African American pastors are increasingly becoming involved in the care and understanding of those infected with HIV and AIDS. In this pilot project, lay leaders of a Methodist Church in Queens, New York participated in a facilitator training program for AIDS bereavement. A variety of theoretical perspectives that included bereavement theory; group work; cultural diversity and empowerment practice; community theory; and adult learning theory were drawn upon to develop the program for facilitator training. The emphasis on training lay leaders from the church community offers an additional resource for community agencies. A survey was conducted to discover how the lay leaders responded to a structured training program run by a minister, a professor, and a social worker. Analysis indicated that the training met most of the didactic and emotional needs. However, lay leaders suggested that churches and other community organizations need to build and sustain guidance and educational efforts to prevent AIDS. (Contains 6 tables and 19 references.) (JDM)