Our Mission
“To serve as a resilient bridge of hope and a catalyst for restoration, providing professional spiritual care to the community through a dedicated ministry of presence. We are committed to honoring the inherent dignity of every soul, equipping the hand for self-sufficiency, and anchoring the heart in the grace of the Divine—wherever life happens.”
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The Twelve Pillars of Cedar Grace Ministries
Statement of Our Beliefs
As Chaplains of Cedar Grace, we stand as a bridge between the Divine and the daily walk of life. Our ministry is rooted in the “Cedar” of strength and the “Grace” of restorative love. These twelve pillars define our conviction, our conduct, and our commitment to the community.
1. The Divine Source and Inherent Dignity
We believe in the “I AM”—the Creator of the universe and the indwelling Presence that is the source of all life-energy and intelligence. Because every individual springs from the Creator, they possess immense worth. Our service is a response to the sacred value of human life standing before us.
2. The Ministry of Presence
We believe our primary calling is to “be with” people in their moment of need. We prioritize presence over proselytizing, offering spiritual care that meets the individual’s expressed needs rather than imposing a religious agenda. We are companions on the journey, not judges of the path.
3. The Dual Pillars of Representation
We operate with a “Two-Pillar” integrity:
- Pillar A (Personal): We remain faithful representatives of our specific faith traditions without compromising our core doctrines.
- Pillar B (Professional): We protect the “Free Exercise” of religion for all, serving others based on their needs rather than our own.
4. Holistic Well-being
We believe that true health is a harmony of the physical, mental, and spiritual. We work alongside medical and community professionals to address the “soul-needs” of trauma and loss. Where community resources are lacking, we commit to being builders and improvers of the spiritual and physical landscape.
5. The Sacred Trust of Confidentiality
We believe in the sanctity of communication. We provide a safe, private, and non-judgmental space for individuals to process their deepest fears and hopes. We guard this trust as a cornerstone of our professional and spiritual duty.
6. Ministry of Availability
We believe the most profound care happens where life happens. We are committed to being “on the ground”—in workplaces, homes, and street corners—taking the ministry to the people rather than waiting behind church walls.
7. Compassionate Pluralism and Moral Clarity
We honor the diverse faith traditions of our community and advocate for the “Free Exercise” of every individual’s conscience. While we practice radical compassion, we acknowledge that evil exists; we vow to do no harm and will never support what is malevolent, remaining subject to the laws of our land.
8. Ethical Integrity and Redemptive Change
We believe that while all have fallen short, all are entitled to change their lives. We hold ourselves accountable to our faith traditions, our community, and a higher power. We are a people of “Grace,” constantly reconciling our own lives with the Divine.
9. Stewardship of Hope
We believe that hope is an accessible resource even in the darkest seasons. As “stewards of hope,” our role is to help people rediscover the resilience and meaning necessary to navigate life’s most difficult transitions.
10. The Stewardship of the Soul
We believe a Chaplain’s duty is to help others “tune in” to the Divine. Through prayer, meditation, or scriptural encouragement, we assist individuals in identifying and removing the spiritual blocks that separate them from God’s peace.
11. Foundation of the Word and Spirit
We follow a non-denominational Christian ethos as our guide. We believe the Bible is a primary map for a blessed life, containing universal laws that align the human heart with the mind of God. We apply these truths with faith and positive affirmation while maintaining deep respect for other cultures.
12. Stewardship of the Earth and Self-Sufficiency
We believe the Chaplain is a shepherd of the soul and an educator of the hand. We honor the “homesteading spirit,” viewing the Earth as a sacred trust. We promote a life of intentionality and “home industry,” equipping our neighbors with the knowledge and tools needed to be productive, self-sufficient, and resilient. We believe we are called to live in harmony with the natural world, recognizing that God’s “Supreme Consciousness” is revealed through the cycles of growth, harvest, and rest. We treat the soil, the water, and all living creatures with reverence, acting as caretakers rather than mere consumers.
