Grief Counseling with Pastor Eli

“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” – Matthew 5:4

Grief is one of the most difficult experiences we face in this life. Whether you’ve lost a loved one, experienced a broken relationship, faced job loss, or are dealing with any significant loss, the pain can feel overwhelming. At Westview Baptist Church, we believe that God’s Word provides comfort, hope, and healing for those who are hurting.

Pastor Eli offers biblical counseling rooted in the truth of God’s Word, providing compassionate care during your time of sorrow. You don’t have to walk through this valley alone. From the funeral to the future God has in store for you find the help and strength needed to keep on going.

Understanding Grief Through God’s Eyes

Grief is Biblical and Normal

The Bible doesn’t tell us not to grieve. In fact, Scripture shows us that even Jesus wept when His friend Lazarus died (John 11:35). Grief is a natural response to loss, and God understands our pain.

Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven… A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.”

God is Near to the Brokenhearted

When we are in the depths of sorrow, it can feel like God is far away. But His Word promises us that He draws close to us in our pain.

Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”

Psalm 147:3
“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.”

There is Hope Beyond the Pain

While grief is real and the pain is deep, God’s Word gives us hope that extends beyond this life. For the believer, death is not the end – it is a doorway to eternal life with our Savior.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.”

Biblical Foundation

Our approach to grief counseling is firmly rooted in Scripture. While we acknowledge the reality of pain and loss, we find our ultimate comfort and hope in God’s Word. The Bible provides:

• Comfort in God’s Promises: Understanding that God has a plan and purpose, even in our pain
• Hope of Eternal Life: The assurance that death is not the end for those who believe in Jesus
• Practical Wisdom: Biblical principles for processing grief and moving forward in faith
• Community Support: The importance of bearing one another’s burdens as the body of Christ

Pastoral Care and Compassion

Pastor Eli brings both theological training and pastoral heart to grief counseling. Having walked alongside many families through loss and having experienced grief personally, he understands the complexity of emotions and the questions that arise during difficult times.

Safe Environment for Processing

Grief can bring up difficult questions about God, faith, and life. Our counseling provides a safe space to:

• Express honest emotions without judgment
• Ask hard questions about God and suffering
• Work through anger, guilt, or confusion
• Find practical ways to cope with daily life
• Discover how faith can provide strength and hope

When grief becomes prolonged or overwhelming, biblical counseling can help process complex emotions. Grief is a process, not an event. We provide continued support as you navigate the journey of healing.

What Makes Our Approach Different

Christ-Centered Hope

While secular counseling may offer coping strategies, Christian grief counseling offers something more – the hope of Jesus Christ. We believe that:

• Jesus conquered death through His resurrection
• There is life beyond this earthly existence
• God can work all things together for good, even our deepest pain
• The Holy Spirit is our Comforter in times of trouble

Community of Faith

You’re not just receiving individual counseling – you’re connecting with a church family that cares about you and wants to walk alongside you.

Galatians 6:2
“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”

Long-term Perspective

We don’t just focus on getting through the immediate crisis. We help you understand how this experience can extend throughout all areas of your life and we are here to walk those valleys with you.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it wrong for Christians to grieve?

Absolutely not. The Bible shows us that godly people throughout history experienced grief. Even Jesus wept. Grief is a natural response to loss and shows the depth of love we had for what we’ve lost.

Why do bad things happen to good people?

This is one of the oldest questions in human history. While we may not always understand God’s ways, we can trust His character. Through biblical counseling, we explore what Scripture teaches about suffering and God’s sovereignty.

How long does grief last?

Grief is different for everyone. There’s no set timeline for healing. Some aspects of grief may always remain, but the intensity typically lessens over time as God brings healing.

Can God really bring good from this tragedy?

Romans 8:28 promises that God works all things together for good for those who love Him. This doesn’t mean the tragedy itself is good, but that God can use even our deepest pain for His purposes and our ultimate good.

Taking the Next Step

If you’re struggling with grief and would like to explore how faith can provide comfort and hope, Pastor Eli is here to help. Christian grief counseling can provide:

• A safe place to process your emotions
• Biblical wisdom for your situation
• Practical tools for daily coping
• Hope that extends beyond this life
• Connection with a caring church family

Recommended Scripture Passages for Comfort

Psalm 23:4
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

John 14:1-3
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

Revelation 21:4
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

A Message from Pastor Eli

Having felt the deep grief that comes from loosing a child myself and through the ministry at Westview Baptist Church I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside many families through their darkest hours. I’ve seen the devastating impact of loss, but I’ve also witnessed the incredible power of God’s grace to heal and restore.

Grief is not something you have to face alone. God has given us His Word, His Spirit, and His people to provide comfort during difficult times. While the pain of loss is real, the hope we have in Jesus Christ is even more real.

My heart’s desire is to help you find that hope and comfort that can only come from knowing Jesus as your Savior. Whether you’ve been a Christian for many years or you’re not sure what you believe, I’m here to listen, to care, and to point you to the God who loves you and wants to comfort you in your time of need.

If you’re hurting today, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You matter to God, and you matter to us at Westview Baptist Church.

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Emergency Contact:
Pastor Eli is available for emergency pastoral care. Please call the church number and leave a message if you need immediate support. I will call you back as soon as I can.