Episode 50: How not to Bury Your Ministry in Funerals

Episode 50: How not to Bury Your Ministry in Funerals

 

Know the expectations:

• Regional differences
• Cremation versus burials
• Time between death and service (role changes as time increases)

 

Early On:

• Develop a relationship with your local funeral directors.
• Meet with the family at the funeral home if possible. Harder in larger cities and with corporate services.
• Ask and listen for personal stories.
• Encourage the family and pray often.
• Plan to be flexible.

 

Planning you service:

• Obituary versus opening thoughts or Scripture
  • Sometimes I read the obituary, but if its printed; I prefer to encourage through Scripture and wisdom.
• How much music? Slide shows and/or pictures?
• Will others be speaking/ will there be an open mic?
• Putting your message together
  • Use outside resources to help create a database of passages
  • Be both honest and loving
    • "If  _________________ could speak with us today…"
  • Be evangelistic within your role as a comforter of the grieving.
  • Use personal touches
  • Use the loved one's Bible if possible
  • Usually 20 minutes tops
• Remember we can start to say the same things too often they lose impact. 

 

Gravesides and follow-up:

• Keep it short: prayer and acknowledge the family.
• Give a resource...
  • Good Grief by Granger Westberg