REACH HURTING KIDS INSTITUTE
Free video:
When Tragedy Strikes: Guidance for Children's Ministry Leaders
When Tragedy
Strikes: Guidance
for Children's
Ministry Leaders
How to show up well when it matters most.
When tragedy strikes, people turn to the Church.
They’re looking for you to bring calm, clarity, and comfort. This practical video walks you through what to do—and what not to do—as you walk into someone’s darkest moment.
Video topics include:
What to say (and what not to say) when tragedy strikes
Supporting grieving parents and siblings
Leading children’s ministries through community trauma (shootings, disasters, losses)
Helping kids wrestle with fear, doubt, and big theological questions
Speaking at a child’s funeral or planning a memorial moment for kids
Join a trusted panel of experts—Beth Guckenberger (Back2Back Ministries), Dr. Julie Cooper (Trauma Free World), Rev. Kayla Smith (Reach Hurting Kids Institute), Lori Crosby, MFT, RPT-S, and Pastor Kim Botto—as they share the wisdom, tools, and insight you need to care well for the brokenhearted in the midst of grief, loss, and tragedy.
Join a trusted panel of experts as they share the wisdom, tools, and insight you need to care well for grieving kids and families in the midst of loss and tragedy.
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
Ministry Team Trauma Training
Grief, loss, and trauma are showing up more often in the lives of kids—and ministry volunteers need more than compassion to respond well. They need practical tools and clear guidance.
The Reach Hurting Kids Workshop is an evidence-based curriculum that equips ministry leaders to train their teams. It provides clear guidance for responding to grief, loss, and other traumatic experiences with clarity, compassion, and care.
Trauma Free World
Trauma Free World provides excellent training to help ministry leaders and caregivers understand how trauma impacts children’s development, behavior, and relationships. Their courses offer a solid foundation for anyone working with kids from hard places.
Back2Back Ministries
Back2Back Ministries is a global Christian nonprofit serving vulnerable children and families. In partnership with Trauma Free World, they offer holistic care, trauma-informed practices, and community-based programs that promote healing and restoration.
Featured Books
God Gave Us Heaven
by Lisa Tawn Bergren
Ages 3–8 | Christian
A gentle, reassuring conversation between a polar bear cub and her parent about death and the promise of heaven.
Heaven for Kids
by Randy Alcorn
Ages 8–12 | Christian
Answers common questions children have about heaven in a biblically grounded, accessible way.
Why Do We Cry?
by Fran Pintadera
Ages 5–10 | Emotionally-focused
Explores different reasons people cry, helping children connect emotions to experiences. Gentle and reflective—works well with faith-based conversations.
A Child’s View of Grief
by Alan D. Wolfelt
All Ages | Christian-Compatible
Includes an illustrated section written directly to children, explaining grief in simple, empathetic terms.
The Invisible String
by Patrice Karst
Ages 4–10 | Gentle Spiritual Themes
Introduces the concept of invisible emotional connections between people—even when they’re far apart or gone.
The Memory Box: A Book About Grief
by Joanna Rowland
Ages 4–8 | Psychoeducational
Helps kids hold on to memories after losing someone they love. Includes optional caregiver/educator guide with Christian applications.
Tear Soup: A Recipe for Healing After Loss
by Pat Schwiebert & Chuck DeKlyen
All Ages | Metaphorical & Reflective
A beautifully illustrated story that gently teaches kids (and adults) how grief works—and that it’s okay to feel what they feel.
A Grace Disguised: How the Soul Grows Through Loss
by Jerry Sittser
Christian | Deeply Reflective
A raw and hopeful look at grief from a Christian perspective. Sittser lost his wife, daughter, and mother in a single accident and writes with rare wisdom about healing and spiritual growth through profound loss.
Grieving the Child I Never Knew
by Kathe Wunnenberg
Christian | Devotional
A gentle 31-day devotional for parents who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss. Includes Scripture, prayers, and reflection prompts to walk with God through deep sorrow.
Silent Grief: Miscarriage—Child Loss—Infertility
by Clara Hinton
Christian | Sensitive and Supportive
Biblically grounded insights for parents navigating the often unspoken pain of child loss or infertility. Encouraging and heartfelt, especially for mothers.
Tear Soup: A Recipe for Healing After Loss
by Pat Schwiebert & Chuck DeKlyen
Faith-Friendly | Metaphorical
While not overtly Christian, many ministry leaders recommend this book for its rich metaphor and emotional insight. Resonates deeply with adults processing loss.
Talk Now and Later: How to Lead Kids Through Life’s Tough Topics
by Brian Dollar
Christian | Parent & Leader-Friendly
Written from a Christian perspective, this book helps adults talk to kids about difficult topics such as death and tragedy, sex, and bullying. Great for parents and ministry leaders.
The Heart of a Teacher: Identity and Integrity in Teaching
by Parker J. Palmer
Faith-Friendly | Leader Formation
While not grief-specific, it’s widely recommended for anyone in a shepherding or teaching role. Offers deep insights for being present, authentic, and grounded when walking with others through pain.
Leading Kids Through Crisis
by Dr. Joye Baker and Dr. Richard R. Horne (from Dallas Theological Seminary)
Christian | Practical
Equips children’s ministry leaders to recognize and respond to kids in crisis—including grief, trauma, and loss. Includes scenarios, Scripture, and ministry applications.
Children and Grief: Helping Your Child Understand Death
by Joey O’Connor
Christian | Parent & Leader-Friendly
Written from a Christian perspective, this book helps adults talk to kids about death with clarity, compassion, and biblical truth. Great for parents and ministry leaders.
When Life Goes Dark: Finding Hope in the Midst of Depression
by Richard Winter
Christian | For Pastoral Care
Focuses more broadly on emotional suffering but gives ministry leaders a solid framework for compassionately engaging with those in deep grief or despair.
Additional Resources
Dougy Center: Supporting Grieving Children & Teens
A nationally recognized resource offering articles, activities, and videos to help kids cope with grief.
GriefShare: Helping Children Grieve
Practical guidance for helping kids process grief, including what to say and how to support them long-term.
National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) – Trauma & Grief Resources
Clinically grounded info and downloadable guides for families and professionals walking with kids through traumatic loss.
Funeral for a Child: Sample Sermon
This funeral sermon, adapted from an actual service, offers a compassionate and Christ-centered guide for honoring the life of a child with sensitivity and hope.
This sermon was written and graciously shared by Brian Dollar, author of Talk Now and Later: How to Lead Kids Through Life’s Tough Topics.
