Being a compassionate listener has always been a gift of mine. Throughout my life people seem to be drawn to me because I try to be approachable and sensitive. Those who have approached me to listen to their concerns have always seemed to appreciate the fact that, first, I just listen and not try to give “pat” answers, and second, that I take what they say to me in strict confidence.

A couple of years ago our church (Christian Church of Arlington Heights, Arlington Heights, Illinois) started a grief ministry program that was faith-based. Although we were able to minister to people from diverse backgrounds (religious and non-religious), we struggled with the faith-based support group program format we were using. First, it held a...