You’re not alone in wondering this. In fact, many people advised, “Don’t use the word lament, people won’t come.”

But that’s precisely the problem: we’ve become afraid of the very doorway that leads us back to hope and joy. Biblical lament is not despair…it’s the language of faith when life breaks. It’s how we hold onto God in the midst of suffering. The Lament Project exists to bring this prayer language back to the modern church and elevate the way the church cares for those navigating pain, chronic illness, or deep loss or disappointment.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 970 million people are right now living with a mental health condition and 20% of the adult population are navigating persistent physical pain. In Australia, chronic conditions affect 47% of Australians (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2023).

Sadly, many of these individuals are silently suffering in our pews and the pain isn’t just physical or emotional. Over time, it often leads to a crushed spirit, a deep inner weariness that can precede a full crisis of faith. When prayers go unanswered and healing doesn’t come, we can begin to wonder if God sees us at all.

The Church excels at short-term care and crisis support but what happens when a member returns year after year without healing? When the miracle hasn’t come, and grief has settled in? Many can feel forgotten or even burdensome.

The Lament Project steps into this gap. We help churches care for those who are still waiting, still hurting, and still showing up. We provide a pathway to honest faith, renewed hope, and a community that doesn’t flinch in the face of long-term suffering.

While the focus is on long-term suffering and chronic conditions, both mental and physical, the impact reaches far wider. Our ministry speaks to anyone who’s experienced pain that doesn’t go away quickly — loss, burnout, infertility, unanswered prayer, depression, anxiety or disappointment with life or God. We’ve found that people from all walks of life with the full spectrum of challenges are deeply moved during our series and keynotes and say things like, “I didn’t even know I needed this.”

Churches report stronger community connection, renewed faith, and a more honest culture of care after hosting The lament Project.

The leadership training is designed for pastors, elders, small group leaders, pastoral carers, and ministry volunteers in pastoral care looking to:

• Recognise and better understand the hidden burdens of chronic illnesses and long-term pain, suffering and grief in their congregation

• Shepherd people toward spiritual resilience and hope through biblical truths

• Respond without offering platitudes

• Create systems of sustainable support for the hurting in their churches

Great question and we love you’re thinking deeply about who you allow to lead you and your community. We recommend reaching out for a meeting so we can get to know each other so reach out via our contact page for a meeting.

Yes, our 1:1 services provide personalised support tailored to your unique journey of faith and healing. Through dedicated, confidential sessions, we explore your challenges and questions in a safe space, offering guidance rooted in scripture and compassion. Whether you're navigating doubt, grief, pain or seeking renewed hope, these individual consultations are designed to help you move beyond your battle.

There is no cost for The Lament Project’s 4-week series. We want everyone walking through a difficult season to find hope in Him. Our sickness and suffering series are supported by generous donations.