Beyond the Broken Heart: Leader Guide

A Journey Through Grief

How does the heart understand grief when it is broken by the death of a loved one? To survive and live forward, those who grieve must find answers. Beyond the Broken Heart is an eight-week support and ministry program for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Author Julie Yarbrough chronicles her personal experience combined with a deep love of Scripture and years of leading grief support groups to create an authentic and deeply personal exploration of the grief journey.

The Leader Guide includes session plan outlines for eight group sessions to assist leaders in forming and sustaining grief ministry groups. In addition, leaders will find step-by-step instructions to guide them through the group session process and tips for launching, planning, and facilitating a successful group experience. There are also suggestions for creating a group to serve several churches or community programs.

“Julie Yarbrough has walked through the valley of the shadow of death and experienced the pain and anguish of great grief, and she knows firsthand the comfort and strength that only God can provide.  I commend this remarkable grief ministry program to you highly.”

James W. Moore, Pastor in Residence, Highland Park United Methodist Church, Dallas, Texas

“With wisdom informed by her own experience and a warm regard for those who grieve, Julie Yarbrough guides the brokenhearted on an honest journey toward acceptance and hope. A refreshingly excellent resource for grief support.”

Stephan Bauman, Senior Minister, Christ Church New York City

“Julie Yarbrough weaves understanding, care, and comfort together in such a way that the seemingly intolerable becomes tolerable, one breath at a time. This resource provides everything you need to promote, establish, and conduct grief groups throughout the year.”

Judith Bone, Director of Adult Discipleship, Brentwood United Methodist Church, Nashville, Tennessee  

"A gift to those who face the difficult journey through the grieving process. I highly recommend this program, not only for those who have lost, but also for those in the helping professions who offer guidance and counsel to the grieving."
Ann Reese, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker