“Am I ready to lead GriefShare?”
Watch this webcam video to see what leaders get out of leading GriefShare.
It’s a question every potential leader should ask. And to help you determine the answer, here are a few of the best indicators you are ready to lead a GriefShare group.
- You have a desire to help others heal from the pain of bereavement by connecting them with the resources God offers to help them heal.
- You should be a minimum of two to three years beyond the date of your loved one’s death.
- You demonstrate that you’ve healed from your grief, as evidenced by little need to talk about the events surrounding the death and your personal grief process. You also have reached the point where you’ve forgiven anyone who hurt you in your grief process, and you’ve asked for forgiveness for any hurt you’ve caused others.
- You are active in your church. This is evidenced by regular church attendance, and possibly participation in other church ministries.
- You demonstrate spiritual growth in your life. This growth will be evidenced by regular prayer and Bible study, consistent church attendance and perhaps involvement in other church ministries.
Don’t decide alone
We strongly recommend the above indicators be true of you BEFORE you lead a GriefShare group. And don’t determine your readiness in isolation. Involve others. Ask a leader in your church if he or she thinks you demonstrate the above characteristics.
What if you’re not ready?
Don’t worry. It’s still possible for you to have a GriefShare ministry at your church. Here are two suggestions:
- Ask someone else to spearhead the ministry. There are likely other people in your church who’d love to lead a GriefShare ministry. You can serve as a participant, and possibly help with more behind-the-scenes responsibilities, until you’re ready to lead.
- Wait until you’re ready. Now this may be hard, especially when you think about those who’d benefit from GriefShare. But if you lead when you’re not ready, you’ll do more harm than good. So, wait. In the meantime, try to find a GriefShare group you can attend. If you can’t, give us a call. We’ll give you other ideas.