NextGen Ministries Webinar: Journeying with Children through Grief
Presented by: Michelle Shaw (Registered Psychotherapist) and Dr. Gerry Tonn
Hosted by: Western Ontario District

In this important NextGen Ministries webinar, Hailey Armoogan hosts Michelle Shaw and Dr. Gerry Tonn for a compassionate and practical conversation on how to support children, youth, and families navigating grief and loss.

Designed for children’s pastors, youth leaders, and family ministry teams, this webinar addresses one of the most challenging aspects of ministry: knowing how to respond when tragedy, death, or trauma impacts those in your care. Michelle and Gerry provide both clinical insight and pastoral wisdom, helping leaders understand how grief uniquely affects children at different developmental stages and how to respond in ways that are both supportive and appropriate.

The conversation walks through what to do in the initial moments after a loss, emphasizing the importance of presence, listening, and allowing children to lead the pace of conversation. Leaders will gain clarity on how children process grief differently than adults—including how emotions can shift quickly—and why creating safe, non‑pressured environments for expression is essential.

Participants will also explore the differences between anticipatory grief and traumatic grief, how faith questions often arise during loss, and how to navigate those conversations with sensitivity and care. The session highlights common pitfalls to avoid, such as rushing to fix, overusing platitudes, or pushing counseling too quickly, while offering practical, meaningful ways to come alongside children and families.

In addition, this webinar addresses the often-overlooked impact of vicarious grief on ministry leaders and teams, providing guidance on recognizing emotional strain, practicing healthy self‑care, and building support systems to sustain long‑term ministry.

Leaders will leave equipped with simple, practical tools—including memory‑building activities, conversation starters, and group facilitation ideas—that can help children process grief in safe and meaningful ways, whether one‑on‑one, in small groups, or across an entire ministry context.

This webinar is ideal for anyone serving children, youth, and families who wants to respond to grief with greater confidence, sensitivity, and hope—offering a ministry approach rooted in presence, compassion, and Christ‑centered care.

Topics Covered

First Steps After Loss
How to respond in the immediate aftermath of loss through presence, timely connection, and simply being available to listen rather than trying to fix.

Understanding How Children Grieve
Why children experience grief differently than adults, including emotional “waves,” developmental stages, and how understanding evolves over time.

Letting Children Lead
The importance of following a child’s cues—whether they want to talk, play, or avoid the topic—and creating space without pressure.

Anticipatory vs. Traumatic Grief
Key differences between expected loss and sudden tragedy, and how each impacts a child’s sense of safety, emotions, and questions.

Faith and Difficult Questions
How to approach questions about God, healing, heaven, and loss with honesty, humility, and sensitivity to both the child and family context.

What to Say (and What to Avoid)
Practical guidance on helpful language, including why phrases like “at least…” or “they’re in a better place” can be harmful, and how to communicate with care.

When to Consider Counseling
Understanding when outside support may be needed and how to discern signs that a child may need additional intervention.

Practical Activities for Processing Grief
Simple, meaningful tools such as memory boxes, letter writing, and calming activities that help children express emotions and remember loved ones.

Supporting Peer Groups and Communities
How to guide friends, classrooms, and ministry groups in responding to grief while keeping environments supportive and as normal as possible.

Vicarious Grief and Leader Care
Recognizing the emotional impact on ministry leaders and developing rhythms of self‑care, processing, and support to prevent burnout.