Discernment Center Application

Name*

First Last

Best Email*

Best Phone*

Birthday*

Wife's Name (if married)

Wife's Best Email

Children's Names & Ages (if applicable)

Please list three of your personal strengths AND three of your weaknesses.*

Please list three strengths AND three weaknesses of your marriage/singleness.*

In a 2-3 sentences, describe how you came to know Jesus as your Lord & Redeemer.*

In 2-3 sentences, describe ways you've seen God work and change you in the past 12 months or so.*

List the 3-4 spiritual gifts you perceive to be your strongest.*

What's the highest level of education you've completed?*

High School/Secondary School/GED (or equivalent)
College/University
Masters
Doctorate

Current Employment Status*

Current job title, company/organization, & 2-3 sentence summary of your role*

Please list 3 of your heroes, & explain why in 2-3 sentences each.*

List 3-4 of your key theological influences (people, organizations, institutions, etc.)*

Are you interested in planting a new church?*

Yes
No

Are you interested in pastoring an existing church?*

Yes
No

Are you interested in a role in an existing church's/new church plant's leadership team?*

Yes
No

If you have a proposed city & state/province, &/or timeline, in which you hope to start planting/pastoring, please list one/both here:

Are you & your spouse unified around pursuing discernment & potentially planting/pastoring a church, & are you in agreement that this is the right time in your life to do so?*

Yes
No

Which Discernment Center are you applying for*

Write the city/area, and/or dates, of the Discernment Center you'd most like to participate in. If you're open/unsure, simply note "open" & we'll be in touch.

Use this space for any questions or thoughts on the general information above, or to clarify any answers above. Thank you!

Ministry Experience

What church are you currently involved with?*

Current Church's Website

In a 2-3 sentences, describe your past & current ministry & leadership.*

In 2-3 sentences, describe how you regularly engage not-yet-believers in your current context?*

In a 2-3 sentences, describe how you've balanced personal, family, work, church, social, & other responsibilities.*

Does your current church leadership know you're pursuing this Discernment process?*

Yes
No
Not Sure (please describe below)

Would your current church leadership affirm your proven ministry & leadership experience?*

Yes
No

Would your current church leadership affirm your consideration of pastoring or planting a church?*

Yes
No

Will your church serve as your "sending church," affirming & supporting you if you plant?*

Yes
No
N/A (I'm looking to pastor an existing church, not plant a new one)

If applicable, which leader in a Soma Family church do you think know you best?

In a 2-3 sentences, describe any experience or preparation you've pursued with church planting/pastoring.

Please list the top 4-5 core convictions (theological, pastoral, current event, etc.) you would never give on, if you were to plant/pastor a church.

What has been your involvement with Soma/Saturate (e.g. book/specific trainings/involvement in a Soma Church/etc.)?*

What is leading you toward participating in a Discernment Center specifically with the Soma Family?*

If you want to plant/pastor a church in the Soma Family, do you understand & uphold Soma's Distinctives & Beliefs? (linked below)*

Yes
No
Unsure (explain below)
N/A; I do not want to plant/pastor within the Soma Family

Distinctives: https://wearesoma.com/our-distinctives/ Beliefs: https://wearesoma.com/what-we-believe/

Have you ever participated in Soma School?*

Yes
No

Have you ever participated in a formal church planter/pastoral assessment?*

Yes
No

If "yes" to the previous question, please attach your assessment report(s) here

Max. file size: 256 MB.

What denomination(s)/network(s)/etc. do you hope to partner with, if you plant/pastor?*

Use this space for any questions or thoughts on your ministry experience, or to clarify any answers above. Thank you!

