How to begin a Grief Ministry

To begin a Walking the Mourner’s Path ministry at your church or facility, you must first seek support of your clergy, identify at least two persons who feel called to become certified Session Facilitators, and find the funding to educate the facilitator candidates. These persons then need to be trained at a Mourner’s Path Facilitator Training School, a schedule of which is provided below. They will then be able to commence a program for your church and the community it serves. An active program usually consists of conducting at least two eight-week Grief Support Sessions for up to ten participants at each session. Cost to participants is $75.00 for materials, graduation pins, etc. Some Session hosts may charge more to establish a "scholarship" fund for those who cannot afford the entire cost. Facilitators are volunteers and not paid. The Mourner’s Path organization offers continual support of your program once it is operational.

Facilitator Training School

Our Facilitator Training School is a three-day school taught by intensely trained instructors. Our goal is to train laity as well as clergy specifically in the Christian ministry of grief and bereavement. Individuals who display a deep spiritual depth, have strong leadership skills, and have a history of pastoral care are excellent candidates for this training.

What you will Learn During Training

• How to Minister to the Bereaved
• Ways in Which People Grieve Differently
• How Grievers Can Invite Christ into Their Sorrow
• How to Establish Walking the Mourner's Path in Your Church

School Application

To enroll in a School, select a convenient location from the schedule below and download the application form, mail it along with your registration fee to:

Walking the Mourner's Path
12990 East Shea Blvd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85259

The fee for the School is $350.00 if received more than 30 days prior to the school and $400.00 otherwise. If more than one student registers from the same organization, the fee is $250 per person. Fees include textbook, manual, and all program materials. It may also include lunch for all three days of the course depending upon facility capabilities. Make checks payable to Walking the Mourner’s Path. Sorry, no credit cards.

Please keep in mind when registering that to conduct a Session you must have two trained facilitators. You may, if you wish, conduct Sessions with a trained facilitator from another church or facility in your area.

CLICK HERE to download application that is provided in PDF format. Acrobat Reader is needed to view this file.

ENROLLMENT FEES
Due to the number of students wishing to enroll in our Facilitator Training Schools, your enrollment fee MUST accompany the application in order to guarantee your registration. Applications without the registration fee will be returned and will delay or postpone attendance. Students are registered by the date application is received. Discounts may be considered for multiple registrations from same facility.

PAYMENT CANCELLATION
All fees are due at the time of registration. Applications are accepted up to two weeks before the start of a school. If necessary, an applicant can cancel up to five business days before the school starting date. The fee, less a $25.00 enrollment processing charge, will be refunded. The entire fee may be used for a substitute student or may be applied to a letter of credit for a later school.