FAQs
How does SOMA get mission opportunities?
Missions are organised with a host Bishop in the receiving country. This means that we add value to what is already going on and help accelerate evangelism and empower leaders in the diocese through an encounter with the Holy Spirit, skills based training, and studying God’s word.
Who can go on a mission?
Anyone who subscribes to our SOMA values. In the recent past participants have aged between 14 and 84, although please note that those under the age of 18, and those who might require additional travel insurance (due to the age for example), will need additional checks and possibly support to go on a team. For a younger team member, this will involve traveling with a responsible adult. For someone with health related issues, this may involve a medical checkup.
How do I apply to go on a team?
You can express an interest by filling in the simple form here.
What is included in the cost of a mission?
We ask you to raise the price of your airfare, your own personal in country expenses, and a 10% admin fee towards the organisation of the mission. Many UK team members, additionally, raise funds through their contacts and community to help support the overall cost of the mission, including costs for local delegates places and support for any overseas team members. As a rough guide for a mission trip in East Africa you should budget £1500.
How often does the team meet before going on a mission trip?
This depends on the team leader, and with the advances of zoom and our pre-recorded online training much of what you will need to be prepared can be done remotely. However, there is nothing better than taking time to get together as a team beforehand to pray and begin to gel together, and so we encourage that wherever it is possible.
How much spending money do I need to bring?
We recommend you coordinate that with the team leader, but in the main your in-country costs will be included in the money that you have already raised and submitted.
Who is looking after the team?
SOMA is responsible for your well-being and safety on the team through the National Director and your team leader. When you are in-country, the local Bishop will assume responsibility for your safety. All missions are risk assessed and this is reviewed 10 days before you go.
We also encourage team leaders to appoint a team pastor, who has the experience and time to invest in team members before, during, and after the mission. Most people find that going on a team is life changing, and it’s helpful to have a chance to reflect on that with your team pastor.
But above all else, the Lord God is looking after the team, and you will be encouraged to appoint 5 to 7 intercessors to be praying for you throughout the mission. They will join in the SOMA Community of Prayer in praying for you daily while you prepare to go and are away. For many people, this is the first experience of being so intently prayed for, and there is a wonderful sense of being looked after directly by the Lord as a result.
Will SOMA organise my church team to go on a project?
We are absolutely committed to helping SOMA Parishes to go on missions. In 2023, we had a SOMA parish visit to Rwanda, in 2024 a SOMA parish visit to country X, and in 2025 we are planning ones for Burundi and Uganda. These build on the existing parish links and give the local church leadership in the UK access to the policies and procedures and teaching of SOMA, to add significant value to their visit.
Where does the money come from to pay to go on a mission?
The simple answer is from the Lord. You will pray and raise money through your own funds, your local church, your family and friends, and through grants you may apply for. Clergy in the UK may wish to use their development grants towards this or apply to other trusts for funds.
Where does SOMA get its money?
SOMA relies on the Lord for provision, which usually comes through individual donors and parishes, who have benefited from the SOMAs ministry in the UK and abroad. SOMA is 45 years old as a charity and always in need of replenishing its database. A little goes a long way with a charity like ours as all the funds are used for mission and ministry. Please consider adopting us as a parish mission partner, in order to include us in your personal giving.
Is SOMA a registered charity?
Yes, charity number 279759
Where does SOMA work?
SOMA operates throughout the world, in partnership with other national SOMAs. In recent years our focus at SOMA UK has been in West and East Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, as well as missions in the UK involving international team members.
Have I got what it takes to be a missionary?
We are not recruiting missionaries but are looking for humble people willing to serve and learn in an overseas context and bring ‘olive branches of hope’ from the global church back to your home context.
How can I donate?
Follow this link on our website for details, or click here for more information on setting up a direct debit.
How much spending money should I bring?
We recommend that the team carry emergency cash and cards between them, in case of unexpected difficulty, the amount of cash to be agreed with a team leader. Personal spending money will depend on context - some places we visit have no shops (!) but bring enough for toiletries, snacks and beverages in your gathering/debriefing venues and for an in-country SIM card if necessary.
Where will we stay?
A wide range of accommodation may be used on a SOMA mission ranging from simple hotels, to diocesan guest houses, to mud huts.
What should I wear on my trip?
Full information on this will come in your training pack, but dress modestly and if ordained be prepared to wear a collar and robes.
Do I need a visa?
This will depend on the country you’re coming from, in the country you are going to. If you are a UK citizen it is easy to find out this information from www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
How can I raise the money?
The first thing is to pray, and then the second thing is to ask. It may be that the Lord reveals to you sources of funding – including from your own bank account. You may also find generous friends and churches who wish to support you. Ministerial training grants are available for clergy from most dioceses, and it’s worth applying to trusts like the clergy support trust or similar for additional help.
Do I need a reference?
Yes, you’ll need to fill in a full application form with two referees.
How can I encourage my church to support me on this trip?
Communicate early with your church leadership team and mission committee if you have one. Ask them for their advice.
Are there any age-related issues?
As mentioned above, in the recent past participants have aged between 14 and 84, although please note those under the age of 18 and those who might require additional travel insurance (due to the age for example), will need additional checks and possibly support to go on a team. For a younger team member, this will involve traveling with a responsible adult. For someone with health related issues, this may involve a medical checkup.
As a guideline we would suggest anyone over the age of 75 should seek wise counsel from those who know them best as to whether they may have a health related issue that could impact them or the team or the host diocese, and fully disclose this advice with the team leader and the mission coordinator. If there is any doubt a medical check should be done (at the participant’s own expense) through our partners ThriveWorldwide.
What vaccinations do I need? What medications should I bring?
This will depend on the country of visiting, and we always recommend that you check out the UK government advice or the advice of the country you are travelling from www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Am I covered for Medical Expenses/Travel Insurance?
You’ll need to take out personal travel insurance, and make sure the cover is comprehensive enough for the country you are visiting, including flying you back home in the event of an emergency.
Are there any time commitments beyond the 2 week trip?
A key thing is praying for the mission, completing the SOMA induction, and time preparing talks and meeting with your team online or in person. When you get back, a key commitment is to carry on praying and to share your olive branches of hope with as many people as possible.
Why should I join a SOMA mission?
The best answer is that you feel called to be on one.
Can I bring a group or take a whole team?
Yes, if you become an authorised team leader that is certainly possible. For that you will need a conversation with the national director, which may lead on to being invited onto our authorised team leader induction programme.
If you have reached the end of the FAQs and still have questions, please get in touch.