Page 72 - Pastoral Ministries -Student Textbook

The places of burial are divided. Where the children are buried is not the same place for adults. Before carrying a
body to a specific place, some men go first in order to prepare a place (digging a grave according to the size of
the deceased body). The family at home stays with the body and they perform all their rituals before they carry
the body to the burial site. They begin the journey with the body for burial. Others they go with a vehicle usually
an open van and all the vehicles move slowly. The family may assign one man to be in front of the vehicles for
some miles with a small cross in his hand as a signal. On their journey, they sing some solemn songs which are
only sung in such situations. When they arrive, they put the coffin with the body in the grave, and the family
starts putting soil on the coffin and then the men came in to finish the burial. After that, some family members
plant some flowers and others do not, and others build a special tombstone as an identity. All this is happening
while some are crying. When everything is over after some time according that tribe or culture, they do a
traditional parting gesture that would deliver the deceased to their eternal home.

Christian burials
Most African funerals are like the one described above. But if Christ is a part of the process, Christians
encourage one another with the Word of God. Christians do not practice the godless rituals. The pastor
preaches the message of God during burial. They do not include cultural myths for their dead person because
they know that their brother/ sister is with the Lord Jesus. While a funeral brings comfort to a grieving family, it
is also time to where all share the glorious hope of Christ Jesus.

The following are practical pointers that have served pastors well when someone dies in the church.

The pastor is integrally involved in the funeral service. He at times of great grief offers a message from heaven.
His very presence and prayers are an immeasurable blessing. Without him those grieving are lost like a blind
man groping around in the darkness. His presence causes others to lifted up Light of Life, the grieving are
consoled. At funerals, the man of God must speak the message of God. Perhaps more than any other time,
those in attendance at a funeral will hear the message of God like never before. While a funeral brings comfort
to a grieving family, never forget that it is also time to share the glorious hope of Christ Jesus. Pastors should
always share the Gospel for the sake of those who are lost and to encourage those who have lost their relative
or friend.

The following are practical pointers that have served pastors well in conducting funerals:

Tip #1: What to Do on Receiving Notification of a Death

1. See the family as soon as possible at the home, hospital, or emergency room
a. Pray with them.
B. Listen to them.
C. Lend your shoulder
D. Don’t use phrases as, “It must be God’s will,” or that “God must have
needed another angel in heaven.”
E. Remember your presence is what counts

2. Seek a family member or close family friend with whom you can talk.
A. Find someone who is not so emotionally distraught
B. Begin discussing some preliminary planning for the next steps to be taken

3. Schedule to go back the next day or two to plan the memorial service

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