Page 74 - Pastoral Ministries -Student Textbook

Tip #4: What to Do During the Funeral Home Visit

1. Try to visit with the family during the scheduled funeral home visitation.
A. If possible, meet with the family for a few minutes prior to their viewing
the body for the first time.
B. This is a very emotional time for the family as the reality of death sinks
in even more deeply.
C. This is especially important if a widow or widower and the deceased
does not have extended family or strong church support.

2. At some point, you must address whether the family wants to close the casket
before or after the service.

3. Seek to give guidance about designating gifts as memorials to the church or a
favorite charity or ministry. This provides a living legacy for the deceased.

Tip #5: What to Do During the Service

1. Meet the family in a side room in the church for prayer and encouragement is good to tell them, if you
can, how much their loved one meant to you, outline the service, join hands, and pray.

2. Precede the family into the service, have the audience rise until the family has been seated, and then ask
everyone else to be seated.

3. Welcome everyone to the service. Remind them that the purpose of our gathering is to honor Christ and
the loved one who has died, as well as to encourage the family.

4. Following this is a good place to read the obituary if so desired.

Tip #6: What to do When Concluding the Service

1. Give clear direction about plans for immediately after dismissal. Does the family want one last private
time with the body? Will there be a reception? Will there be a private burial or is all welcome to attend the
committal?

2. Walk in front of the casket if it is carried out of the church. Stand at reverent attention while the casket is
placed in the hearse at the gravesite.

Tip #7: What to Do at the Graveside?

1. make sure the presider is clear enough for those tasked with speeches and laying of wreaths get the
message
2. Walk before the casket to the appointed place.
3. Stand where the head of the casket is to rest.
4. Wait until everyone is in place before beginning.
5. Speak loudly as being outside absorbs sound quickly.
6. Sometimes the family will desire that a chorus or familiar song by sung.
7. Keep the ceremony short. A passage of Scripture on the resurrection and / or the second coming is
appropriate. Pray a brief prayer of committal after lowering the casket in the grave
8. If other additions to the graveside ceremony are planned, you may want them to go first.
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