Guiding Principles of HeartStone Ministry
Our Foundations
HeartStone Ministry is grounded in the belief that care, compassion, and ethical presence are essential human responsibilities. We exist to support individuals, families, and communities through life’s transitions, relationships, and moments of meaning—without doctrine, coercion, or required belief.
Our ministry is shaped by humanist values and guided by a pluralistic respect for diverse traditions, cultures, and worldviews. We affirm the inherent dignity of every person and the importance of meeting one another with care, humility, and responsibility.
Human Dignity
We affirm that every person possesses inherent worth and dignity. Each life, story, and experience matters. Our ministry honors the human journey in all its forms, without requiring belief in the supernatural or adherence to a particular theology.
Compassion as Practice
Compassion is not an abstract ideal, but a lived practice. We understand care, empathy, and service as meaningful human acts that strengthen individuals and communities.
Supporting one another—especially during times of illness, grief, caregiving, and transition—is central to our work.
Reflection, Growth, and Responsibility
HeartStone values thoughtful reflection, learning, and personal growth. Wisdom is shaped through experience, dialogue, and ethical consideration rather than dogma or authority.
We encourage individuals to live with intention, integrity, and responsibility toward themselves, others, and the world we share.
Community and Connection
We believe that human connection is essential to well-being. HeartStone seeks to create spaces where people feel seen, supported, and respected.
Our ministry fosters belonging through care, ceremony, shared reflection, and community presence—particularly for those navigating complex or challenging life circumstances.
Care as a Human Responsibility
Caregiving, in all its forms, is a profound expression of humanity. We recognize the emotional, physical, and ethical weight carried by caregivers and commit to supporting them with compassion, education, and presence.
Care is not a role reserved for a few; it is a shared human responsibility.
Pluralism and Inclusion
HeartStone Ministry is pluralistic and inclusive. We welcome individuals of all religious, spiritual, secular, and humanist backgrounds.
We do not ask anyone to renounce or diminish their beliefs. Instead, we offer a ministry grounded in respect, dignity, and shared humanity—where people of many traditions, and of no tradition, are equally welcome.
Ceremony and Life’s Milestones
We honor life’s milestones through ceremony and ritual that reflect the values, relationships, and experiences of those involved. Ceremonies may be secular, spiritual, interfaith, or deeply personal in nature.
Our approach to ceremony emphasizes meaning, intention, and care rather than prescribed forms or beliefs.
Service and Ethical Presence
Service is an expression of our shared values. Through care, ceremony, education, and community engagement, we seek to act with integrity, humility, and compassion.
We understand ministry as ethical presence—showing up responsibly and respectfully for others.
Hope and Human Potential
We affirm the human capacity for growth, healing, and renewal. Even in difficult seasons, meaning and connection remain possible.
Every life holds value. Every person deserves care, respect, and dignity.