Resources are available around the country and in your own community for help during your grief. We encourage you to reach out to one of these organizations if you are in need.
PRACTICAL RESOURCES
GriefShare
GriefShare is an organization that produces resources and connects people to groups where grief can be processed. It’s for everyone who is grieving the death of a loved one, no matter if that loved one is a spouse, parent, child, friend, sibling, coworker, or other relative. GriefShare groups cover topics such as loneliness, fear, anger, regrets, relationships, and hope. Groups are free to join but some ask for a small fee to cover the cost to the participant guide. Find a GriefShare group near you or join a virtual group at griefshare.org.
Local Hospitals and Funeral Homes
Many hospitals and funeral homes can point you to grief resources. Some host grief support groups and may have counselors on staff who can help you know what to expect as you go through the grieving process.
SPIRITUAL RESOURCES
Stephen Ministries
Stephen Ministries is a not-for-profit Christian education organization that produces training resources. Stephen Ministry does not have a connection to one denomination, but many Lutheran churches have Stephen Ministers who are congregation members trained to provide one-to-one care to those experiencing a range of issues, including grief. Talk to your local congregation to see if they have a Stephen Ministry program.
Local Congregation
While not every congregation has a Stephen Ministry program or may not host GriefShare groups, many have their own programs to care for those who grieve. Reach out to your church and ask what resources they have for those who are grieving. Your congregation may not have all the resources you’ll need on your grief journey, but you will be equipped with the greatest gift, the hope that we have in Jesus Christ.
“Hope When Your Heart Breaks”
This book is a very practical guide for Christians to process their grief. It’s written by the Rev. Michael Newman who currently serves as president of the Texas District LCMS. We’ve shared a chapter of this book on page 28 of the November 2024 Broadcaster magazine, but this book has many more resources available to you.