Philosophy of Soul Shop™

Soul Shop™ is founded on eight key principles that guide its approach to suicide ministry within faith communities.

1. Suicidal Desperation Can Happen to Anyone
Suicidal desperation often begins when a person faces an accumulation of losses and lacks the resources to cope with those challenges.

2. Suicide Impacts Many in Faith Communities
At any given time, a significant portion of individuals within a faith community are affected by suicide—whether through personal thoughts, concern for others, memories of loss, or past experiences of suicidal desperation.

3. Faith Communities Have a Responsibility
Faith communities are called not only to prevent suicide but also to minister to those facing desperation due to the various impacts of suicide, including loss, fear, isolation, and hopelessness.

4. Equipping the Whole Community Is Key
The people best positioned to identify and address suicidal desperation are those closest to the individual—family members, friends, and congregants. Therefore, Soul Shop™ embraces a public health approach that equips the entire faith community.

5. Hope and Connection Are Critical Resources
Faith communities provide crucial support by addressing two primary reasons people contemplate suicide: a loss of hope and a loss of social connection.

6. Emotional Barriers Must Be Addressed
Stigma, fear, and shame are the main barriers to ministering to suicide, and they must be tackled through behavioral practice in supportive environments, rather than simply through informational lectures.

7. Shifting Community Interactions
As faith communities come to grips with the impact of suicide, they must fundamentally change the way members interact and support one another.

8. Suicidal Desperation Has Many Causes
Suicidal desperation arises from multiple factors such as shame, illness, stress, societal pressures, and signals that life needs fundamental change. Churches must develop strategies to address each of these contributing factors in their ministry.

These principles guide Soul Shop™ in fostering compassionate and effective responses to suicide within faith communities.