What should a Christian funeral be like?

Quick answer

Being able to mourn the death of a loved one and yet focusing on the hope that comes from Christ should be a part of a Christian funeral. Even in our sorrow, a Christian funeral serves as an opportunity to testify to the hope found in God.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

A Christian funeral is distinguished by its undercurrent of joy based on the knowledge that the deceased is now with the Lord. For believers in Christ, death is not the ultimate goodbye but rather a temporary separation until they are reunited again in heaven with the Lord. This understanding offers hope even during the difficult time of grief associated with a funeral. While tremendous sadness may be involved and the person is greatly missed, hope remains. Both mourning the loss of a believer and focusing on the future hope of seeing them again are important for a Christian funeral.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

Ecclesiastes 3 acknowledges that mourning is a natural and necessary part of life (see verses 1 and 4). It validates grief while reminding us that there is a time for mourning but also a time for hope and joy, which fits with the Christian understanding of death as a temporary separation.

Psalm 34:18 emphasizes God's comforting presence during times of grief. A Christian funeral should reflect this comfort.

Death is not the final separation for believers. In 2 Samuel 12:23, David expresses the hope of being reunited with his loved one in the afterlife, which can be a source of comfort in a Christian funeral.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

Scripture teaches that to live is Christ and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21). The believer's friends and family will understandably mourn the loss of their loved one, yet they do so with hope because of the promises of God.

In 1 Thessalonians 4, the apostle Paul addressed the issue of Christ's return, including how to think about believers who have already died. Verse 13 teaches, "But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep [dead], that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope." This emphasis on hope includes two aspects. First, we can rejoice that the believer who dies is now with Christ. Second, we can embrace hope that the dead in Christ will rise first and we will one day be reunited with them for eternity (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18).

Our future hope should not belittle the loss of a loved one. Romans 12:15 teaches us to "weep with those who weep." When we mourn with those who mourn, we can truly assist those experiencing the loss of a loved one. Part of our mourning with them is attending to their practical needs, such as assisting with funeral details or providing meals. But one of the most helpful things to the person who has lost a loved one is to have another friend who will sit and weep with them. Genuinely sharing in the loss and heartache of those who are mourning is one way we communicate the love of God and function as the family of Christ.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

A Christian funeral should be a blend of mourning and hope, reflecting the understanding that death is not the end for a believer but a temporary separation until they are reunited with Christ. A Christian funeral should reveal both of those truths. Even in our sorrow, a Christian funeral serves as an opportunity to testify to God's hope. Prayer and Scripture offer much comfort and can be utilized to emphasize the hope of the believer. Psalm 23, for example, is often read during funerals to emphasize God's presence with us during difficult times. Prayers and songs also offer additional ways to remember God's help and hope during difficult times. Remembering the person’s life, how they have impacted you, and how God was seen and magnified in their life are all special ways to honor the person at their funeral.

A Christian funeral can serve as a way to help non-believers reflect on their own eternity. It is not uncommon to hear of family members or friends believing in Christ during a funeral because of the testimony of the person who passed away or something shared during the funeral ceremony. Even in the most difficult of times, God can work to bring new life to those who still seek Him.

UNDERSTAND

A Christian funeral will allow space and time to grieve the loss of a loved one.

A Christian funeral will point to the hope of Christ.

A Christian funeral can testify to God’s goodness and plans for humanity after death.

REFLECT

How can you fully mourn the loss of a loved one while also finding comfort in the hope of Christ?

In times of grief, how can you remind yourself of the promises of God, particularly the hope of resurrection?

How does the hope of eternal life with Christ affect your perspective on death and funerals?

ENGAGE

How do we, as believers, ensure that funerals reflect both healthy, godly mourning and our hope in Christ's promises?

What role can Scripture and prayer play in comforting those grieving the loss of a loved one during a funeral service?

How can a Christian funeral serve as an opportunity for non-believers to reflect on their own eternity and consider the hope we have in Christ? What elements would you like present at your funeral to do that?