The Ministry of Presence

As we enter the official holiday season, my thoughts go to those who are grieving the loss of loved ones. Whether it was a recent loss or not so recent, the hurt and emptiness can be as sharp as when the loss occurred. As a grief counselor, I have found this time of year to be especially heavy for clients in the state of grieving. It is also difficult for those who want to help but are not sure what to do or what to say.

I was recently reminded of the concept of “the ministry of presence”. Pastor Rick Warren (author of The Purpose Driven Life and founder of Saddleback Church in CA) is a strong advocate of this practice, and some believe the originator of the term. It is the act of simply being with someone who is suffering, offering comfort through your physical presence rather than through words.

Here are some thoughts offered by Warren’s work in this area:

• Focus on accompaniment: instead of trying to find the right words, the ministry of presence emphasizes simply being there physically for someone.

• Empathy and support: the ministry of presence involves offering unconditional support and physical presence, allowing the person to feel seen and not alone in their suffering.

• Words can be insufficient: Warren suggests that in moments of deep pain or grief, explanations and advice are not helpful and can even be unhelpful.

• Trust in God’s presence: While human presence is crucial, Warren also emphasizes the need for individuals to feel God’s presence as their ultimate anchor in any storm. The human “ministry of presence” acts as a physical manifestation of God’s care.

May you be blessed with the memories of loved ones lost and the presence of those who care.

Brenda Stutler

November 25, 2025