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Funeral Sermons

Discussion in 'Pastoral Ministries' started by TomVols, Nov 17, 2005.

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  1. TomVols

    TomVols New Member

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    Paul Powell, in his "Minister's Manual," suggests that the pastor keep a half dozen or so funeral messages ready to go at a minute's notice so that the busy pastor is not caught off guard by a funeral. Obviously, you never just preach a sermon repeatedly at a funeral impersonally verbatim. But the major gist is pretty well set. I practice this in my ministry. I have some passages I preach from, and can add some personal things that personalize each sermon.
    Do you do this?

    How long is your typical funeral sermon?

    Do you include a gospel appeal to the unsaved and/or "rededication appeal" (Oh I hate that phrase)? Do you include a formal invitation to "walk the aisle"? (Another phrase I hate) [​IMG]

    My practice is to preach about 10 minutes, absolutely no more than 15. Grieving people can't hang on longer than that. I present the gospel in such a way as to tell the unsaved how to be saved and the straying one to come home. Above all, I preach to comfort the hurting and point them to the Great Physician who heals body and soul.
     
    #1 TomVols, Nov 17, 2005
  2. USN2Pulpit

    USN2Pulpit New Member

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    I use a manual also, and build a funeral sermon using appropriate elements that are presented in it. Like you, I try to make it personal also, so that they will not be "cookie-cutter" type sermons. None will be the same, but some will have similar elements.

    The longest I've ever gone with a funeral sermon was about 15 minutes. At the same time I want to honor their dear departed, I don't want to take it too long either. I will always give the gospel message - one way or another, but I don't give a "formal" invitation. However, on the last funeral I did, a sixteen year old girl came to know the Lord right there in the funeral chapel.
     
    #2 USN2Pulpit, Nov 18, 2005
  3. PastorSBC1303

    PastorSBC1303 Active Member

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    My typical funeral message is about 15-20 mins.

    If it is a church member I normally will have something unique to them.

    If it is a lost person I didnt know, I focus on John 14 and the comfort that can only come through knowing the way, the truth and the life.

    If it is a saved person I did not know I focus on 2 Timothy 4 and the testimony of a dying Christian.

    And no matter what I share the gospel and call for a personal response on the behalf of all those present.
     
    #3 PastorSBC1303, Nov 18, 2005
  4. TomVols

    TomVols New Member

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    USN, I don't use a manual. I just got the idea for having some funeral sermons ready to go from Paul Powell's manual. Just for whatever that's worth [​IMG]
     
    #4 TomVols, Nov 18, 2005
  5. blackbird

    blackbird Active Member

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    I don't use a manual either! My messages are typically 15-20 minutes in lenght usually using certain themes or certain Bible characters that come to mind as I reflect on the person's life---for instance---I had one of my "Shut-In" ladies pass away this past April----she was one of my encouragers in ministry---so I spoke of Barnabas being an encourager--and kinda sorta revolved it around this lady's life.

    It depends on the person as to what text I use.
     
    #5 blackbird, Nov 18, 2005
  6. USN2Pulpit

    USN2Pulpit New Member

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    Yeah guys, I know - pretty weak using a manual, right? I'll admit that sometimes I need a little help organizing my thoughts in situations like that. I don't read from a manual at the funeral though, but I get a lot of ideas for when I prepare a message from it. Maybe when I get as much experience as you all... [​IMG]
     
    #6 USN2Pulpit, Nov 18, 2005
  7. All about Grace

    All about Grace New Member

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    I saw Adrian Roger's funeral lasted over 2 hours. Wow. That is a long funeral.
     
    #7 All about Grace, Nov 18, 2005
  8. Pastor Larry

    Pastor Larry <b>Moderator</b>
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    Typically my funeral sermon is 15-20, and I usually preach from John 11 about grief and glory. I always include a gospel appeal, and have some time of silent prayer at the end asking people to examine their own lives to see if they have the hope of Christ. I invite them to approach me afterwards with any questions they have.
     
    #8 Pastor Larry, Nov 18, 2005
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