Maybe you’ve considered starting a GriefShare group at your church but are wondering how you’ll manage a new ministry alongside other commitments? Or how you’ll find volunteers to serve? Or whether you’re the right person to lead a group?
Don’t worry! GriefShare has got you covered. Lay leaders who want to host this ministry will receive personal and complete support to launch and offer a GriefShare support group. We provide free ministry coaching, online leader training, group management tools, promo materials, session agendas and discussion questions, expert grief teaching via weekly videos, and many other helpful resources.
How GriefShare equips leaders
GriefShare is a turnkey ministry that is designed for lay leaders to have everything they need to lead—no experience necessary! GriefShare’s comprehensive training and resources will set them up for success. Here’s how:
- Leader’s guide: The GriefShare leader’s guide walks group facilitators through each step of offering a group meeting. It includes specific instructions on how to facilitate discussions, encourage participation, and handle sensitive topics—plus, it includes the agenda for each session, ensuring that leaders are fully prepared for every meeting. It’s recommended that every leader has their own guide for note taking and easy access to facilitation materials.
- Video sessions: Every GriefShare session begins with a 30-minute video that covers important topics on grief and loss. These videos feature expert insights from Christian counselors and grief specialists, as well as personal testimonies from those who have experienced loss. The video content does the heavy lifting of delivering key teachings, making it easy for leaders to focus on facilitating the discussion that follows.
- Online leader training: GriefShare provides thorough training for leaders, equipping them to feel confident and prepared for their role, through brief and accessible online training videos. These videos include practical tips on managing group dynamics, leading conversations, addressing difficult emotions that may arise during the sessions, and so much more! Leaders are trained to offer compassionate support while maintaining a safe, structured environment for participants to share their stories.
GriefShare coaches: live, free support from trained ministry professionals
GriefShare offers live help—right when you need it—every step of the way. Our experienced ministry coaches are here to guide your leaders through the challenges that arise when leading a grief support group. Whether you and your volunteers have questions, need help, or want to troubleshoot specific issues, our coaches are here to provide answers and encouragement.
Common issues GriefShare coaches help with include:
- How to manage difficult or emotionally intense group dynamics
- Suggestions for facilitating discussions when group members are hesitant to share
- Strategies for handling unique grief situations (e.g., traumatic loss or complicated family dynamics)
- Encouraging group members to apply biblical principles during their grief journey
Our ministry coaches are here to ensure that your leaders are never alone in the process and always have a support system to turn to when they need guidance.
LeaderZone: a resource hub for volunteers
GriefShare leaders also have access to the LeaderZone, an online hub filled with additional tools and resources to make running a group easier and more effective. Here are just a few of the helpful materials available:
- Leader’s forum: This gives your leaders a dedicated place to connect with other leaders. Here, your volunteers can find topical posts ranging from tips to tricks to troubleshooting—and they can post their own topics as well.
- Article library: Find ongoing training and encouragement in this digital library that includes topical articles made especially for your volunteers.
- Common questions documents: Leaders may encounter tough questions from participants, such as, “Why did God allow this to happen?” or “How can I find hope again?” GriefShare’s common questions documents offer biblical, compassionate responses to these challenging queries, helping leaders guide participants through their difficult emotions.
- Promo materials: You’ll find promo videos, social media posts, images, ads, email announcements, and more for spreading the word about your group in your church and community.
- Group management tools: You’ll be able to set up your group for people to find it using our online search tool and register for it. You’ll have a record of names, contact info, and the ability to communicate with your group and share resources.
These support resources make it easy for GriefShare volunteers to feel equipped, empowered, and ready to make a real difference in the lives of those grieving.
Take the next step
Thinking about starting a GriefShare ministry at your church? The good news is that you don’t have to do it alone. With the help of GriefShare coaching, training, and the extensive resources available through the LeaderZone, your volunteers will have all the tools they need to lead a thriving and effective grief ministry.
To learn more about hosting a GriefShare group, download Take the Next Step.
Have questions?
Contact a coach today to get personalized guidance for starting a group in your church.
