GriefShare

Mission:
GriefShare is a nondenominational, nonprofit ministry dedicated to equipping local churches and lay ministry teams to support individuals experiencing grief due to the death of a loved one. The organization’s mission is to help people hurting from major life crises by providing Christ-centered, biblically based curricula and ongoing support for ministry leaders.

Services and Programs:

• 13-Week Grief Support Groups:
• GriefShare offers structured, 13-week support groups that meet weekly, either in person or online. Each session includes a 30-minute video featuring insights from counselors, pastors, and individuals who have experienced loss, followed by group discussions and personal reflection exercises.
• Participant Guide:
• Attendees receive a workbook with tips and exercises for personal support throughout the week.
• Specialized Topics:
• Group topics address a wide range of grief-related issues, including the loss of a spouse, parent, child, friend, or coworker. Special sessions such as "Surviving the Holidays" and "Loss of a Spouse" are also available.
• Accessibility:
• Groups are open to anyone grieving the death of a loved one, regardless of religious background. Participation is not limited by faith, and practical advice is applicable to all.
• Both in-person and online groups are available, making the program accessible to individuals who are homebound, live far from a church, or have health concerns.
• Facilitator Training and Support:
• GriefShare provides free online training, resources, and ongoing consulting for group facilitators and church leaders. Lay volunteers are encouraged to lead groups, with support from ministry coaches and online forums.
• Cost:
• Most groups are free or charge a nominal fee (typically up to $25) to cover the cost of the participant guide. Details about group costs, locations, and schedules are available by searching for local or online groups.
• Child Care:
• Many groups offer child care; availability can be confirmed when searching for a group.

Eligibility and Service Area:

• GriefShare groups are open to all individuals grieving a death, including residents of Louisa County, VA, and surrounding regions. The organization partners with over 20,000 churches worldwide, and local group availability can be searched online.
• No specific eligibility requirements beyond experiencing the loss of a loved one.

Additional Information:

• GriefShare emphasizes the importance of group support for healing and does not recommend independent study. The organization also provides resources for churches interested in starting a GriefShare ministry, including ministry kits and promotional materials.
• The parent ministry, Church Initiative, is based in Wake Forest, North Carolina, and supports churches globally in offering GriefShare and related programs.