Meeting Format

What We Do In Support Groups

• Connect with others with similar lived experiences

• Share without experiencing shame, judgment, or rejection

• Validate our personal grief experiences

• Explore ways of coping and healing

• Promote hope and personal growth

Guidelines for Participating

• Unsolicited advice can feel like judgment. If someone asks for advice and you want to respond, share your lived experience using "I" statements.

• Share the air. Be mindful of how much time you take so everyone has an equal opportunity to share. 

• Be present and respectful. But if you feel the need to leave at any time, please feel welcome to do so. 

• Maintain confidentiality. What’s shared in the group stays in the group. 

• Feel free to cry. Your tears are welcome. You don’t need to apologize for them.

• Feel free to laugh. Laughter is welcome too, it’s not disrespecting our loved ones.

• Speak one at a time. Don't interrupt when someone is talking. Exception: the facilitator may pause the discussion at times to remind everyone of our purpose and guidelines. 

• Don't share graphic details. This can activate strong emotional reactions in others.

For suicide loss:

• Don't share lethal methods.

• Use appropriate language. When we talk about suicide, we avoid saying ‘committed suicide’ which carries a negative judgment and doesn't reflect the complexities of suicide. Examples of preferred language are ‘suicide death’, ‘died by suicide’, ‘took their life', or ‘died from a mental health condition'.

Other Guidelines

Conversations about loss can awaken deep emotions, including memories of past trauma or abuse. If anyone shares concerns about harm—whether they’re experiencing it now or recalling something from the past—we will respond with compassion and seriousness. This may include notifying appropriate authorities. We will not ignore signs of abuse.

If you're struggling with suicidal thoughts, please let us know. We’re here to talk after the meeting and, if needed, we’ll help you receive  immediate support through dialing 988.

This is a peer-led group, not professional therapy. We encourage seeking help from a qualified therapist or counselor—and we’re happy to assist with referrals.

We also invite you to reach out to your ministering brothers or sisters, and others who can offer prayer, support, and connection. You need not carry this burden alone.

Zoom Meetings Only

Because this is a support group centered on grief and healing, we take care to ensure that everyone who joins is here for the right reasons and feels safe. When someone enters the Zoom waiting room, one of our facilitators will briefly speak with them one-on-one before admitting them to the main group. This helps us confirm they’re aware of the group’s purpose, understand our guidelines, and feel comfortable joining. It’s not an interview—it’s simply a warm check-in to make sure we’re creating a safe, respectful space for everyone.