grief education that meets people where they are

Grief affects every person differently, but there are practical ways to understand it and support people well. Ed offers compassionate, clear grief education for churches, care teams, community organizations and other groups.

Ed has done a deep dive into the topic of grief and loss in the last few years. This was fueled by a newfound understanding of how his father’s death as a young teen left lasting marks because he had not fully processed his grief. His story illustrates many of the important aspects of grief.

His presentation covers what grief is like, the role that feelings play in grief as well as the importance of family friends. You will learn ways of supporting grieving people, including helpful things to say as well as what to avoid. 

Ed is a pastor with decades of experience dealing with grieving families and he has experienced several deaths in his own family. He is a Certified Informed Grief Professional (CGP).

Due to the generous support of donors, there is no charge for his services. Content and presentation length can be tailored to best suit the audience and available time allotted.

Watch a brief introduction to Ed's grief education and presentations.

For community & Professional groups

Evidence-informed grief education appropriate for schools, health care groups, civic organizations, support organizations and other community settings. Presentations do not include religious teaching unless requested.

for churches and faith communities

Grief education integrating practical grief care with Christian faith, scripture, pastoral care, lament, hope, and ministry to grieving people

shepherding through grief and loss

A free YouTube video training series for pastors, church leaders, and Christians who want to better understand and support grieving people. This series presents practical grief education from a Christian perspective Informing you about what grief is like how to process it and how to support grieving people. Ed’s YouTube channel has 26 videos being released September 10, 2026 through December 11 with the full composite training video to be released December 15.

Visit the grief YouTube channel

what they’re saying

  • “Excellent presentation! I appreciated the stories and willingness to share firsthand experiences... Thank you very much for educating us on processing grief."

  • “I have a deeper understanding with how grief and loss works [and] a greater understanding of how to approach people."

  • “This was a wonderful and informative session. I appreciate the close look at what grief

    looks like, how it can present itself, and the reminder of just how different grief may present itself.”

  • “… very in-depth in his explanations of grief, such as acute grief and secondary grief. He offered some ideas how to help someone going through grief. It was a good reminder to treat those who are grieving with gentle kindness.”

  • “I appreciated learning things we can say and things we should not say when someone has lost a loved one. I appreciated [Ed’s] insight as someone who has experienced loss."