Professional Dissertations DMin

Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Ministry

College

Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary

Program

Doctor of Ministry DMin

First Advisor

Moses Taiwo

Second Advisor

Cheryl Simmons

Third Advisor

Anna Galeniece

Abstract

Problem

The COVID-19 pandemic created a gap in grief support for church members, including widows and widowers at Oakwood University Seventh-day Adventist Church. This study addresses the lack of accessible, structured virtual grief support for these individuals during a time of emotional and spiritual need, isolation, and loneliness.

Method

Using a mixed-method qualitative case study design, the study collected quantitative information through participants’ demographic data, followed by qualitative interviews and focus groups. The intervention had 10 participants who attended six virtual grief support sessions which included video presentations and group discussions via Zoom.

Results

The virtual, six-week grief support program successfully reduced emotional distress and fostered a sense of community and spiritual connection among participants. Both quantitative and qualitative data showed improved coping mechanisms during the pandemic. At the conclusion of the six-week program, all participants showed improved coping mechanisms by demonstrating enhanced understanding of the grieving process, enabling effective integration of loss into their lives and fostering a sense of renewed hope and purpose. All 10 participants (100%) recommended the virtual grief support program, emphasizing its accessibility (40%), effectiveness during COVID-19 lockdowns (30%), and its educational value (70%). Additionally, participants highlighted the program's contributions to healing and coping strategies (45%), inclusivity of diverse groups (70%), and the benefits derived from shared experiences within a supportive community (10%).

Conclusions

The study concluded that a virtual grief support program can be an effective alternative to in-person services in times of social isolation such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The mixed-method qualitative case study approach offered a comprehensive understanding of the widows' and widowers' grief experiences. It demonstrated the program's ability to provide meaningful emotional and spiritual support. This research highlights the importance of integrating virtual platforms into the grief support ministry, offering a new model for future use when necessary.

Subject Area

Grief--Religious aspects--Seventh-day Adventists; Church work with widows--Seventh-day Adventists; Oakwood University (Huntsville, Ala.)

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