Our Team
Julia Holtze
Spiritual Companion,
Pastoral Counselor &
Executive Director
(she/her)
As a spiritual companion and guide, I walk with individuals and groups who are seeking deeper connection to God, to their own truest self and to community. Many arrive feeling confused, disconnected or wrestling with doubt.
As a “denominational mutt" with a masters degree in spiritual formation and pastoral counseling, I am most passionate about making safe spaces “in the wilderness” (outside the walls of institutions and systems) to hear the quietest of whispers and say out loud whatever doubts, questions and dreams arise. Together, we listen without judgment, love without an agenda, and allow our faith to be expanded or reframed in life-giving ways.
Together we look for God. I have been forever changed.
Becky Potter
Board President
(she/her)
As a transplant to MN after college, I spent a couple of years living and working in community at an ecumenical retreat center before entering the construction field as a trim carpenter. I have spent the last 20 years doing everything from carpentry to purchasing and project setup to payroll, financial management and production management.
The majority of my life has been spent in the Lutheran Church with a little conservative evangelicalism tossed in the middle for fun. It’s been a love/hate relationship with the church and even Jesus and God. As a queer person of faith, I have experienced the pain of thinking that the only way to be accepted by the church or loved by God was to “change myself.” As I increasingly discovered how to show up as my authentic self, I have found places and people of healing, acceptance and space for these many parts of myself to coexist.
Beth Jones
Board Secretary
(she/her)
Recently retired from corporate cyber security leadership, I am passionately pursuing certification as a spiritual companion and guide with an emphasis in applying creativity to the experience. I have tried on and tried out the various denominational settings and after several years of deconstruction of my faith have found inclusivity through this wilderness experience.
My desire is for others to feel accepted, to find a place to rest, pause, question and learn in ways that maybe they never have given themselves permission to do in order to find their innermost self where God - love - resides in their spirit.
Carol Nissen
Spiritual Companion &
Board Treasurer
(she/her)
A transformed, seeking leader who is forever changed and continues to grow as she encounters and shares the love and grace of God.
"I see Wilderness Well as a place where we grow together through open, honest conversation with all questions and ideas welcome, and where there are no right and wrong answers."
Vince Vaughan
Board Member
(he/him)
As an addiction recovery chaplain and former pastor, I have discovered over the years that many of us struggle to believe that God truly delights in us. This, I believe, greatly impacts our relationship with God and our lives overall. It has been a joy to walk alongside others as they begin to embrace this life-changing love.
I also know that our spiritual journeys can at times be confusing. This can feel like going backwards, when in fact, it is often bringing us into our greatest season of growth. I’m excited to be a part of a community like Wilderness Well that provides a safe, supportive environment to venture out and make new discoveries in our adventure-filled life with God.
Our Beliefs and Values
Beliefs
We believe the inward personal journey is necessary to live outwardly with love for the sake of others.
We are rooted in faith. Like Jesus, we sit at a table where all are welcomed with love and invitation, not agendas and “right answers.” Together, we seek God’s presence and ways.
We believe in equity, diversity and inclusion for all people. We honor the inherent image of God and the spiritual story and experiences found in each person.
We believe in a holistic spirituality that addresses physical, emotional and spiritual health, as well as every aspect of community, society and creation.
We engage contextually, experientially and communally with Scripture and sacred texts for deeper understanding. We believe they are rich and complex with interpretation.
We believe in the power of love for healing.
Values
Authenticity: Finding and being celebrated as your true self
Belonging: Welcoming, accepting, valuing and needing all
Curiosity: Embracing mystery and surrendering certainty
Divine Trust: Depending on a God who provides and guides
Empowerment: Helping others discover and bring their unique gifts and strengths into the world, resulting in empowered people who empower people.
Freedom: Overcoming injustice from physical, emotional, societal and spiritual oppression
Grace: Encouraging do-overs
Humility: Knowing and embracing that we are imperfect and need one another
All are welcome here
info@wildernesswell.org
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