Leading Through Loss: Navigating Grief When Church Members Leave Pastors pour their hearts into ministry, forming deep bonds with the people they serve. But what happens when those people leave? Whether the departure is peaceful or painful, the grief that follows is often dismissed as "part of the job"—leaving pastors to process their sorrow alone. In Leading Through Loss , Matthew McFarlin , a former lead pastor and certified grief-informed professional, sheds light on this overlooked but very real struggle. With empathy, wisdom, and practical guidance, he helps pastors understand and navigate the grief that comes with losing church members. This book explores: Why losing members hurts more than we expect—and why it matters - How pastoral grief is different from other types of loss - Jesus’ example of mourning and why it’s okay for pastors to grieve - Steps to process loss in a healthy way while continuing to lead - How to support your church family through transitions If you’ve ever felt the sting of a church member leaving, struggled with questions of What did I do wrong? , or simply need encouragement to move forward, Leading Through Loss will provide the validation, wisdom, and healing you need. Your grief is real. Your healing matters. And God is with you every step of the way.