Dan S. Lloyd. Leading Today’s Funerals: A Pastoral Guide for Improving Bereavement Ministry. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, October 1st 1997. 126 pp.
4 out of 5
Purchase: Amazon
I read the kindle version of this book in preparation for my first funeral that I will be doing as a pastor. I had to read this pretty quick given the situation. I am glad I did as it was helpful. I read this work and took lots of notes from it. This was a book that I wished I read in seminary.
After the foreword and introduction the book consists of eight chapters, an epilogue and three appendixes. The first chapter covered understanding the purposes of a funeral, the second was on preparation for the service with the family while the third was on orchestrating a meaningful service. The fourth chapter was on working with the funeral home, the fifth on handling funeral of a Non-Christian, the sixth was on presenting the Gospel with the seventh on difficult funeral services and finally the last chapter was on caring for those mourning after the funeral. A funeral interview form, funeral checklist and sample funerals also followed in the appendixes.
I found the chapter on difficult funeral services very helpful. It got me thinking about difficult deaths that I might have to officiate over in the future. The chapter discuss suicide, death of infants and murder. The author’s discussion about those who try to use 1 Corinthians 3:17 as proof text that those who commit suicide are certainly lost for eternity was extremely helpful and I think he conclusively demonstrate that the passage does not teach that. In addition the chapter on funerals for non-Christians was also helpful. It reminded readers that while we don’t want to deceive people that the person is a Christian still we must preach the Gospel about the hope we have right now for those who are living to trust in Jesus Christ. Yet the book also talked about doing this as compassionately as possible. I found it helpful the book’s suggestion to read both Revelation 21:1-5 and Revelation 22:1-5 of what does the Bible has to say about what heaven looks like.
While the book doesn’t answer everything it at least got me thinking about doing funerals. I also appreciated the author’s emphasis on preachers preaching the Gospel during funerals. I think other readers will appreciate it immensely as well.
The Domain for Truth 
Your review reminded me of what a difficult job pastors have at funerals, especially in difficult circumstances or when the deceased never publicly professed faith in Christ. Of course funeral services are a prime opportunity to preach the Gospel. I’m glad you found this book helpful.
Yeah. Fortunately this first funeral I will be doing is for a strong Christian and everyone knows she’s a believer which helps me to preach the Gospel. Truth be told I think evangelism is hard in general and I say this as an evangelist who preach the Gospel every week in college campuses and evangelistic pastoral visitation. I know you have some upcoming evangelistic opportunities yourself from your email. Tom please know I am praying for you and for all the people involved.
Thanks for your prayers, Jimmy!
Did the book suggest a copy either in writting or auto for the family to review later.? Having been through this several time I think it would be nice. The period of grief doesn’t remember much of the service.
That is a good idea you mentioned. It did not mention giving the written sermon outline later but it did talk about recording the funeral in audio or video format. Was the funeral for your husband recorded in any way? Just prayed for you and thinking of you Beverly.
No. And Thank your for your prayers…still needed. Daddy fell twice Sunday and again twice on Wednesday. He is having a hard time understanding he must use the wheelchair. Walkers are out of the question now.It is kinda hard to understand why our God takes some and leaves others.
That sounds like a good book. I’ve officiated at a number of funerals over the years and was once actually told that I do my best work at funerals. Generally i focus on the faith of the deceased and the promises he or she believed, and I draw attention to the saving work of Jesus and his promises of a place in Paradise, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. On the rare occasions when i agreed to conduct a funeral for someone who was not a church member, I admitted not knowing their faith but proceeded to share the same promises. God’s blessings to you and your service. J.
Wow you have been told you done your best work at funerals? For some reason that comment is really helpful for me to hear right now as I approach my first funeral and I’m planning it right now. Thank you so much for your helpful comment J, I really appreciate it more than you might realize.
Jim, during and after your preparation, trust the Holy Sprit to fill you and speak His words through you. I know that you can handle the compassionate part, for that is your nature. Rest in the Lord and anticiplate a blessing for this first time in your ministry. I have the order for my memorial service documented, using Psalm 73:22-26 for the sermon. Jerry and I both plan for graveside services whenever we die, and memorial services soon after. This relieves the pressure of extra cost for appearances, expensive coffins and clothes, etc. The family will have more time to visit with each other and friends over a meal afterward. Ours will not be a funeral service but a time of celebration, leaving a legacy of the Lord’s grace in our lives to children and grandchildren and their families. You will be a blessing as you have been to all who know you. Thank you sharing your ministry with us.
Wow Frances thank you for that comment. This really stood out to me: “. Ours will not be a funeral service but a time of celebration, leaving a legacy of the Lord’s grace in our lives to children and grandchildren and their families.” What a legacy you guys have imparted to your family already and continue to be a light to so many. Also I will be checking my email now. I’ve had a lot going on Friday and this weekend
Blessings as you impart the Word of God to His people.
It’s hard for me to imagine how difficult it must be for a pastor to lead a funeral today.
I must admit this was harder for me to think about and try to plan than I originally thought. And I’m saying this as someone who evangelizes weekly. Something about death that makes it more sobering
Thanks for your ministry and the difficult work of presiding over funerals. My brother-in-law did my dads funeral and what a blessing he was. I am sure your comfort will mean so much to all involved.
Blessings, grace and peace from King Jesus.
Thanks for that encouragement with you telling me about your brother in law doing your father’s funeral. That was immensely encouraging to hear Michael!
Blessings to you. Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome! May you have a blessed Lord’s Day today, if I’m correct with my guess about what time it is in Australia…
5.10 PM in Sydney on this amazing Lord’s Day. A lady we witness to during our street ministry a few weeks ago was saved after the morning service today. Praise God.
WOW!!!! Praise God! I rejoice with you! Praise the Lord, that made my night here where I live (11:16 PM Saturday).
Even though I am not a pastor, I have conducted quite a few funerals, mainly for people I knew. I wish I had had a book to tell me the order of a funeral but the funeral directors were very helpful. One of my main goals in a funeral is always to get a good laugh out of the congregation to break the grief process. It is then that I slip in the Word of God.
Good method; joyful laugh and when they open up bring in the Word of God!