Our Philosophy & Values
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
- Matthew 9:35-36
Spiritual Transformation – First, and foremost, the Well Community is a gathering based on a common faith and journey. Our very name comes from the book of John, chapter four: Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well of Jacob. In the same way, we seek to lead others to meet Jesus.
He is our guide and we believe that he alone is the source of life – “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). We have come to know that sharing in his life is the best – “I have come to bring life – and life to the fullest!” (John 10:10). Therefore, we seek to share his life with others – “In him was life, and that life was the light of men” (John 1:4) (see the attached "Declaration of Faith").
Friendship and Community – For most of us our relationships are taken for granted. Yet with the addition of a mental illness, their creation and maintenance can be hindered. The symptoms of mental illness – e.g., paranoia, nervousness, depression, etc. – work against healthy relationships.
Therefore, friendship has been a foundational value here at the Well Community. We seek to offer a place of belonging for people living with mental illness, providing opportunities for acquaintance and companionship. Our programming provides a place to know others and be known.
We believe that programs, in and of themselves, don’t change people. God sent Jesus to earth and he did not stay off afar; but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness, and he became flesh and made his dwelling among us (Philippians 2:7, John 1:14a). Therefore, we seek to emulate and develop this value through a paradigm of “incarnational ministry” (See the article, “Healing Presence”, for more understanding about this value).
Mental Health Recovery - the Well Community seeks to be a place of recovery from mental illness. The word “recovery” means “to get back, regain” or “to restore (oneself) to a normal state”. In the same way, we seek to help those with mental illness to regain their lives and to help them live in a “normal state”.
The recovery process begins with a belief and hope that improvement and health is possible. The process includes gaining the knowledge to reclaim the power to achieve one’s desires by learning to make choices that bring strength rather than harm. Recovery involves living a meaningful life with the capacity to love and be loved.
Essentials for Recovery
- A safe and stable environment
- The best medical treatments
- Someone who sees them as special & who will share themselves
- Education about the effective management of the illness
- Something to get involved in
- An educated & supportive family
- Focus on consumer empowerment & self-determination
- Sustaining hope and a vision of what is possible
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