GriefShare Launches Spanish Curriculum for Latino Grief Support
The GriefShare curriculum from Church Initiative has helped thousands of people navigate grief and loss. Now, its publisher has launched GriefShare en Español, which has been carefully translated and fully dubbed to ensure that participants in Latino and Hispanic communities have access to high-quality, Christ-centered materials focused on hope and healing.
The lay-led support group materials consist of Spanish-language videos, discussion prompts and participant workbooks that guide group members through each session.
“Grief is a universal experience that impacts every community,” said Sam Hodges, president of Church Initiative. “After intentionally listening to our community’s needs, we recognized an opportunity to innovate and expand access to grief recovery resources among Spanish-speaking and bilingual communities. Through GriefShare en Español, we are excited to equip ministries and churches with this thoughtfully designed program that meets a vital need.”
Recent studies show that Latino communities face unique challenges in accessing grief support, making this expansion particularly significant. Church Initiative has served more than 30,000 churches around the globe, developing Christian curricula for pastors and church leaders to minister effectively and compassionately to their congregants and communities. The organization remains committed in its mission to tend to the brokenhearted and to those navigating life crises, continually expanding its reach and accessibility to ensure more people have access to transformative ministry resources.
“Churches often tell us that offering GriefShare is deeply rewarding and incredibly fruitful,” Hodges said. “It enables laypeople to provide Christ-centered care to their fellow grieving church members. And it consistently draws those who don’t know Christ to local churches. So, it’s an effective care and outreach ministry.”
According to recent reports, the need for Spanish-language grief support has grown significantly in recent years. Through GriefShare en Español, churches will have access to the necessary tools — including support from GriefShare’s Spanish-speaking and bilingual team members and coaches — needed to guide participants through the 13-week support group program with a biblical worldview. Each week’s video features respected Christian counselors and teachers who share insights and testimonies of God’s mercy and grace, plus personal testimonies from people who have experienced the loss of a loved one.
The program’s expansion comes at a crucial time, as studies indicate that Spanish-speaking communities often face additional barriers when seeking grief support services. “Grieving the loss of a loved one can feel overwhelming, but healing happens in community,” Hodges said. “With GriefShare en Español, churches can walk alongside those who are mourning, provide the comfort that’s only found in Christ and ensure that no one has to navigate seasons of grief alone.”
Research from leading healthcare organizations suggests that culturally sensitive grief support programs can significantly impact healing outcomes in diverse communities.
To learn more about GriefShare en Español, visit es.griefshare.org/dirigir (Spanish) or griefshare.org/host-a-group (English).
–Dwight Widaman
