FUNERAL PROCEDURE
The visitation of the sick and the attendance to funerals constitutes a vital part of pastoral duties. Attended to faithfully, pastors gains a ready access to the hearts of their people in a very intimate way as they minister in prayer, counsel, and consolation in times of difficulty.
NOTICE OF DEATH
On receiving word of the death of a person, the minister should arrange a time as soon as possible and convenient to the family and relatives to offer their condolence and assistance. Usually the minsiter will find an opening into people’s hearts in a way that is not possible at other times.
POINTS TO CONSIDER
You should ascertain:
1. The requests of the relatives in arrangements as much as possible giving advice in Christ-like gentleness.
2. The name of the Undertaker.
3. The Cemetery or Crematorium.
4. The time of the funeral.
5. Type of Service
6. Names of those wanting to speak at the Service
7. Is there going to be a screen presentation, photos, etc and who is producing it?
8. Is a handout being produced?
Generally the Undertaker will arrange the placing of notices in the paper, but the minister should offer to help by advising relatives of the death, etc.
THE SERVICE
The minister should arrange the order of service at the church or funeral parlour and at the grave side in accordance with the relatives’ wishes, i.e. hymns or no hymns, short or lengthy service, family members who would like to take part in service etc., and a sense of propriety.
The order of service at the church may be more flexible than at a parlour.
The following is a guide to the order:
1. Reading of Scriptures
2. Prayer
3. Hymn / Songs
4. Eulogy
5. Remarks on the occasion – condolence, etc.
6. Sermon – This should be very brief (10 mins.)
7. Lord’s Prayer or Benediction - some do not pronounce the Benediction until the conclusion of the committal service at the grave site.
The congregation standing, the pastor precedes the coffin out of the church to the hearse. He also precedes the coffin from the hearse to the grave side. He should stand at the head of the grave to conduct the committal service.
CREMATION SERVICE
The same general order given for burial may be used. Instead of the words “We commit the body to the ground” the words “We commit the body to the elements” may be substituted.
On completion of the service, it is a good procedure to close in prayer and benediction, and while the heads of all are bowed in prayer, to press the button or switch which remove the coffin or draws the curtains so that when you have pronounced the benediction the coffin is no longer visible to the mourners.
The minister should go straight to the closest relative and stand with and offer comfort before leaving the Crematorium.
OTHER HELPFUL ADVICE
It is proper to speak personally to the principal mourners both before and after the service.
Sometimes it is helpful to personally mention mourners directly in the prayers and to sensitively speak into their grief.
After the service, a few kind words can be an opportunity for further spiritual ministry.
Traditionally, the minister should, if possible, be dressed in a dark suit and tie.
Care should be taken, to use spiritual and reliable assistants and the whole proceedings should be carefully arranged to run without a hitch.
It is bad taste and policy for a minister to dwell on the most sorrowful circumstances in order to make the service affecting and impressive. The most distressing parts, if referred to, should be mentioned tenderly and for the purpose of giving counsel or consolation.
The virtues of the departed may be appropriately mentioned if they have been conspicuous; but not in extravagant terms. Remarks at such time are for the living and it is a unique opportunity to present the gospel.
Modern funerals came be more creative than the past and the minister should be careful to check the details of such things as the selection of music, eulogies, and media presentations to ensure that they are tasteful and consistent with a Christian funeral.
Ordained ministers, Licenced and Specialised ministers may conduct funerals. There are legal papers to be signed which will be in the possession of the Undertaker.
Where no Undertaker is engaged, e.g. in an isolated country area, the Clerk of Petty Sessions, or Senior Police Officer should be contacted for instructions.
The pastor should call on the nearest relatives soon after the funeral day, generally the following day to check on how they are doing. Also ensure there is appointed pastoral care team members who will continue to follow up the family during the ongoing weeks after the funeral
If the family is part of the church family ensure church care members are alerted and are ready to provide meals as required.
You don’t necessarily have to wait until a death occurs before ascertaining procedure!
If you are unsure of matters, the funeral director will generally be of great assistance if you communicate with them.