Nebraska Synod ELCA

Program Description

“One minute I think I am okay, and the next minute I am on the floor crying.  My husband died three months ago, and now I think I’m going crazy.  Am I?”

“I feel like a terrible Christian.  If I really had faith in God, I wouldn’t hurt so badly.  I know my wife is in heaven, but I don’t know how to go on without her.  Can you help me?”

“This pandemic has really done a number on me.  It has lasted far longer than I ever imagined, and the impact has been devastating.  I want to help my friends and church members to process their grief and to mourn their losses, but I am not sure how to even begin.”

Have you ever had statements such as these addressed to you?  If so, this training will give you a fresh approach to ministering to grieving People.  Whether you are a rostered leader or a lay leader, you are regularly in contact with individuals who are facing loss.  This 4-session online workshop is for you.

Bio of Presenter

Dr. Don Eisenhauer, MCC, is the founder of Coaching at End of Life, LLC. He is a pastor and a Master Certified Coach (accredited by the International Coach Federation). He is the author of several books, a skilled teacher and passionate about helping people live fully until they die. Experiencing loss is an inevitable part of living in this world. Whether it is the death of a loved one or a pet, the loss of a job, relationship, or other life transitions, grief is a reality. The journey of grief is not one to walk alone.

In addition to learning how to minister to other grieving people, I pray you will find this time together to be a safe – and even brave space for you to bring your fears, your questions, your grief, your anxiety, – and yes, even your hope! Dr. Don Eisenhauer

We want to create a safe space for sharing therefore the sessions will not be recorded. Come prepared to take notes, share your insights and learn how you can be part of the care-team in your congregation and better support friends.

Class Details

We want to create a safe space for sharing therefore the sessions will not be recorded. Come prepared to take notes, share your insights and learn how you can be part of the care-team in your congregation and better support friends.

• Session One – April 20 – We will answer the question, “What is Grief?” We will examine the reality of grief, discuss the church’s view on grief, and talk about the difference between grief and mourning.
• Session Two – April 27 – We will address some very practical ways one can minister to grieving people, including basic skills that can be put into practice.
• Session Three – May 4 – We will examine how to find hope in the midst of grief. In the ELCA we are all about hope, but in this pandemic hope has been pretty hard to find.
• Session Four – May 11 – We will expand our thinking asking how can we develop an “End of Life Safe” church? What are some ways our faith communities can be a help to grieving people, rather than a hindrance, which is now often the case? We will explore the very practical topic of what we should say to someone who is grieving, and what should we not say to them.

* Each Session is 60 minutes

Registration Deadline: Monday, April 18. The online link will be e-mailed the week of the event.

Costs: $25/person course fee includes $10 non-refundable registration fee. Cancelations accepted up to April 18.

Participants: This 4-session workshop is open to anyone wanting to develop skills to minister to grieving people. Congregation members are encouraged to participate with others from the congregation to partner with as you create a stronger caring ministry in the congregation. Dr. Eisenhauer presented this workshop for the Nebraska Synod in 2020. He has added new resources to session 4.