Grief Support

Serving with Compassion and Support

Our mission is to be a source of love, care, and support to those who grieve the loss of a loved one through death.
We serve to reach out to bereaved church members, walking alongside them in their season of grief with prayerful encouragement and compassionate care, in alignment with the mission of OKMBC.

Called For Comfort?

Be the heart of compassion—serve through the Grief Support Ministry.
If you have a heart for comforting others during their most difficult seasons, the Grief Support Ministry offers a meaningful way to serve. This ministry supports those grieving the loss of a loved one, offering love, prayer, and Christ-centered care. Volunteers help ensure that no one walks through grief alone, helping individuals feel spiritually uplifted and seen.
Want to help? Need support? Or have you recently experienced the loss of a loved one?
Click the buttons below to quickly navigate to the section that best fits your need.

How We Help in Times of Loss

At the heart of our ministry is the desire to be present and prayerful companions to those navigating grief. Whether you are seeking structured support, planning a service, or simply needing someone to walk alongside you, the Grief Support Ministry offers compassionate care rooted in Christ. Here’s how we serve our church family and extended community during their most vulnerable seasons:

GriefShare Program

A 13-week course designed to provide a supportive and healing space for those experiencing loss. Sessions are open to both church members and non-members.  GriefShare is offered twice yearly.

Homegoing Service Coordination

Our ministry plans, schedules, and coordinates all funerals and memorial services at OKMBC, ensuring each family is served with compassion and that services are conflict-free and spiritually edifying.

Ongoing Support

We walk with families through the grief process for at least one year after the loss, offering continued prayer and check-ins.

Meet the Ministry Leader(s)

Interim Leader: M. Joyce Gee

Sis. Joyce Gee doesn’t serve alone—this ministry is supported by a faithful assembly of appointed ambassadors. Each one has been prayerfully selected by church leadership to help administer care, arrange service details, and assist grieving families with Christ-centered compassion.


If you feel called to serve in this ministry, note that appointments are made by the Pastor or church leadership. 

Please contact Sis. Joyce Gee for more information.

"We establish a community of compassionate presence to provide support and help you walk with love through seasons of loss."This guide explains what OKMBC members and their families can expect when a loved one passes. To ease the burden during times of loss, the Grief Support Ministry works in close coordination with the Senior Pastor and church leadership to offer compassionate and practical support.

Funeral Policy & Grief Support Guidelines (Revised June 2025)

This guide explains what OKMBC members and their families can expect when a loved one passes. To ease the burden during times of loss, the Grief Support Ministry works in close coordination with the Senior Pastor and church leadership to offer compassionate and practical support.

Immediate Response & Support (Page 2)

Church office and GSM respond within 24 hours and assist with funeral planning.

Full Funeral Benefit Package (Page 8)

  • Use of sanctuary & fellowship hall (staffed)
  • Standard funeral programs
  • Repast for close friends and family
  • Grief support upon request

Partial Package for Non-Member Family Loss (Page 8)

Use of sanctuary and fellowship hall (staffed)

Scheduling & Service Coordination (Page 9)

  • Weekday/Saturday funerals only, 10 AM–1 PM
  • One-hour maximum service

Guided Order of Service (Page 10)

Structured service with approved tributes

Ongoing Grief Support (Pages 2 & 8)

Available for at least one year after the lossFrequently Asked Questions During Times of Loss

Frequently Asked Questions During Times of Loss

Navigating the loss of a loved one can feel overwhelming, especially when facing important decisions and arrangements. To help ease the process, we've compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions about the support, services, and expectations surrounding homegoing celebrations at OKMBC. This guide is designed to provide clarity, comfort, and confidence as you walk through this sacred season.
What should I do when a loved one passes away?
Call the Church Office immediately at (423) 629-6115. Be prepared to share the deceased’s full name, the funeral home handling arrangements, and the contact information of the person authorized to plan the service. (Page 2)
Who plans and coordinates the funeral services?
The Grief Support Ministry (GSM) will contact the family’s authorized planner within 24 hours to schedule a consultation and assist with the funeral or memorial service planning. (Pages 2 & 9)
What does the church provide when a member passes away?
Members in good standing receive a Full Funeral Benefit Package, including:
  • Use of the sanctuary and fellowship hall (staffed)
  • Standard funeral programs
  • Repast for close friends and family (restrictions apply)
  • Grief support and counseling upon request
    (Page 8)
What if the person wasn’t a member but their family is?
An active OKMBC member who loses a non-member immediate family member may receive a Partial Benefit Package, which includes the use of the sanctuary and fellowship hall (staffed). Funeral programs, repasts, and grief support are not included. (Page 8)
Can homegoing services be held on Sundays?
No. Services can only be scheduled Monday through Saturday, between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., and must be completed within one hour. (Page 9)
Can the family have reflections and tributes during the service?
Yes, with limitations. Family hour allows additional remarks.
Church policy limits reflections to:
  • Three (3) pre-approved individuals
  • Each person may speak for 2–3 minutes
  • Speakers must be listed in the official program and submitted to Grief Support Ministry during planning
    Open-floor reflections are not permitted.
    Additional tributes may be shared during a Family Hour, if approved by Grief Support Ministry and the Pastoral Team. (Page 10)

Who delivers the eulogy?
The Senior Pastor or a Pastor-approved designee will deliver the eulogy for all OKMBC members. Families should provide the name of the approved speaker if the Pastor is unavailable. (Page 9)
Will the church help with grief after the funeral?
Yes. The Grief Support Ministry provides ongoing care and encouragement for at least one year following the loss of a loved one. (Pages 2 & 8)
Can we include a video presentation in the service?
Yes. Families may provide a video presentation for the service. Please follow these guidelines:
  • Length: Max of 7 minutes
  • Formats accepted: .mp4, .m4v, .mov, or .avi
    (PowerPoint files are not accepted)
  • Music: Should already be embedded in the video
    • Secular music is permitted, but must be church-appropriate, with no profanity, vulgarity, or offensive content
  • Resolution: 720p or 1040p; standard aspect ratio
  • Submission: Homemade videos must be delivered to the church at least one day before the service for testing and compatibility
  • Recommendation: We strongly suggest families allow the funeral home to create the video, as they are experienced and offer this at a nominal cost
    (Page 10)
What are the church’s guidelines for the family hour?
The Family Hour may be scheduled before the homegoing service, usually between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., and may not exceed one hour. It is reserved for seating the family and welcoming guests. Remarks, tributes, and presentations not listed in the official program can be shared during this time—with approval from GSM and pastoral staff. (Page 9)
What kind of music is allowed during the service?
Homegoing services may include 2–3 musical selections, performed by a choir or soloist. The OKMBC Music Ministry may perform a 10-minute prelude if requested. All music must align with the tone of worship and respect. (Page 10)