Stewarton Bible School FAQ

SBS   FAQ

Funeral Service

In a world experiencing unprecedented disasters, it is wise for all church leaders to be able to step in and conduct a funeral service should the emergency arise. I trust that these Notes will prove useful at such a time. As you know every funeral service is unique; so there are no hard and fast rules as to how a funeral service should be conducted. Nevertheless these Notes will give you some idea as to the Order of Service I use in Scotland.

1. HYMN: This should be a favourite of the deceased or of the bereaved family; and, if possible, one that is also known by the audience.

2. PRAYER

3. BIBLE READING/S: Listed below are a few examples I have used in the past. Choose one or more or even your own favourite.

4. WELCOME

5. RECALL NOTABLE EVENTS
Before the funeral service collect stories, sayings and details of memorable events involving the deceased. Then make a real effort at the service to recount those treasured memories. For example:

If he/she had a sense of humour, recall amusing incidents. Do not be afraid of making the audience smile or even laugh. A funeral, bear in mind, is not journey's end. It's simply the end of the journey on this section of the Highway of Life.

6. SERMON ... DEATH IS SIMPLY A SLEEP
Speak on Scriptures such as those listed below. Impress on your audience the reality of the resurrection. The Christian faith is founded on the fact that Jesus (Yeshua) died for our sins and rose from the grave! And that all who believe on him will also rise from their graves and live for all time! These are absolute facts. Preach them!

The Apostle Paul writes further in:
1 Cor.15: 51: Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52: In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53: For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54: So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
55: O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
56: The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law
57: But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58: Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
No matter what else you may forget, do not forget to preach about the Resurrection; that Jesus(Yeshua)is the resurrection and the life and that all who believe on him, even though they be dead, will rise from their graves to live again. This fact must be the foundation of your sermon because it is the Blessed Hope. If you do not preach it, all your other thoughts and words, however worthy, will not give the bereaved the comfort - Truth alone can give.

7. CLOSING HYMN

8. CLOSING PRAYER

9. INVITATION to guests to come back to the home - or hotel for refreshments (if applicable).


AT THE GRAVESIDE

1. PRAYER

2. BIBLE READING 1 Cor.15:51-58 (see above)

3. COMMITTAL Words such as the following may be used before lowering the coffin:

As the coffin is lowered into the grave, read a short portion of Scripture.

4. READING ... PSALM 23

  1. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
  2. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
  3. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
  4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
  5. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over
  6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

5. CLOSING PRAYER

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Bear in mind that these Notes provide only brief guidelines. You may add a poem, musical item, have a family member say a few words on behalf of the bereaved relatives or sing a hymn or two at the graveside. It's up to you and the close family to decide what best suits the occasion.

'May God be with you'   is my prayer.

Elder: David B Loughran


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November 1998 www.rmplc.co.uk/eduweb/sites/sbs777/faq/funeral.html
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