A Pastor's Practical Guide to Funerals

This straight-forward book integrates the pragmatic how to of the funeral process--especially in dealing with difficult funerals--with the art of beingacaring and healingpresence before, during, and after the funeral. While conducting a funeral is one thegreat privileges of ministry, pastors must be skilled and ready to guidegrieving family and friends through theprocess of saying goodbye and burying a loved one. With sample services, prayers, sermon themes, and Bible readings, this book willhelppastorshear, name, and integrate relevantillustration into a respectful story of the deceased's life--a story that is appropriate to the particular circumstances of each situation. Contents include: Preparing for Death Caring through Anticipated Death Caring through Sudden Death Meeting with Family before the Funeral Service Creating the Funeral Service Creating the Funeral Sermon Following up with Grievers