Bible & Theology Questions

In no more than a sentence, define the gospel. In 2-3 additional sentences, explain some common "false gospels" in your culture/context today, & how God's true gospel specifically answers & surpasses each.*

In no more than a sentence, define "gospel centrality." In another sentence EACH, give one example of how gospel centrality looks in 1) your personal life; 2) your marriage; 3) your parenting; 4) preaching; 5) ministry philosophy; & 6) care & shepherding*

In no more than a sentence, describe the Trinity. In 2-3 additional sentences, explain how it impacts your theology, ministry philosophy, and/or pastoral ministry.*

In no more than a sentence, describe the "Imago Dei" and "missio Dei." In 2-3 additional sentences, explain how it impacts your theology, ministry philosophy, and/or pastoral ministry.*

In no more than a sentence, describe "elders," "deacons" and "pastors." In 2-3 additional sentences, explain roles of each, who can hold each role, and how church decisions should be made.*

In no more than a sentence, describe "Christendom" and "post-Christendom." In 2-3 additional sentences, explain how it impacts your theology, ministry philosophy, and/or pastoral ministry.*

In no more than a sentence, describe 'legalism' and 'license.' In 2-3 additional sentences, explain how the gospel addresses each.*

In 2-3 sentences, describe our role in saving the lost, & God's role.

In a sentence EACH, define the following terms. In a second sentence EACH, explain where you stand in relationship to each vein of theology: 1) Evangelical; 2) Reformed; 3) Missional*

In no more than a sentence, describe your view of the scriptures.

In 2-3 sentences, explain how a "missional hermeneutic" influences 1) our reading of the biblical story (such as Abraham's call, the prophets' message), & 2) our understanding of theological concepts (such as election, justification, sanctification, etc.)*

According to Genesis, explain what God created in his image & for his glory, & also explain the mandate God gave that creation.*

For the OT books listed below, 1) summarize EACH in 2-3 sentences, 2) explain what EACH is about in another 2-3 sentences, & 3) explain how each fits in the unfolding gospel narrative of scripture, in a final 2-3 sentences.*

1) Exodus; 2) Psalms; 3) Jeremiah; 4) a minor prophet

In 2-3 sentences, describe the purpose of the OT Law in the lives of 1) God's Old Covenant people & 2) God's New Covenant people.*

From memory, explain the various covenants God made in the OT, in no more than two sentences EACH: 1) Who was each made with? 2) What was the situation for each? 3) What was the meaning of each, in light of God's unfolding gospel story?*

What were the 3 sections of the tabernacle first, then the temple)? In 2-3 sentences, explain how that impacts our understanding of the gospel today.*

What is the theme/message of 1) Song of Solomon & 2) Ecclesiastes, & how does each book fit into God's unfolding gospel story?*

List 2-3 OT references that clearly show EACH of the concepts mentioned below.*

1) God's faithfulness; 2) Human sin/brokenness/depravity; 3) God's saving work; 4) God's mission (including working through his people); 5) The importance of water, blood, and/or sacrifice; 6) The kingdom of God

Name three symbols or object lessons, used by God to help OT prophets understand & proclaim God's judgment or blessing.*

For the NT books listed below, 1) summarize EACH in 2-3 sentences, 2) explain what EACH is about in another 2-3 sentences, & 3) explain how each fits in the unfolding gospel narrative of scripture, in a final 2-3 sentences.*

1) One of the Gospels; 2) Acts; 3) Philippians; 4) Revelation

Skim Matthew 16 and 18. What is their importance in regards to the local church?*

What does John 14-16 teach about the role of the Holy Spirit in Christian life?*

In a sentence EACH, name 3 things that were fulfilled from the OT in 1) Jesus' life, 2) Jesus' crucifixion, 3) Jesus' resurrection, 4) Jesus' ascension, & 5) Jesus' promised return.*

Based on what you know of the NT, what are the roles of elders, and also of apostles? What are some ways these vocations are similar, and some ways they are different?*

As best you can from memory, outline 1) the book of Romans & 2) the book of James, citing chapters along the way.*

In 2-3 sentences, explain what "speaking the truth in love" means, & how is helps us "grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ." (Eph 4)*

Read Exodus 19:3-6 & 1 Peter 2:9-10. Explain in a sentence how this speaks to the relationship between God's Old Covenant People & his New Covenant People? Zooming out, in no more than two sentences explain the relationship between those Peoples?*

