Sadness and Griefshare
By: Jeff Forrey
Last week on Redeemer Radio we discussed the emotion of sadness and briefly mentioned the ministry of GriefShare as one way to helpfully cope with loss. One of our members Jeff Forrey actually works for Church Initiative, the ministry that produces GriefShare. So we invited him to elaborate on the ministry here on our blog to give us a better understanding of how it works. Here is Jeff…..
What is Griefshare and how does it help people in their grief?
GriefShare is a grief support group ministry hosted by local churches. Their meetings might be in-person or online. There are three components to a GriefShare meeting: (1) A video featuring experts offering advice and people who’ve lost loved ones describing their experiences and sharing the lessons they’ve learned. (2) Small group discussion so that group members can talk about their struggles and about how the ideas in the video might apply in their lives. (3) In between sessions group members will have a workbook with Bible studies and helpful articles, which give them more insights on working through their struggles.
What is your role at Griefshare?
I am the Senior Writer and Content Developer for Church Initiative. I create the outlines for our programs, interview the people who appear on the videos, oversee the writing of the workbook, and do the initial assembly of the videos.
What excites you about how God is using this ministry?
GriefShare is in more than 15,000 churches. We regularly receive testimonials of people who have been blessed by their participation in the program. It’s amazing what God has done in the lives of people who have suffered so much! Here are two examples:
I just want to tell you that GriefShare has been a real blessing to my wife and me. I lost a brother and my wife lost her former husband to suicide. We have really have learned so much more about God’s love and compassion in our lives. Sometimes we have got caught up in the anger, despair, loss of hope, etc., and your program has shown both of us God’s love for us. We left Him several times but He has always been there waiting on us and lifting us up in our times of despair and need.
We ended GriefShare. We ended up with 14 in our group. We witnessed breakthroughs, spiritual growth, and healing of broken hearts. Together we cried, laughed, prayed for one another, shared memories, and much more. I witnessed that the powerful, key component to GriefShare in the midst of such sorrow is "hope," and His name is Jesus.
What would you say to someone who is a candidate for Griefshare and is considering whether it is right for them?
GriefShare is for anyone who is hurting from the death of a friend or family member. If you participate in GriefShare, you’ll find that you are not alone; there are others who understand the types of experiences you are going through.
You’ll learn helpful, practical information that will help you recover from the pain of loss.
You’ll learn how to go through a healthy season of grieving, then begin transitioning to emotional and spiritual wholeness.
You’ll become part of a “family.”
GriefShare group members often tell us that they feel like their group has become like a family. They made new friends who often continue to be part of their lives long after the GriefShare program ends.
You’ll discover hope for the future.
While things may look bleak now, you’ll learn ways to restore your hope and rebuild your life. Many GriefShare alumni tell us the program helped them move from deep grief to peace and joy again.