Are You Ready to Lead a Divorce Support Group?

So, you think you’d like to lead a divorce support group in your church and you’re wondering if you have what it takes. First of all, let me say congratulations on your heart to serve. That’s great!

God has a most wonderful way of taking our pain and using it to help others. Our stories of grief and recovery make a wonderful testimony of God’s healing power. It’s only logical to want to share that with others as we become the hands and feet of God spreading His love, faith, and hope.

So, your heart is motivated but what you really want to know is are YOU ready. Good question.

Some say wait a year after your own divorce before trying to lead a support group. Yet, I think being ready to lead a divorce support group isn’t only related to the passage of time. I’ve seen people who were ready sooner than a year after their divorce as well as those who were not ready for several years.

4 Questions to Help You Decide if you’re Ready to Lead a Divorce Support Group

You don’t have to be an expert in divorce recovery to offer a Peace after Divorce support group because the content is in the materials. But, are you ready?

I think the main question is this…is your heart sufficiently healed to be able to set your own needs aside and minister to others?

I hope these questions will help you reflect and decide:

1. Is your motivation to help others or find support for yourself?
   You are in a much better place to support others who are struggling if you’ve reached a healthy place yourself.  Plus, facilitating a group effectively requires being able to put the needs of others above your own.
2. Can you listen more than you talk?
   It’s fine to choose to share a little of your own story when it is relevant but can you do so without dominating the conversation?  So, your role as a leader for a Peace after Divorce group at your church is really to facilitate the discussion of the participants. That’s a relief for many people interested in facilitating a group because you as leader don’t have to carry the weight of having all the answers.
3. Can you listen to others without judgement?
   Peace after Divorce focuses on God’s grace and love. As a group facilitator, there is no room for placing judgement or trying to direct others. Instead, it’s your role to create a loving supportive environment for participants.
4. Do you believe God is calling you to help others?
   Is there a tug in your heart to let God use you in this way? If so, there is nothing more wonderful than answering His call to serve. Being on the front lines to see His healing in action is a blessing beyond measure.

If You’ve Answered Yes to these 4 Questions

Congratulations, it sounds like you are ready to lead a divorce support group in your church! The Peace after Divorce leader handbook gives you full guidance on how to facilitate an effective group.

Learn more about starting a Peace after Divorce group by clicking the link below.

Lead a Group