Caring for the Hurting

The Importance of a DivorceCare Ministry

Written by DivorceCare | Jun 12, 2026 12:00:00 PM

When someone in your church or community is walking through separation or divorce, they’re facing more than the end of a relationship. There’s often deep pain, overwhelming emotional distress, shame, loss of trust, feelings of low self-worth, financial strain, and sometimes the pressure of parenting alone. 

Many people feel isolated—even in church—and it’s a time when people potentially leave the church and question God. And they don’t know where to find support from people who understand their pain. Maybe you know the pain of a divorce or separation yourself—or you simply want to help. But knowing how to help isn’t always easy. 

DivorceCare makes it possible.

This 13-week, Christ-centered support group program equips lay leaders to walk alongside people facing separation or divorce. It creates space for honest conversation, biblical wisdom, and lasting hope for the whole family—all within the local church. Thousands of churches around the world are already using this ministry to meet one of the greatest needs in their communities: healing from broken relationships.

The need for divorce support is growing

Every week, individuals in your church and community silently struggle with the emotional and spiritual weight of separation or divorce. As divorce rates increasemany in your church and community are silently struggling, not feeling free to admit that their marriage didn’t work—or that they’re hurting so deeply. Some fear being judged by others in the church, while others have already experienced that judgment firsthand. The result is a deeply isolating season that can lead to anxiety, shame, depression, and spiritual disconnection.

But God calls us to comfort others as He comforts us:

The Father of compassion and the God of all comfort … comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. (2 Corinthians 1:3–4)

Offering a DivorceCare group at your church is a tangible way to respond with compassion, offering people space to process their pain and discover lasting hope through Christ.

 

Why people choose to lead a DivorceCare group

DivorceCare leaders often step into ministry because of their own journey through divorce—or because they’ve seen others struggle without support.

Angela, a DivorceCare leader, shares:

I knew what it was like to feel abandoned, ashamed, and completely alone. Leading a group gave me the chance to walk with others through that same valley—and remind them they aren’t forgotten by God.

How a DivorceCare group works

DivorceCare is a 13-week, video-based support group that’s easy to lead with volunteers at your church. Whether your group meets in person, online, or both, you don’t need to be a counselor to host. The program includes:

  • 30-min. video packed with guidance from Christian counselors, pastors, and healthcare professionals, plus testimonies from people who’ve navigated separation and divorce and found healing
  • A leader’s guide with weekly session agendas and questions to facilitate the group discussion time
  • Personal book for group members full of helpful direction, tools for dealing with emotions and challenges, short articles, exercises, and biblical comfort

Each week, participants are encouraged to reflect, share (if they choose), and take steps toward healing.

Your DivorceCare kit comes with everything you need:

  • Weekly video content (streaming & DVD)
  • Leader’s guide and training resources
  • Promo materials to spread the word
  • Ministry coaching and group management tools

Topics covered in the program

DivorceCare addresses real-life struggles with compassion and biblical clarity:

  • Grieving the end of a marriage
  • Managing stress, anger, conflict, and loneliness
  • Financial and legal challenges
  • Helping children through divorce
  • Forgiveness and letting go
  • Establishing new boundaries
  • Rediscovering identity and thinking about the future

Each topic is designed to give participants both insight and practical next steps as they recover from divorce.

How to launch a DivorceCare group

Starting is simple:

  1. Preview the program – Watch sample sessions and review the curriculum.
  2. Talk with your pastor – Share your desire to help and gain church support.
  3. Order your kit – Everything you need is included.
  4. Invite volunteers – Find compassionate, reliable people to help lead.
  5. Promote your group – Use the included materials to reach your community.
  6. Host the group – Show the video, facilitate discussion, offer prayer and support.

You’re not alone—we’re here to help

Our DivorceCare coaches are ready to support you with tools, encouragement, and step-by-step guidance. Whether you’re just starting or have led for years, we’re here to walk with you. 

 


Getting started is easy

When your church offers DivorceCare, you become a place of refuge and restoration—meeting people at their point of need and pointing them to lasting healing in Christ.