The ball drops. The confetti falls. The calendar flips.
For many, moving into a new year signals different goals and fresh beginnings. For someone reeling from a separation or divorce, the new year can feel like an exclamation mark on loss: the traditions, the marriage, the sense of security, it’s all upended.
While others celebrate, those navigating divorce often enter January feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and unsure how to move forward.
The church can step in with purpose during this time.
Why the church matters right now
In a season when so many divorcees feel abandoned, your church can be a place of presence. While therapists, lawyers, and friends may move on after the papers are signed, the church can remain a consistent source of hope, truth, and healing.
Pastor and counselor Dr. Paul David Tripp reminds us that God created us for community. “You weren’t wired to do this by yourself.”
The pain of divorce doesn’t fade when the holidays end. It can actually intensify the pain. The quiet days of January bring reflection, financial stress, co-parenting transitions, and aching loneliness.
When church doors remain open—not just physically, but emotionally and relationally—people believe healing is possible.
How your church can make a difference
1. Provide space for honest emotions
January is when people feel the crash from “holiday survival mode.” It’s often the first chance they’ve had to process what happened. A support group like DivorceCare offers a judgment-free place to process anger, grief, guilt, confusion, and everything in between.
“I just needed someone to listen without fixing me,” says one DivorceCare participant. “The group became my lifeline.”
2. Offer structure when life feels chaotic
Divorce upends everything—routines, roles, finances, identity. A 13-week DivorceCare group provides consistency and helps participants rebuild their lives on biblical truth, with weekly guidance, encouragement, and connection.
“To sit in with a group of people that knew what I was going through and didn’t need explanations brought me so much comfort. To have someone tell me what I was feeling was normal was such a relief.” Amber
3. Reintroduce them to the hope of the gospel
People often assume church is for those who are put-together. After a divorce, individuals ask: Am I still welcome? Does God still care about me? DivorceCare is a gentle reintroduction to the gospel, offering comfort through Scripture and testimonies from others who’ve walked the same path.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
4. Equip your church to care well
You don’t need to have a background in counseling or pastoral care to lead DivorceCare. Designed for lay leaders, this program equips your church to extend compassion and truth in a structured, proven format—while freeing up your time as a church leader to support in other ways.
“DivorceCare became a lifeline to me. It was like a bottle of cold water to my soul—something I yearned for every week. It saved my life and helped me take the positive path forward.” Jonathan
Now is the time to act
January is one of the most emotionally vulnerable months for people who are separated or divorced. While many are still in hiding, waiting for a sign of hope, your church can offer a space of safety and healing.
You don’t have to do it alone. DivorceCare provides everything you need to host a group, including videos, leader guides, and promotional tools. Groups meet in person or online, giving flexibility for leaders and participants alike.
Sign up to host a Surviving the Holidays DivorceCare event in your church.
A new year can still hold new hope
Divorce doesn’t get the final word. Your church can help people discover that truth for themselves.
When you launch a DivorceCare group this season, you extend a hand to those who are ready—desperate, even—for someone to walk with them.
This new year, help those who hurt believe that healing is possible.
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