SOMA's CORE VALUES

These are the principles that the SOMA USA staff embraces:

Grace-"We operate by grace, not law," meaning that we trust each other's motivations and assure the offer of grace and forgiveness when we fail.

Obedience-We believe that it is the only measure of success. Did we follow the leading of the Spirit?

Consensus-All can hear God clearly and forward His word and ideas. More God-tuned ears are better.

Teamwork-Our work is accomplished through a wide variety of skills and giftings. We need each other.

Relationships-How we live and work together speaks volumes. We are a living sermon.

Humility-We do not measure our place/growth/status against others but against the glory of God.

Tree of Life-We seek with our words and actions to call others into life by blessing them and to refrain from speaking negatively. (Romans 14:10)

Intercession-We believe history is made through intercession.

Authority-We willingly place ourselves under the spiritual authority of others as may be appropriate.

Honor-We seek to understand and honor persons and cultures different from our own. We also recognize that no culture, including ours, completely reflects the Kingdom of God.

Creativity-We are always open to creative ideas because they might be from God.

Risk-taking-We are willing to be pioneers.

Giving-We make efforts to freely give what God has given us. For example, we have trained many non-SOMA mission teams, and last year we gave away 10% of our income for the use of others.

Cooperation-We seek active support of and interaction with other organizations and mission agencies.

Flexibility-We are open to being "led of the Spirit" to deviate from the plan.

Assumptions-We try not to assume what another will "answer," but offer them the opportunity to respond themselves.

SOMA's Calling
SOMA's Core Values
SOMA's Policy