Loss and Grief Counselor Certification

Help others move beyond death, divorce and other losses

Spaces are limited — Register NOW
for our 2025 Class Schedule.

These classes are very popular and fill up fast! If you want to learn how to help and counsel people through the pain of loss, this course is for you.

  • Feb. 8th to Apr. 12th
  • Apr. 26th to Jun. 28th
  • Jul. 12th to Sep. 13th
  • Sep. 20th to Nov. 22nd
Two hour live Zoom classes each week (Saturday) from Noon to 2:00 PM Est.

nacc logoDr. Shawn Kirk Ministries is a Certified Training Center for the National Association of Christian Counselors. Dr. Shawn has been a member of the NACC since 2012 and is on the current Board of Examiners.

Register at the bottom of this page and start your journey to helping people through the losses of life! Convenient ten-week path to certification with weekly two-hour classes live on Zoom.

Pastors, clergy members, church members, counselors, therapists, social workers, and people who want more effective tools for helping people through loss.

The Loss and Grief Training Certification Program is designed to help others move beyond death, divorce and other losses including relationships, health, career, business, faith and other losses we are likely to encounter in life.

Why become a Certified Loss and Grief Counselor?

  • The services of grief counselors are in much demand throughout our country and throughout the world.
  • Loss and Grief Counselors provide services in the following areas: hospices, funeral homes, acute care and long-term care facilities, churches, for public and private social service agencies, and in private practices.

Modules include:

Understanding Grief Through a Biblical Lens

  • The Nature of Grief and Loss
  • How the Bible Addresses Suffering
  • The Role of Faith in Grief

Biblical Principles for Offering Comfort

  • “Mourn with Those Who Mourn” (Romans 12:15)
  • The Ministry of Presence: Being There for the Hurting
  • Reflecting Christ’s Compassion

Listening with Love and Compassion

  • The Power of Active Listening
  • Empathy in Action: How to Show You Care
  • Learning When to Speak and When to Be Silent (Job’s Friends)

Praying with and for the Grieving

  • The Role of Prayer in Healing
  • How to Pray with Someone Who Is Hurting
  • Biblical Prayers for Comfort and Peace

Sharing Scripture for Comfort and Healing

  • Key Bible Verses for Grief and Loss
  • How to Apply Scripture to Different Stages of Grief
  • Leading with Hope: God’s Promises for Healing

Encouraging Faith in Times of Suffering

  • Reaffirming God’s Love and Sovereignty
  • Addressing Doubt and Spiritual Questions in Grief
  • Helping Others Trust God’s Plan (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Helping the Grieving Find Purpose and Meaning

  • Understanding God’s Purpose in Pain (Romans 8:28)
  • Encouraging Service and Ministry After Loss
  • Walking Through Grief with a Kingdom Perspective

Supporting Practical Needs During Grief

  • Meeting Physical and Emotional Needs
  • Practical Ways to Serve Those Who Are Grieving
  • The Importance of Community in the Healing Process

Counseling the Grieving with Grace and Wisdom

  • Basic Counseling Techniques for Pastoral Care
  • Recognizing When to Refer to Professional Help
  • Providing Long-Term Support

The Healing Journey: Helping Others Move Forward

  • Encouraging Healthy Coping Mechanisms
  • Moving from Mourning to Joy: A Biblical Perspective
  • How to Gently Encourage the Grieving Toward Hope and New Life

Biblical Models of Comfort and Care

  • Lessons from Jesus: Compassion in Action
  • Paul’s Pastoral Care in Times of Suffering
  • Biblical Examples of Encouraging the Grieving

Counseling Different Types of Grief

  • Grieving the Loss of Loved Ones (to include spouse, adult child, young child, parent, sibling, and close friend)
  • Supporting Those Facing Illness and Chronic Pain
  • Grief from Divorce, Job Loss, and Other Major Life Transitions

Registration Information

Fees

Registration $50
Tuition:$ 600

Registration and tuition may be paid in one lump sum or in the three payments outlined below:

  • Payment #1 $250 – $50 registration + $200 tuition due prior to course materials and Zoom meetings being sent out.
  • Payment #2 $200 – Due prior to week four class starting.
  • Payment #3 $200 – Due prior to week eight class starting.

Registration and tuition payments are non-refundable.

National Association of Christian Counselors

The National Association of Christian Counselors is a Christian ministry established in 2008 to train Biblical counselors and teachers to assist local churches and to help meet related needs. Our purpose is to bridge the gap between faith and life so that as the individual’s relationship with God grows they begin to live for God’s glory. As change takes place, they experience His peace and joy.

We believe that in order for the non-Christian community to turn to the church for help, Christian workers must have professional credentials, thus providing an opportunity to share our faith and lead them to salvation.

The main purpose of NACC is to provide adequate training for local Pastors and Christians who feel the call of God to counsel. Once trained, counselors are provided with credentials through the National Association of Christian Counselors. Our goal is to offer counseling to all persons in need of help and training for those who desire to help others. The student will receive the ability to understand themselves, their loved ones, friends, and co-workers. Our training will also provide the student with the essential experiential learning necessary for working in the field of Christian counseling.

NACC Certification is NOT to be confused with state licensing. Most states have laws governing the practice of general counseling. These laws vary from state to state.

The purpose of state regulatory laws is to protect the public and ensure professionalism within the counseling profession. NACC strives to attain the same goals, and more. As Christians we know that counseling with the Word of God is the only answer for a dying world, yet at the same time, we must purpose to operate within the legal guidelines set forth by state regulations.

The state recognizes that counseling is one of the responsibilities of the local church. For this reason, the state does not interfere with the ministry of counseling, as long as counseling is provided under the following conditions:

  1. That the counseling service is provided through a legally organized/operated local church or a nationally recognized denomination.
  2. That the counselor is trained and commissioned by the legally recognized organization.

Schedule a cost-free consultation with Dr. Shawn by clicking Let’s Get Started below or calling 281-780-1707. You may also reach out to Dr. Shawn through email to ask questions or discuss the program through the Contact page.

Certified Loss and Grief Counselor Application

The Loss and Grief Training Certification Program is designed to help others move beyond death, divorce and other losses including relationships, health, career, business, faith and other losses we are likely to encounter in life.

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Clinical Pastoral Education or Pastoral Counseling Training

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