As much as we don’t want to, all of us will experience grief at some point in our lives. Grief isn’t as simple as an overwhelming emotion — it affects our bodies, our mental health, our relationships, our desires, our sense of security and stability, and at times, our faith.
Grief can be incredibly isolating.
But you don’t have to walk through your grief journey alone. We see many instances in the Bible where God not only gives us permission to grieve, but also promises comfort and hope as we endure it.
At Journey Church in Lee’s Summit, we want to be part of that healing process. Whether it’s simply providing some useful articles or getting you plugged into a support group, we’re here to help in whatever capacity we can.
Take a look at some of the resources below. Our prayer is that there’s something here for everyone’s grief journey, no matter what you’re grieving or how recent your loss is. If you’re in need of further care and support, or just need someone to pray with you, please reach out to our Spiritual Care team.
Grief is real. Grief is hard. But you don’t have to grieve alone. There’s community for you at Journey. We have a special collection of groups that are specifically geared toward individuals struggling with pain, loss, addiction, and grief. Check out our Care Groups and learn how you can find hope and healing with others in a similar season of life.
We offer a variety of grief support options at Journey, and have several workshops and classes throughout the year. Our next grief workshop will be held on Saturday, Dec. 3rd at 9:00 a.m.
DivorceCare’s curriculum guides people on the path to recovery after the loss of a significant relationship. This group offers life-changing support and a safe space to connect and heal.
Never Alone was created so that widows would know they will survive this season and that God has not forgotten them. Its goal is to bring hope and community to widows in Kansas City.
This recovery program aims to help those struggling with harmful habits that may stem from unresolved grief and pain. We provide a safe place to share experiences with others.
Journey for Life was created specifically for teen and young mothers who are currently, or have recently experienced, an unexpected pregnancy to provide resources and support to these young women.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Faith Doesn’t Erase Grief by Kate J. Meyer
A Grief Observed by C. S. Lewis
Suffering Is Never for Nothing by Elisabeth Elliot
It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lysa TurKeurst
It’s OK That You’re Not OK by Megan Devine
Grieving with Hope by Samuel J. Hodges & Kathy Leonard
The Wild Edge of Sorrow by Francis Welker
Promptly Grief Journal | Guided Journal
GriefShare Journal | Guided Journal
Your Grief, Your Way | Daily Devotional (365 days)
Even If | Daily Devotional (21 days)
Seeing Beautiful Again | Daily Devotional (50 days)
Through a Season of Grief | Daily Devotional (365 days)
He Will Be Enough | Daily Devotional (20 days)
Mental Health Resources – Resources from our pastoral care team
What’s Your Grief – Resources for grievers and supporters
Refuge in Grief – General info and help from a licensed therapist
CaringBridge – Resources and inspirational stories of healing
Widows Connection – Tools and connections specific to widows
Dougy.org – Grief resources specifically for children and teens
Hospice & Community Care – General info and articles
GriefShare – Connections to small support groups and resources
Willow House – Grief resources tailored to families
SAVE – Support and care for suicide loss survivors
If you’re in need of counseling, therapy, or spiritual care, please utilize these resources to get the help you need. The list below is just a few of the many grief counselors practicing in the KC area. This is not a comprehensive list of providers in our area, and Journey does not officially endorse any counseling providers. Please use discretion and check references for listings.
Crystal Rodenbaugh, MSW, LCSW, Tenfold Counseling Group
As the owner of her own private practice, Crystal oversees a team of counselors who bring their own unique experience to the table. Her practice offers a faith-based approach to grief counseling.
Karen Rash, MA, LCPC
Karen has been practicing for over 20 years and has a heart for anxiety issues, grief and loss, as well as marriage therapy.
Julie Boan, MA, LCPC, NCC
Attachment-based counselor licensed in Kansas and Missouri, specializing in couples, women, and trauma. Julie is a highly recommended counselor for women, individuals, children, and couples. She is also EMDR certified.
Melissa Jones, MS, LCP, Meadowlark Psychology & Development Center
Utilizing psychotherapy and talk therapy, Melissa helps clients who have been experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, and/or anger for a significant period of time and are seeking help.
Abundant Life Counseling Center (ALCC)
ALCC values people, healing, and emotional wellness. We practice a counseling model that views Scripture as the key to understanding the essence of what it means to be human and provide guidance to live life abundantly. ALCC has both licensed and pre-licensed counselors specializing in every age group and life experience.
816-554-0944
Located in Lee’s Summit and Blue Springs, MO
Dr. Chuck Lynch, PhD, Living Foundation Ministries
With decades of experience, Dr. Lynch is an excellent one-on-one pastoral counselor. He’s dedicated his career to helping people through Biblical counseling.
Jon Soileau, MA, LPC, NCC
Relying on attachment-based approaches, as well as psychoanalysis, Jon works with patients of every age and stage in their grief journey.
Relying on the combined experience of every therapist in their practice, the team at Diakonos is focused on helping people find joy and strength in a difficult and stressful world.
816-373-9240
[email protected]
Located in Independence, MO and Liberty, MO
Halee Winfrey, MS, S-MFT, Rewired Therapy
Bringing experience as a registered nurse in both a cancer ward and an intensive care unit, Halee knows how to help you navigate through grief and challenging circumstances.
