Loss and Grief Training Certification

Support Others Through Grief

A Calling for Pastors, Leaders, and Caregivers

Are you a pastor, church leader, counselor, therapist, social worker, or someone who feels called to walk with others through the pain of loss? Have you personally experienced grief or supported someone who has?

If so, the Loss and Grief Training Certification Program is designed for you.

This faith-based certification prepares individuals to minister effectively to those experiencing various types of loss—not only death or divorce, but also the loss of health, relationships, careers, businesses, faith, and other major life changes.

What You’ll Learn

Participants will explore what the Bible teaches about grief and loss. While grief is a natural human response, grieving with faith is a supernatural journey—one guided by the Holy Spirit. This program offers:

  • Biblical foundations for grief and comfort

  • Practical tools for emotional and spiritual support

  • Faith-based strategies for walking with others through life’s most painful seasons

Where Can You Serve?

Certified grief counselors are needed now more than ever—in churches, communities, and care settings around the world. With this certification, you can make a lasting impact by serving in:

  • Hospice care and end-of-life support

  • Funeral homes (After-Care programs)

  • Hospitals and healthcare settings

  • Churches and pastoral care ministries

  • Social service and nonprofit organizations

  • Private practice or lay counseling roles

  • Community-based grief support groups

  • Volunteer outreach and missions

  • Schools and youth programs

  • Faith-based conferences and workshops

  • Correctional facilities

Grief counselors offer a vital ministry of presence and hope, helping individuals and families process loss and begin their journey toward healing.

Program Modules

  1. The Biblical Call to Comfort

    • The Call to Comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3–4)

    • Understanding Grief

    • The Role of the Grief Counselor

  2. Understanding Grief Through a Biblical Lens

    • Nature of Grief and Loss

    • Scripture and Suffering

    • Faith in the Grieving Journey

  3. Mourn with Those Who Mourn (Romans 12:15)

    • Ministry of Presence

    • Reflecting Christ’s Compassion

    • Listening with Empathy

  4. The Power of Active Listening

    • Showing You Care

    • Lessons from Job’s Friends

    • Praying with and for the Grieving

  5. The Role of Prayer in Healing

    • Praying with the Hurting

    • Biblical Prayers for Comfort

    • Inviting the Holy Spirit into the Process

  6. Sharing Scripture for Comfort

    • Key Verses for Loss

    • Scripture in the Grief Stages

    • Leading with Hope

  7. Encouraging Faith in Suffering

    • Reaffirming God’s Love

    • Addressing Doubt and Questions

    • Trusting God's Plan (Proverbs 3:5–6)

  8. Helping the Grieving Find Purpose

    • Purpose in Pain (Romans 8:28)

    • Serving After Loss

    • Kingdom Perspective

  9. Supporting Practical Needs

    • Physical and Emotional Support

    • Serving the Grieving

    • Community and Healing

  10. Counseling with Grace and Wisdom

    • Basic Counseling Skills

    • When to Refer Out

    • Long-Term Support

  11. Helping Others Move Forward

    • Healthy Coping

    • Mourning to Joy

    • Renewed Hope

  12. Biblical Models of Comfort

    • Jesus' Compassion

    • Paul’s Care for Sufferers

    • Encouraging Through Scripture

  13. Counseling for Different Types of Grief

    • Loss of Loved Ones

    • Chronic Illness Support

    • Divorce, Job Loss, and Transitions

Program Details

  • Registration Fee: $50

  • Tuition Cost: $650

Required Textbooks

  • Effective Grief Counseling by Dr. Tony V. Lewis

  • Finding Peace in the Pain by Dr. Tony V. Lewis

More Than a Certification—A Ministry

This program is a calling to shine the light of Christ in life’s darkest moments. You will be equipped to walk alongside others with compassion, wisdom, and the hope of God’s promises.

Ethical Standards

Victorious Living Bible Institute, in partnership with the National Association of Christian Counselors (NACC), follows the ethical guidelines established by the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC).

To view the full AACC Code of Ethics, [click here].

Registration Form

$

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Important Certification Notice

Certification through NACC and VLBI is not the same as state licensure. While this certification equips you for effective Christian counseling ministry, it does not include clinical supervision or meet state licensure requirements. Please consult your state laws and seek accountability within a church or ministry setting.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." (Matthew 5:4)