Soma Annual Retreat
Friday, February 14 — Monday, February 17
Fort Worth Police Officers Association—Downtown Event Space
Fort Worth, Texas
Early Bird registration (20% discount) closes November 15, 2024
Worship. Renew. Connect.
The 2025 Soma Retreat is an annual event that gives participants an opportunity to make intentional time for worship, renewal, connection, and mission vision. We encourage men and women in leadership teams at existing Soma churches, church plants, and adoption cohorts to attend together to strengthen and equip in community.
2025 THEME
You Belong—We Are Soma
He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
Ephesians 4:16
Leadership in the New Testament was based on teams of coworkers rather than exalted individuals. These teams were made up of men and women and they valued various giftings.
Leadership in the New Testament was based on service rather than lording over others. The New Testament shied away from title and privilege, and focused instead on role and mutual honoring.
Soma believes that leadership should be team-based, include men and women, value various giftings, and look to serve the church rather than gaining status or privilege.
Therefore, we are inviting leadership teams in existing Soma churches, church plants, and adoption cohorts to be strengthened and equipped in community at the 2025 Soma Retreat. Our hope is to bring content that will benefit local church staff, MC leaders, deacons, worship teams, and financial personnel.
Venue
Fort Worth Police Officers Association—Downtown Event Space
100 N Forest Park Blvd. Ste. 200
Fort Worth, TX 76102
The 2025 retreat venue is convenient to downtown Fort Worth lodging, dining, and attractions. We will gather in the Copper Room—a light and airy space that can be configured for a variety of activities with room for interaction with Soma partners and sponsors. An onsite kitchen gives us room for plentiful coffee and snacks!
Sponsorship & Scholarships
Thanks to our generous sponsors, we are able to offer a limited number of scholarships to those who need financial support to attend the 2025 Soma Retreat. We don’t want cost be a barrier to participation.
Would You Like to Be a Sponsor?
Do You Need a Scholarship?
To complete the scholarship form, you will need to provide the name of a Soma regional leader who recommends that you attend the 2025 Soma Retreat. Scholarship awards will be decided by a team of regional and area leaders by October 18, 2024.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
| Luke 9:23 Ministries - GOLD
| The Equipping Group - GOLD
| Generous Giving - GOLD
| Life Construction - GOLD
| IMPACT Players - SILVER
| Luke 9:23 Ministries - GOLD | The Equipping Group - GOLD | Generous Giving - GOLD | Life Construction - GOLD | IMPACT Players - SILVER
Schedule & Sessions
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14
7:00–8:30 p.m. Welcome reception at Fort Worth Police Officers AssociationSATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Coffee and fellowship, worship, keynote12:00–3:00 p.m. Lunch & break
3:00–8:30 p.m. Soma Family meeting, adoption ceremony, worship & communion, family meal, adoption celebration, area updates, and honors
8:30–12:00 midnight Social time (optional) at Cidercade Fort Worth —admission is free with your Soma event badge
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16
9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Sabbatical time—gather with a local church and enjoy lunch with friends2:00–6:00 p.m. Breakout sessions
6:30–10:00 p.m. Local leadership team dinners & optional social time
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17
9:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Coffee and fellowship, worship, keynotes1:30–2:30 p.m. Lunch
2:30–5:30 p.m. Regional activities (organized by regional leaders)
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Keynote speakers will speak on Saturday, February 15 and Monday, February 17.
Jared Pickney—You Belong: How God Forms a Forever Family from Broken People
Yoshito Noguchi—You Are One: Unity in the Spirit
Nicole Tatum—You Matter: Unleashing Spiritual Gifts
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On Sunday, February 16, there will be three breakout sessions, each with several topic tracks you can explore.
Chris Bennett—Resurrecting Dysfunctional or Deceased Missional Communities
Ben Connelly—Equipping God's People for Various Roles in Mission and Ministry
Brett Donald—Helping Ordinary Disciples Take Baby Steps in Hearing God and the Prophetic
Andrea Harris—The Top Legal Issues Confronting Churches
Andrew Haws—Converting Your Church's Vision Into Actionable Steps
Dawson Jones—Vulnerability and Fauxnerability in DNAs (and Churches)
Warren Mainard—Why Every Man Needs A Band of Brothers
Jeff & Jayne Vanderstelt—Lessons Learned From Over Thirty Years of Marriage and Ministry
Brad Watson—Demystifying Everyday Evangelism
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Soma Family Meeting and Q&A
Area updates
Soma partners & sponsors
Live musical worship
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The 2025 Soma Retreat planning team is seeking volunteers to help with setup, teardown, hospitality, and other tasks during the event. We appreciate any help you can provide. Thank you!
Watch this space for volunteer signup
Keynote Speakers
Jared Pickney
Yoshito Noguchi
Nicole Tatum
Registration & Travel
$200 early bird discount closes November 15, 2024
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Registration is open! Your early registration will get you the best registration price and will help the event team plan the details that make this retreat most fulfilling for participants. Each individual who is attending must complete the registration form to participate.
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Early Bird: Register by Thursday, November 15, 2024 for the early bird participation fee of $200 per person (20% discount).
After November 15, 2024, the participation fee is $250 per person.
The fee helps cover the cost of the venue rental and speakers. (If you are able to contribute, we appreciate any donations to help cover costs for attendees who need financial support. You may donate when you register for the retreat or by signing up for a Bronze sponsorship)
Please don’t let cost be a barrier to attending. A limited number of scholarships are available if you need financial support, please complete the Scholarship Application Form.
Registration closes Friday, January 31, 2025.
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Retreat participants may book a room at one of the recommended hotels listed below or find other accommodations.
Aloft Fort Worth Downtown (0.5-mile walk to the venue)
814 Taylor St
Fort Worth, TX 76102The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth (0.6-mile walk to the venue)
200 Main St
Fort Worth, TX 76102
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Participants are responsible for securing their transportation to and from the venue. Shuttle service is not provided.
Flying
The venue is approximately 22 miles from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), located at:
Fort Worth Police Officers Association
100 N Forest Park Blvd. Ste. 200
Fort Worth, TX 76102We suggest reserving your flights as soon as possible to get the best times and prices.
Driving and Parking
If you choose to drive to the retreat or park a rental vehicle at the venue, you may park at the Fort Worth Police Officers Association free of charge. The Association is not responsible for the security of vehicles parked at the venue.
