TITLE:
Understanding and Supporting Grief: Faith-Based and Cultural Approaches to Pastoral Care in Lagos State, Nigeria
AUTHORS:
Oluwakemi Babarinde
KEYWORDS:
Grief, Grief Practices, Traditional African Beliefs, Regional Challenges, Theological Support, Cultural Adaptation, Grieving Process, Lagos State, Nigeria, Pastoral Care, Religious Communities
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.13 No.1,
January
15,
2025
ABSTRACT: Objective: This paper explores the universality of grief, its causes, and its profound impact on individuals’ emotional, physical, social, and spiritual well-being. It emphasizes the responsibility of church members, alongside clergy, to provide care, counselling, and support to those experiencing grief, utilizing guidance, nurturing, education, and empowerment. The paper also draws on biblical examples and the Kübler-Ross model of grief stages to highlight practical ways to help grievers cope and heal within a religious community. Methods: This study assessed the experience of grief and pastoral care in selected Pentecostal churches in Lagos State, with a focus on identifying and addressing unethical practices among pastors and improving the support provided to grievers. A descriptive survey method was used, with a self-developed questionnaire distributed to 3,000 Christians across three Senatorial Districts in Lagos State. A total of 2,694 completed questionnaires (89.8%) were analyzed. Additionally, interviews were conducted with ten pastors and ten church members. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, and qualitative analysis for interview results. Results: The findings revealed that most respondents recognized grief as a response to loss, with 78.3% acknowledging that grievers may act violently towards religious matters, and 84.4% agreeing that grief could lead to post-traumatic stress. Pastoral care was seen as essential for healing, with 94.6% of respondents agreeing it offers holistic healing, and 94.8% confirming that the Bible is a key tool for grief management. However, some pastors were found to exploit grievers through unethical practices, such as financial extortion and sexual exploitation. Conclusion: Grief is a natural and unavoidable experience, and proper pastoral care is crucial for healing. The study recommends better training for pastors, strict discipline for unethical behavior, and ensuring that grief-stricken individuals receive care grounded in biblical principles to support their restoration.