Honouring Sorrow, Ministering Hope · Each October
Leadership training
Our yearly training for church and community leaders, with Letters of Hope: gentle, practical wisdom on walking alongside people through grief.
For church and community leaders · hosted by Purpose in Pain with Letters of Hope
Next training: October 2027, dates to be announced. Let us know you are interested.
Those who lead and serve in churches and communities are often the first to notice when someone is grieving, and the most willing to help, but unsure what to say or do.
This training offers gentle, practical wisdom for walking alongside the bereaved, rooted in faith and in Purpose in Pain's years of grief support.
It is the second Honouring Sorrow, Ministering Hope training with Letters of Hope, following “Supporting the Bereaved Beyond the Funeral” in October 2025.
What the training covers
Understanding grief
The empty chair, anniversaries and family occasions, and what grief can look like over time.
Coming alongside, gently
Practical ways to notice, reach out to and stay with grieving people in your church and community.
Gatherings with grief in mind
Small changes to services, events and invitations that make room for those who are mourning.
Caring for yourself as you care for others
Sustaining your own heart and faith while you hold other people's sorrow.
Who it's for
- Pastors and ministers
- Pastoral and care teams
- Small-group and youth leaders
- Community and charity volunteers
Anyone who supports others through loss is very welcome.