5 Suggestions For Preaching Funerals

One of the greatest difficulties people experience is the death of a loved one. And yet, a funeral service can be one of the most critical times to minister to them. This list of suggestions, while not exhaustive, can help you plan a meaningful ceremony.

1) Be Present For Family Visitation

Families usually gather an hour before public visitation. Being there early allows the pastor to warmly greet the family as they arrive. A pastor’s quiet presence can help the family grieve as they prepare to receive visitors. Where logistics allow, pray with the family just before they enter the room to view their loved one. And, as a general rule, remain with the family until public visitation begins.

2) Recommend An Order Of Service

While funeral directors cover many details, pastors can help families plan a meaningful service. Ask the family for favorite Scripture passages and lead them to consider no more than 3-4 songs, positioning them so they progress naturally from the more contemplative to the more celebratory. Speakers sharing personal remarks may be placed just before an uplifting hymn or immediately preceding the sermon. This arrangement creates a natural movement from grief to gospel hope.

3) Weave Biography Into The Sermon

Most funeral homes provide family and visitors with a pamphlet that includes an obituary. Rather than reading the obituary as part of the service, weave biographical information into the funeral message. Include encouraging reflections from those who have shared their stories during visitation. Since most people can read the obituary themselves, weaving life details into your sermon comes across more thoughtfully, conveying greater warmth and feeling.

4) Keep The Service Brief

Generally speaking, 30-40 minutes is ample time for a meaningful funeral service. If the service is much shorter, it may suggest insufficient thought went into planning. If it is too long, people may grow restless. Most of the family will have been on their feet for hours during visitation and will also travel to the cemetery after the ceremony. Keeping the service brief helps them move forward through a challenging day.

5) Preach The Gospel

The ceremony should culminate in a gospel proclamation. Some of my favorite texts include Psalm 23, Matthew 14:12, John 14:1-3, and 2 Timothy 4:6-8. The sermon should build from biographical information to a focus on the Lord Jesus. If conducting the service for a believer, sharing gospel truths about heaven is especially encouraging. If conducting the service for an unbeliever or one whose faith was unknown, emphasizing the comfort of Christ strengthens hurting families. Only God knows the state of each person’s soul, so pastors should choose their words carefully. Finally, include an evangelistic appeal near the end of every message. My practice is to say something like, “One day, there will be a service much like this for every one of us,” a statement encouraging reflection and thoughtful preparation for eternity.