'It creates space to understand the powerful emotions we all feel when someone close dies'
Oakes Baptist Church in Huddersfield has run the Bereavement Journey five times. Trustee Richard Waller explains more
The Bereavement Journey is a seven-session series of films and facilitated discussion to help people bereaved in any way and at any time to process their loss. The final optional session also gives them a chance to explore faith questions arising in their bereavement from a Christian perspective.
Richard first heard about The Bereavement Journey from a friend at another church, and decided it was something he wanted to offer to the community.
Fast-forward to 2023 and Oakes Baptist Church has now run the course five times, offering support to approximately 35 participants. Advertising via social media, posters in local shops and as part of regular mailings to local homes, as well as promoting through contacts with local mental health services, social prescribers, and funeral directors, they are receiving constant positive feedback.
'Participants appreciate having a group where discussing bereavement does not shut down the conversation,' Richard explained.
'There is very strong interest from attendees in staying connected with each other, especially where people were bereaved in similar circumstances.
'At one group we had three people who had all suffered a close loss linked to overuse of alcohol. They were able to provide mutual support to each other, and this continued after the end of the course.
'Participant ‘P’ lost his wife about six months ago. When we first met, he was unable to speak of her without breaking down.
'Through the course, he was able to process his grief and get to a place where he could recall and share positive memories of his wife and speak comfortably about her.'
Recently updated and relaunched, The Bereavement Journey is a tool for social transformation as well as outreach, helping people to work through their grief and explore the big questions of life. It is 'one of the most effective ways of connecting with people outside of the church at a very deep level' says Richard (pictured).
When asked what he would say to someone interested in running The Bereavement Journey at their church, Richard said, 'It is a powerful way of connecting with people in the local community in a very resource-efficient way.
'It creates space to understand and appreciate the powerful emotions we all feel when someone close to us dies.'
Such is its popularity and effectiveness, news is spreading quickly. It is already running in over 300 locations with an increasing number of Baptist churches coming on board.
When advertised to the public, churches are reporting 80-100 per cent participants joining from outside church, more than 90 per cent choosing to attend the optional final session on faith, and many continuing to engage with faith and church activities.
Image | Oakes Baptist Church, Huddersfield
Baptist Times, 14/12/2023