewise, pastors are trained to equip and lead those in their charge. 

What is the SOMA Program?

SOMA is an informal theological training curriculum built on cohort learning and Socratic discussion. In Greek, SOMA means “body;” in Swahili, it means “study.”  Developed by Ekklesia Afrika, the SOMA program uses locally printed books which participants read, study and report on monthly in a local cohort discussion group over 3.5 years. 

Each month, every participant receives:

♦ A purposefully selected book

♦ An applicational study guide

♦ A  report-writing guide

After reading a book, each participant submits a book report before participating in a monthly cohort discussion in his or her local area. Cohorts are groups that meet in a single region at least once a month to encourage and hold one another accountable in reading and living out Biblical truth. Cohort leaders present open-ended questions designed to create dialogue amongst students and stimulate critical thinking. The aim of cohort discussions is to apply Scriptural principles to varying ministry contexts.

What Do Participants Learn?

The SOMA study is divided into five areas:

1. Ecclesiology
2. Biblical and Systematic Theology
3. Pastoral Theology
4. Word-based Ministry
5. Missions

The first year is devoted to developing a basic understanding of Word-centered ministry, ecclesiology, theology, and missions. The goal of year two is the deepening of convictions, while year three focuses on increasing participants’ ability to discern truth from error. The series winds up by having participants disciple others in these same convictions.

Sponsor an Individual or Group

You can be involved in fulfilling the Great Commission in another country without having to leave your own! Take ownership of discipling people in Kenya and get regular reports of their progress. You will be put on an email list that gives updates. 

Options for sponsoring the SOMA program could look like:

1. Groups commit to pray for participants of the SOMA program by name. Email kankenconnect@gmail.com for a list of names and specific ways to pray. 
2. Individuals or groups (home groups, bible study groups, women’s/men’s ministry, SS classes, etc.) sponsor one or more participants for a year ($60/person) or for the full program ($210/person). 
3. Your church opts to sponsor a group of participants as part of its annual missions budget. For example, sponsoring 14 participants (the current number of reading coaches) at $60/year would come to $840. Once they complete the program, that money would go to others to begin the program.
4. Your entire congregation chip in $5 each annually to help sponsor participants.      

How to Sponsor

· Make a special gift, designating it for the SOMA program in the comments section. 

· Make your sponsorship a monthly donation, also designating it for the SOMA program in the comments. 

Questions? Email  : KanKenConnect@gmail.com