Hosting Online GriefShare Groups: Meeting a Growing Need
More people than ever are seeking grief support online—and many of them are looking for a group like yours. As a GriefShare leader, offering an online group helps you meet this growing need and extend Christ’s comfort to people you might never reach otherwise.
The need for online groups
Did you know that about 25% of all GriefShare searches are for online groups—but only 6% of groups are meeting online? That means many grieving people are searching but not finding the help they need.
Offering an online option bridges that gap. It removes barriers for people who can’t attend in person due to health concerns, transportation issues, distance from a church, or personal preference. And it gives them a path to healing.
Why offer an online option
Hosting online is more than just convenient—it’s one of the best ways to make your group accessible and expand your ministry.
- Reach beyond your community. Serve people from other towns, states, or even countries.
- Support those in fragile places. Some grievers don’t feel ready to attend in person. Online gives them a first step.
- Grow your impact. Churches offering online groups often see twice as many registrations.
How to host an online group
Starting an online GriefShare group is simpler than you might think. Here are a few tips:
- Pick a reliable platform. Zoom and other video tools work well for group connection.
- Keep the same structure. Follow the familiar format: video, discussion, and prayer—just online. (Or encourage members to watch the video beforehand and meet for group time.
- Create a welcoming environment. Make it personal. Ask group members to use first names, keep their cameras on, and share at their comfort level.
- Leverage the tools. Use the GriefShare workbook and leader discussion prompts to keep participants engaged.
- Try hybrid hosting. Some leaders offer both in-person and online groups to give people options.
Bringing comfort to more people
GriefShare is all about offering God’s comfort to those who are hurting. Hosting online—whether as your main option or in addition to in-person—helps more people experience the hope only Christ can give.
Your willingness to adapt matters. You’re living out 2 Corinthians 1:3–4:
“God comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
You’re bringing that comfort to people who need it most.
Ready to help more people heal?
When you launch an online group, you're doing more than expanding your program. You’re reminding grieving people that they matter, and that they’re not alone.
Start or add an online group in the LeaderZone.
