Through a Glass Darkly

A Guide to Ministering to the Grieving with Compassion & Wisdom

Death is an inevitable part of life, yet many pastors, caregivers, and ministry leaders feel unprepared when called to serve those in grief.

In “Through A Glass Darkly”, funeral director J. Greg Rush shares practical insights, biblical wisdom, and personal experiences from over four decades of serving families in their time of loss.

This book is an indispensable resource for anyone involved in chaplaincy, bereavement ministry, or funeral service leadership.

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What You’ll Discover Inside

•How to guide families through grief with empathy and professionalism

•Step-by-step insights into the funeral process – from the first call to the service

•Practical advice for pastors and church leaders officiating funerals

•How to provide comfort without clichés or empty words

•Navigating difficult topics like cremation, burial choices, and modern funeral practices

•The spiritual impact of serving grieving families with dignity

“Through A Glass Darkly” is not just a book—it’s a ministry guide for those called to comfort and serve in times of loss.

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Who Should Read This Book?

This book is perfect for:

•Pastors and ministers who officiate funerals and provide grief counseling

•Church leaders and staff involved in bereavement ministries

•Chaplains, hospice workers, and caregivers who walk alongside grieving families

•Funeral directors and those in the funeral service industry

•Anyone seeking to better understand the grieving process and how to serve those in pain

If you have ever felt unsure about how to comfort the grieving, this book will give you the tools and confidence you need.

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Powerful Quotes From the Book

•“Serving the grieving is not about having the perfect words—it’s about showing up with compassion, understanding, and a willingness to listen.”

•“Grief does not have a timeline, and ministry to the bereaved should extend beyond the funeral service.”

•“We do not serve for recognition. We serve because we are called.”

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Biblical Wisdom from the Pages

•2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

•Romans 12:15 – “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”

•John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

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Why This Book Matters

•It equips pastors and caregivers with practical wisdom for serving grieving families

•It teaches how to navigate difficult funeral conversations with grace and empathy

•It helps funeral directors and church leaders understand their sacred role in grief ministry

•It provides a biblical foundation for comforting the brokenhearted

 

Author: J. Greg Rush