Journeying with Children through Grief
Equip yourself to walk alongside children experiencing loss with confidence and care. In this practical webinar, you’ll learn how children process grief differently than adults, what the stages of grief can look like at various ages, and the first steps to take when supporting a grieving child or family.
Gain simple, effective activities to help children express their emotions—and discover how to recognize and manage vicarious grief in your own life so you can sustain healthy, compassionate ministry.
This webinar seeks to answer questions like:
What would be the first steps in dealing with grief as CFM workers?
How do the stages of grief work differently in children?
How do we as CFM pastors deal with the fall out of vicarious grief?
Gerry Tonn brings over 40 years of experience in leadership, pastoral care, and mental health, equipping individuals and organizations to lead with purpose and resilience. A former pastor, professor, and trusted consultant, he integrates theology, psychology, and leadership to offer practical, compassionate guidance. Gerry holds Master’s and Doctoral degrees and taught psychology for over 15 years at Master’s Bible College and Seminary. He works closely with pastors in Western Ontario and delivers more than 20 mental health seminars annually, including with the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Known for his relational approach, Gerry is passionate about helping leaders grow, find balance, and lead with clarity. He and his wife Elaine enjoy life with their two daughters, sons-in-law, and five grandchildren.
Michelle Shaw, MDiv, RP, is a registered psychotherapist and Christ-centered leader with over 15 years of experience in counselling, community development, and leadership. She holds degrees from the University of Windsor and Tyndale University and provides trauma-informed, spiritually integrated care to individuals, couples, and families. Michelle serves as a Mental Health Clinician with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board and has also led as founder and Executive Director of JET Youth and Community Services. Passionate about helping people heal, grow, and live with purpose, she is known for her empathetic, relational approach. Michelle and her husband of over 20 years have four children.
NextGen Ministries webinars offer monthly conversations with specialists who are proven practitioners in their areas of leadership and want to equip others to effectively reach, teach and disciple children, youth and families to be whole, healthy, fruitful missional followers of Jesus by sharing their expertise. A broad variety of topics will be covered that are relevant and timely.
NextGen Ministries webinars are hosted by Western Ontario District Children & Family Ministries and are available to anyone who registers for the online event. An accessible playback will be made available to registrants; should you be unable to participate in the live presentation, or if you want to watch the webinar again or with others.