Soma History
SomaChurch began in 2006 when God opened a door for Tony and Melissa Herring to intentionally minister to college students and young adults in Tyler, Texas. After months of prayer, fasting, and conversations with trusted friends, God began to shape a clear vision for a new work. Ephesians 4 became foundational, pointing to the church as a unified and equipped body of believers. From that vision came the name Soma, the Greek word for “body.”
Soma held its first gathering on February 11, 2007, at Arcadia Coffee Company in downtown Tyler. What began as a gathering for young adults centered on worship, teaching, prayer, and encouragement quickly grew beyond expectations. The church moved from Arcadia to the basement of a downtown bank, then to the Discovery Science Place, and eventually to Tyler Christian Fellowship.
Along the way, Soma began to realize that God was doing more than creating a ministry for young adults—He was forming a church! College students became young adults, young adults became families, and families began bringing children, parents, and grandparents. Ministries were added, generations multiplied, and the church continued to grow.
The Discovery Science Place years became a significant season in Soma’s development. The church began meeting on Sunday mornings, baptizing new believers, dedicating babies, and developing ministries for children, youth, young adults, and older generations. The life of the church increasingly reflected the picture of the early church in Acts 2: a people devoted to the teaching of the Word, fellowship, prayer, worship, and life together.
When Soma lost its meeting space at the Discovery Science Place, Tyler Christian Fellowship opened its doors. What began as a practical solution led to an unexpected part of Soma’s identity: Saturday night services. That time became a unique opportunity for people whose work schedules, travel, or other circumstances made Sunday morning difficult. For several years, God continued to grow and strengthen the church in that space.
In October 2018, Soma moved into its permanent home at 3700 Old Bullard Road. The property was acquired through remarkable provision and the generosity of many people, and members gave countless hours to renovate the building and make it a place where people could worship, grow, serve, and belong.
Then, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic changed the landscape of churches everywhere. Before the pandemic, Soma’s elders had already been considering a second service on Sunday mornings. When churches were permitted to reopen with limited capacity, that future plan suddenly became an immediate need. Soma launched a second service, creating room for people to return to community and worship during an unusually difficult season. As God continued to draw people to the church, a third service eventually became necessary.
The story of Soma is ultimately not a story about buildings, services, programs, or numbers. It is a story of God’s faithfulness. Again and again, He provided what was needed, opened doors that could not have been anticipated, and used ordinary people who were simply willing to say yes to what He was doing.
Soma’s history is made up of many stones of remembrance—people who found Christ, families who planted roots, leaders who served, believers who gave generously, and people who came for a season before being sent somewhere else. Some have stayed for decades. Others have been strengthened and equipped before God led them into another season of ministry. Each has been part of the story God is writing through this local expression of His church.
Today, SomaChurch continues to exist to help people Choose the Way, Know the Truth, and Live the Life of Jesus Christ. The story that began with a small gathering of young adults in downtown Tyler continues as new people become part of the family, new generations are discipled, and the Gospel continues to reach Tyler and beyond.
The history of Soma is a testimony to what God can do through a people who simply say yes. And the story is still being written!