Ministry leaders know how to show up for others in grief but often struggle processing their own losses from broken relationships, failed dreams, and ministry disappointments.
• Recognizing "shadow losses" in ministry—those painful experiences without public acknowledgment or closure
• Unprocessed grief can calcify into cynicism, causing leaders to stop trusting and become emotionally numb
• Buried grief doesn't disappear but eventually surfaces in unhealthy ways
• Practical steps for healing: name your losses by writing them down
• Invite Jesus in as a comforter, not just a fixer
• Talk to someone who understands—a coach, counselor, or trusted friend
• Create space to properly mourn through crying, journaling, or symbolic rituals
• Ministry contains many unseen losses, but you don't have to carry them in silence
If you need someone to talk to about processing your ministry grief, reach out to me at podcast@chemistrystaffing.com. We're all about helping your church find great staff people and building healthy staff teams.
Have questions or comments? Send to podcast@chemistrystaffing.com
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