From memory, list some NT passages that speak to each of Soma's "Gospel Identities" (Family, Missionary, Servant)*

In 2-3 sentences EACH, describe your views on 1) "the local church & its role," 2) baptism, 3) communion/Lord's supper, 4) church discipline, & 5) spiritual gifts*

How would you respond to/counsel a Christian couple who just miscarried 19 weeks into pregnancy, in 2-3 sentences?*

You counsel a couple who claim to be Christian, who are fornicating and believe they're "married in their hearts". They want to be members of your church. How would you handle this, including addressing the claim of being "married in their hearts," in 2-3 sentences?*

Use this space for any questions or thoughts on the scripture & theology above, or to clarify any answers above. Thank you!

Personal History

If you know your MBTI (Myers-Briggs) profile, list it here:

If you know your DISC profile, list it here:

If you have participated in StrengthsFinder, list your strengths here:

If you know your enneagram profile, list it here:

What things have you started &/or led in your adult life?*

Please list the top 2-3 things you enjoy doing in your free time.*

Please list 2-3 things (whether "good" or "bad") that consistently bring you joy:*

Please list 2-3 things (whether "good" or "bad") that consistently frustrate you:*

Have you ever raised financial support?*

Yes, short-term (e.g. projects, mission trips, etc.)
Yes, long-term (e.g. supported ministry position)
No
Unsure/other (please explain below)

Other than your home (if applicable), please list the amount of debt you currently have, what it is, & your plan/timeline to pay it off.*

Please check ALL of the following statements that are true for you. Please explain any you check, below.*

Please be honest. None of these inherently negate your involvement in this process. They help us know you better, and serve you as we navigate next steps in ministry with caution and wisdom.

I have been charged with a felony.
I have used/currently use illegal/narcotic drugs (including abuse of prescriptions).
I have been/am involved with Eastern religions/occult activities (including Tarot, ouija boards, witchcraft, Wicca, new age, etc.).
I have received counseling/treatment for depression (any form)
I have had a marriage/common-law relationship end in divorce or annulment.
I have experienced and/or acted on same-sex desires.
I have experienced pregnancy grief issues (including miscarriage, stillbirth, abortion, infertility, etc.).

Please check ALL of the following statements that are true for you. Please explain any you check, below.*

Please be honest. You might think of each statement as if you had the choices "very poor, somewhat poor, somewhat good/strong, or very good/strong." If you'd rank yourself "somewhat or very good/strong," click that box.

I am good a successfully managing fears & worries.
I am able to successfully adapt to big changes & new environments
I am good at taking risks.
I enjoy initiating new relationships, and am good at doing so.
I have maintained a healthy walk with God during hard times
I am good at managing my time.
I generally maintain physical health, exercise, & nutrition well.
I am able to successfully manage stressful situations.
I/we manage our finances wisely & well.

Of the statements above, list the 2-3 that are hardest for you?*

If married, of the statements above, list the 2-3 that are hardest for your wife?

Please list the top 2-3 things that cause you anger, fear, vulnerability, or stress.*

In 2-3 sentences, honestly describe the ways you most commonly deal with stress, anger, fear, and vulnerability.*

If married, please list the top 2-3 things that cause your wife anger, fear, vulnerability, or stress.

If married, In 2-3 sentences, honestly describe the ways your wife most commonly deals with stress, anger, fear, and vulnerability.

If married, list the 2-3 things you think will be hardest on your wife & if applicable, your children, regarding planting/pastoring a church?

Please list any food/drink allergies/aversions.

Use this space for any questions or thoughts on your personal history, or to clarify any answers above. Thank you!

Do you understand & agree with the time, financial, and other commitments described in the Discernment Center process?*

Yes
No

Agreement & Consent*

I agree.

I agree that Soma's leadership, Discernment Team, & partners -- as well as the leadership of my organization & local church -- can use this information for its intended purposes.

Discernment Center Application

Please note there is a “Save and Continue Later” button at the bottom of this application so you do not have to finish it in one sitting.

Ministry Experience

Bible & Theology Questions

Personal History

Who We Are

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