Overview
In accordance with Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations, the overarching goal of School of Ministry (SOM) International is to raise up godly, healthy leaders who will be able to reproduce the kingdom of God in their specific areas of influence in their own nations.
Schools are established based upon pre-existing relationships with leaders on the ground. We endeavor to grow those relationships, with a view to the school ultimately functioning under the leadership of nationals. We will continue to offer oversight, support and relationship.
SOM International’s leadership training and development model is based on the 5 C concept. This concept encourages and stimulates life-long growth in 5 specific areas to ensure that the leader will run well and finish well:
Christ: a constantly growing relationship with Jesus Christ
Community: maintaining healthy relationships with the body of Christ
Character: the character of Christ being continuously formed
Calling: a growing sense of one’s unique purpose in God’s plan
Competency: honing the skills necessary to fulfill the call
Vision
“Transforming society to reflect the Kingdom of God by equipping, empowering and releasing saints to do the work of the ministry in their God-ordained sphere of influence.”
SOM International is dedicated to societal transformation through the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth. In Luke 11:2 Jesus taught us to pray, “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” This mandate includes every aspect of life, community, and culture. As saints are fully equipped, empowered, and released into their ministry, it is our expectation that “the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ” (Revelation 11:15).
In addition, we believe that impartation is an important part of the equipping process. In I Timothy 4:14 Paul exhorts us by saying “do not neglect your gift, which was given to you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.” We look to the Holy Spirit to speak clearly during this season of equipping, and expect gifts and anointing to be imparted to the students as the Lord wills.
The SOM International experience will provide a setting in which every student’s gifts and calling will be identified. Each student will be equipped in these gifts. Character and the fruit of the Spirit will be developed. A genuine and increasing love for Jesus Christ will be fostered, along with a passion and hunger for intimacy with Him. Every saint will be confirmed and released to “do the work of the ministry.”
Mission
“Equipping, empowering, and releasing saints through training in the Word of God and the Holy Spirit to manifest the Kingdom of God on the earth”
Every culture is shaped through the impact of 7 distinct areas of influence. These are religion, family, government, education, media, arts/entertainment and business/science & technology. Whoever controls these societal pillars will determine the cultural landscape. Culture will either be conducive to the spread of the gospel or resist the advancement of God’s kingdom. By equipping saints for the work of the ministry, we want to represent and uphold standards of righteousness in the public square, thereby establishing prevalent mindsets that foster receptivity to the kingdom of God.
We define ministry as the power of the Holy Spirit communicating love through his people to the world around them. Ministry happens well beyond the walls of the church. Regardless of age, vocation or experience, God has given every believer an assignment to impact one or more of these societal pillars.
Rather than an emphasis on making converts, SOM International believes the primary call of the church is to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). This effort requires a strategic approach. True discipleship takes time to foster relationships that lend themselves to mentorship. SOM International provides an ideal atmosphere to train ministers of the gospel. For a season students will be discipled, in order that they may, in turn, “go and make disciples” in their respective spheres of influence.
SOM International provides a setting in which:
- Students have the opportunity to identify their gifts and calling.
- Students will be equipped in their gifts and calling in the context of relationships that develop the character and fruit of the Spirit.
- Students are released to minister the love of God in one or more of the 7 pillars of influence.
To accomplish this students will receive:
- Instruction in the Word of God
- Practical training
- Impartation by the Holy Spirit
- Personal spiritual mentoring to assist in the application of truth