Embrace Grieving and Loss
Group Discussion Guide
Each Sunday we come together we offer an open invitation into the way of Jesus. An invitation to enter into sacred rhythms - to draw near to God through singing, giving, learning, and praying.
As a community who desires renewal in Des Moines as it is in Heaven, we recognize that we cannot offer what we ourselves do not have. We cannot lead where we ourselves have not been led; in turn, these questions aim at reflection. Reflecting on God’s word and making space for his leadership.
After watching or listening consider the following discussion questions as a large group or in groups of three to four:
What stood out to you in this week’s teaching?
We accumulate a vast array of losses over a lifetime. In which of the categories listed below. Have you experienced some form of loss in the last six to twelve months? Briefly share how you grieved, avoided grief, or otherwise responded to the loss(es).
Devastating losses: premature death of a loved one, disability, mental illness, divorce, abuse, trauma, serious illness, suicide, betrayal, job loss, bankruptcy
Unexpected losses: cataclysmic events (terrorist attacks, pandemic, chemical spill), natural disasters (earthquake, hurricane, tornado, tsunami, drought), crime, fire, flood
Internal losses: loss of identity, purpose, self-worth, confidence, sense of safety
Natural or expected losses: graduation, retirement, geographic move, growing up, end of a small group, death of an elderly loved one
Leadership losses: departure of key staff or volunteers, restructuring, layoffs, unrealized dreams, economic downturns, broken relationships, moral failure, role change
Other:_____________________________________________________________
The Christian community often has a problematic response to grief and loss, viewing it as a loss of control or an interruption to be overcome. As a result, many of us try to avoid it or numb it with a variety of coping strategies.
In what ways, if any, have you experienced the church or other Christians as “loss denying and grief phobic”?
Embracing grief and loss require surrender, descent, and a loss of control. These are never easy experiences for anyone, but why might they be especially challenging for you right now?
The above question is adapted from Zondervan’s Emotionally Healthy Discipleship Guide.