The Heart Behind GriefShare

Thinking about leading a GriefShare group—or just curious how it works? You may be surprised at how thoughtfully this program helps hurting people heal. Every part of the GriefShare program supports people grieving the loss of a loved one to find comfort, lasting hope, and community in Christ.

You don’t have to be a counselor or grief expert to lead. You don’t even have to have it all together. GriefShare gives you the tools, structure, and biblical guidance you need to walk with people as God brings healing to their hearts.

GriefShare helps hurting people

Losing someone you love changes everything in an instant. GriefShare gives people a place to begin making sense of their pain—surrounded by others and grounded in God’s truth.

Through a 13-week series of video sessions, group discussions, and personal reflections, participants discover that what they’re feeling is normal—and that healing is possible. The program helps them process their pain in healthy ways, reconnect with others, and grow in their relationship with God.

Recognizing signs of healing

GriefShare teaches the signs that often show God is bringing healing. These aren’t steps to check off but gentle markers of growth that participants may notice over time.

Here are some signs that often show God is bringing healing:

1. Accepting the reality of the loss – Facing what has happened instead of avoiding it.
2. Dealing with painful emotions – Learning to express and manage sadness, anger, and fear in a God-honoring way.
3. Adjusting to life without a loved one – Finding new rhythms and roles for daily life.
4. Addressing questions about God and eternity – Exploring biblical answers to honest, faith-based questions.
5. Continuing life while honoring their loved one’s memory – Moving forward while remembering the person they’ve lost.
6. Sharing comfort with others – Using their experience to care for others who are grieving.

As a leader, you’ll watch participants gently move through these areas—sometimes revisiting them more than once—as God works in their hearts.

A three-part program that works together

GriefShare includes three simple but powerful elements that support participants spiritually, emotionally, and practically:

• Video sessions: Each week starts with a 30-minute video featuring counselors, pastors, and people who’ve walked through grief. Their stories and biblical wisdom help participants understand their emotions and what God says about loss and healing.

• Group discussion: After the video, participants talk about what they’ve heard and how it relates to their own experiences. You don’t need all the answers—just guide the conversation, listen, and encourage. Most people find comfort in knowing they’re not alone.

• Personal reflection: Between sessions, participants use the workbook to reflect, journal, and read Scripture. It’s a chance to apply what they’ve learned and hear from God personally.

Each part of the program works together to help participants find hope and healing. Even if someone misses a week, they can still gain encouragement and insight from every session.

What the 13 sessions cover

GriefShare follows a path that mirrors what many people experience after a loss—starting with shock and ending in renewed purpose.

• Sessions 1–2: Understanding what normal grief looks like
• Sessions 3–7: Coping with painful emotions and managing the ups and downs of grief
• Sessions 8–10: Navigating relationships—with friends, family, and God—while grieving
• Sessions 11–13: Finding renewed hope and purpose for the future

Each session offers comfort, wisdom, and a biblical perspective on the challenges people face after losing someone they love.

Why people choose to lead

Most people who lead GriefShare have walked through grief themselves. They know how much it means to have a safe place to talk, cry, and hear God’s promises. They want to give others the same comfort.

You’re not there to fix anyone—you’re there to walk with them as God begins healing their heart. GriefShare equips you with everything you need to do just that.

You can make a difference

Starting a GriefShare group is one of the most meaningful ways you can serve others. Every session offers hope, truth, and a chance to meet Christ in the midst of pain.

As Scripture says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3–4)

If you feel called to help, GriefShare gives you everything you need: training, support, and proven resources—so you can confidently lead others toward healing in Christ.

Ready to start a group? Visit GriefShare to discover how you can lead a GriefShare group in your church.