199. Jena Grech - When Suicide Touches the Church

In this episode, Jena Grech, who has a Masters in Christian Counsellor and has served in pastoral ministry for nearly two decades, joins the podcast to discuss a sensitive but vital subject—how to minister to those bereaved by suicide. Rather than focusing on prevention, this conversation centres on how we, as Christians, can respond with empathy, grace, and theological clarity in the aftermath of a suicide. Drawing from her personal, pastoral, and academic experience, Jena shares practical insights, spiritual reflections, and much more.------------Takeaways- Ministry of Presence – Just being present with someone grieving makes a profound difference.- Grief Is Unique – Every person experiences grief differently; avoid assuming or comparing.- Avoid Judgmental Language – Use compassionate phrases like “passed by suicide” rather than “committed suicide.”- Theological Sensitivity Is Crucial – Only God knows a person’s eternal fate; lead with love, not fear.- Grief Is Ongoing – It doesn’t disappear after the funeral; anniversaries and milestones can trigger pain.- Practical Help Matters – Babysitting, shopping, and even attending the coroner’s office with someone can be healing.- Faith Can Be a Lifeline – Scripture, prayer, and spiritual support provide hope and meaning in loss.- Empathy Over Answers – Don’t try to “fix” grief; listen, support, and sit with the hurting.- Church Must Be a Safe Place – We must reduce stigma so believers can seek help without shame.- Words Carry Weight – Even well-meaning comments can wound. Be thoughtful and Spirit-led.------------Chapter Timestamps00:00 – Introduction and Welcome01:15 – Why This Topic Matters03:00 – Focus on the Bereaved, Not Prevention05:18 – The Stigma Around Suicide07:00 – How Suicide Grief Is Unique09:00 – Shame, Guilt, and Isolation12:00 – Navigating Theological Struggles14:30 – What Not to Say to the Bereaved17:45 – Ministry of Presence and Support20:20 – How to Help Practically23:00 – A Christian Perspective on Suicide25:30 – Scriptures of Comfort and Hope28:10 – The Ongoing Process of Grief30:40 – How the Church Can Respond33:00 – Final Encouragement and Prayer-----------Support Organisations (Australia):Lifeline AustraliaYouturn Youth Support Referenced Resource: Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Ep. 19 – “Can Someone Who Commits Suicide Be Saved?” with Dr. David K. Bernard: https://youtu.be/qlaPmt4cdRI?si=l6pHDQibr08quNR0------------Order Hacka Merch - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://the-hacka-podcast.myspreadshop.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠------------Listen to all episodes:Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/3PRSYKUSpotify - https://spoti.fi/3zCUsUoFollow us on social:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thehackapod/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/hackaorgTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thehackapod