Grieving Well: Exploring God’s Redemptive and Sustaining Presence in Times of Grief and Loss

Abstract

This article considers the role of grief in Christian formation, and practical ways of leading others to a deeper connection with God in the aftermath of suffering and loss. The study explores the question of God’s sustaining presence in the dark, considering literature on a theology of suffering as well as interviewing ten people who had walked through devastating grief. The insights gained thereby were then worked into a formation curriculum. Six people confronted with deep grief in their own lives at the time, participated in the five-week course. The curriculum included the elements of being rooted in the biblical story of a God who is faithfully present to us, being surrounded by community, and being immersed in Christian practices that foster an awareness of God’s presence and comfort. Evaluation of the program found it to be successful in moving participants toward a deeper and more mature connection with God.