OVERSEER COURSE LESSON NINTY

TOOL BOX FOR THE GENERAL OVERSEER AND

HIS MINISTERS
MODULE EIGHT

How to Conduct a funeral

Henry Epps
founder

HARVEST LIFE
GLOBAL NETWORK
Overseer Course Lesson 90
 Lesson Ninety

How to conduct a Funeral

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA

How to Conduct a Funeral

The loss of a loved one is one of the most shocking and difficult experiences a person can
encounter. It is a time when all Christians need the loving support of their pastor. Upon hearing of
the death, the pastor should go immediately to the family and offer comfort and support. Be
sensitive. Listen. Let them know that God cares and that you care.
Here are a few ideas to help as you minister through the funeral.
Make It Personal
When the funeral is for a church member, you will probably be well acquainted with the deceased.
Even when this is the case, review the details of the obituary carefully. This is not the time for an
inadvertent mispronunciation of a name or place of birth.
Do not use the funeral service to condemn the sins of the dead.
At an appropriate time (perhaps a second visit), ask the immediate family to help you prepare your
comments for the memorial service. Ask, "What positive qualities come to mind when you think
of _____?"

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If the person who died was a faithful Christian, I ask to use their Bible in the funeral service. You
may even find notes or passages underlined that will be significant.
Respect Local Traditions and Customs
The local funeral director can be of tremendous benefit to the pastor as he interprets local customs.
Community traditions may dictate the order of service and even where the pastor should stand
after the funeral. Don't hesitate to ask questions.
Be Professional
When you minister to a grieving family, you represent God and the church. Be caring and warm,
but also communicate the quiet confidence of a professional who has been down this road and can
serve as a guide.

Take Care of the Family

Sometimes a zealous pastor will, inadvertently I hope, deny family members permission to grieve.
He says that since we will be together in heaven someday, there is no reason to grieve. But the
reality of heaven does not erase the present pain death brings to a family. Paul said that Christians
should "not grieve as others who have no hope" (1 Thess. 4:13). This is not a statement to deny
grief; it is simply to say that Christians should grieve in a different manner.
Let the Powerful Word of God Bring Comfort
The Word of God is a powerful force for comfort in times of loss by death. Choose Scriptures that
speak to the heart and communicate comfort. Claim the promises of Scripture. Apply the medicine
of the Bible to grieving hearts.
Keep the Funeral Service Brief
A funeral service is an expression of the love of a family for the one who has died. The family is
tired, and the funeral service gives them permission to begin the long journey to recovery. This is
no time for a long, drawn-out service. A few well-planned comments will accomplish more than a
long, rambling message.
Prepare for the Graveside Service
In most places the pastor should walk ahead of the casket from the hearse to the graveside. There
the pastor should read a Scripture, offer a few words of comfort, and pray. Following his prayer,
the pastor should say a personal word of comfort to the immediate family.
Make Follow-up Contacts After the Funeral
Don't forget to continue ministry after the funeral. During the stressful days of the funeral, life is
busy, and lots of family members are usually nearby. Two weeks or a month after the funeral,
things are quiet, and reality sets in. The wise pastor will realize that a contact from him may be
more needed then than it was on the day of the death.

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How to Give an Effective Evangelistic Invitation
The sermon is ready. You have studied the text. Illustrations are in place. Your introduction will
lead the congregation right into the truth God has placed on your heart for this Sunday. But is your
preparation really complete?
What about the invitation? How will you transition from the conclusion of your sermon into the
time of commitment? Here are a few tips that may be helpful.
Prepare spiritually.— God is surely dealing with someone who will hear your sermon. Certainly
you will seek His guidance concerning the message. It is just as important to pray and seek His
leadership about how the commitment opportunity will be presented.
Make the invitation clear.— Assume that people will be present who do not understand our
Christian language. Even a child who is familiar with church talk may not really understand it. In
fact, adults who have heard religious terms all their lives will find it easier to respond when clear,
understandable language is used.
Tell people what they must know.— Near the conclusion of the message, restate the essential facts
people must have to make an informed decision. If the message is evangelistic, state the essentials
of salvation.
Tell people what action they should take.— If you want people to come forward during the singing
of the invitation hymn and tell you about their decision or commitment, tell them so. Sometimes
this is not as clear as we preachers think. For example, if the instrumentalists are playing softly,
the newcomer may not know whether to come during this soft music or to wait for the choir to
sing again. Tell them what they should say if they come forward and "take you by the hand." Be
specific.
Tell people what will happen when they come forward.— Present your invitation as if you were
preaching to people who have never before been in a church service. If you or someone will pray
with them at the altar, tell them so. If you will briefly greet them and someone else will take them
to an inquiry room (be careful about using the terms counseling or counselor), tell them.
Give the invitation boldly.— Expect a response to the invitation. You are inviting people to Christ.
You are inviting people to a renewed commitment to Him or to meaningful participation in His
church. Clarify in your own thinking the invitation you are giving, then give it without hesitation
or apology.
Prepare the people to expect and understand the invitation.— A public invitation to respond to
Jesus is foreign to many who will hear your message. Make clear statements well in advance of
actually offering the invitation. Consider a word of explanation in the bulletin or worship guide.
Use music appropriately during the invitation.— Use familiar hymns. This is not the time to learn
a new text or tune. If choir or soloists are used, be sure it is done in a way that does not draw
attention to the person or persons singing. Prearrange signals for quick, clear communication
between you and the minister of music.

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Invite people to pray at the altar.— Invite your people to come forward for prayer during the
invitation. Unless you use an inquiry room, consider praying at the altar with those who come
forward. If you use the altar, others will feel more free to pray there. (If you are a single staff
pastor, be sure someone else is available to receive those who come forward while you are praying
at the altar.)
Personalize the invitation.— People come to Christ one at a time. Speak as if you were speaking
to one person about Jesus. Ask the audience to listen as though you were speaking directly and
exclusively to them.