A Necessary Grief: Essential Tools for Leadership in Bereavement Ministry

A handbook to enable ministry leaders to help others through bereavement.

Grief is a difficult topic that ministry leaders deal with on a regular basis. Do they have confidence in helping those who are suffering the loss of a loved one? Do they feel equipped to meet the differing needs that occur in the life of a survivor? Can they lead someone through a process of grief reconciliation? Are they able to plan and implement a bereavement ministry in their church or parish? Here is a book that can help leaders in a practical way to minister to those who are grieving. In addition, they will discover essential tools to deal with grief's difficult questions.

Drawing upon his thirty years of experience as a pastor and as a professional grief counselor, Dr. Michael provides a valuable resource for pastors and other grief leaders to use within their churches and organizations, and their surrounding communities. This work is a practical guide that will bring a greater understanding of the impact that loss has upon individuals and will provide competent counsel for ministering to them. In addition, it will equip the leader to implement a ministry of grief education and bereavement within a church or organization.

"This is a book for everybody – because grief is a common human experience. Larry Michael brings together biblical insight and pastoral wisdom to help us deal with our own grief and also to offer friendship and support to others in bereavement. Highly recommended!"
–Timothy George, Founding Dean of Beeson Divinity School of Samford University and general editor of the Reformation Commentary on Scripture

"A must-read for every member of the clergy as well as individuals who work in the field of grief and loss. A Necessary Grief provides a concise, to the point view of grief that fills in the gaps where one's theological or spiritual education has failed them. It very sensitively merges the reaction of grief to one's spiritual beliefs and provides practical ideas for helping those who are hurting and questioning their faith."
–Sherry L. Williams, Founder of New Leaf Resources

"Dr. Larry Michael has written an exceedingly practical and helpful book on moving through grief… This book will be helpful to counselors and those experiencing seasons of grief alike."
–Dr. Edwin Gray Hurley, Senior Pastor, South Highland Presbyterian Church

"Larry Michael has written a book that he has lived and tested in real life. For decades he has worked to shine light in the dark places we all experience when we suffer loss."
–Elizabeth Harper Neeld, Author of Seven Choices: Finding Daylight After Loss Shatters Your World