Funeral and Graveside Services
Calvin Ratz
At a wedding, I may feel like a necessary accessory along with the flowers, rented tuxedos, and candles, but at a funeral, I sense people sincerely look to me for help. People are more open and responsive, appreciative of help given — more than at any other time.
Calvin Ratz
I love funerals. Not that I enjoy death, it's just that I agree with Solomon, who said, "It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting" (Eccles. 7:2). After talking and praying with the bereaved, I go home feeling I've made a difference; I've touched people at the point of their deepest need.
Burying the dead is part of pastoral turf. How we handle it goes a long way in determining our acceptance in a community and the depth of our spiritual impact on a congregation. Any strengths I muster can lose their power if I can't help people who are bereaved.
A well-handled funeral can be the best opportunity for genuine public relations a church and its pastor can have. It doesn't lead to instant church growth, but it breaks down barriers and builds an attitude of respect and appreciation. It's a positive point of contact with people who have drifted away from the church.
Whenever I've gone to a new congregation, I realize my first funeral is a chance to let the people see a side of me not obvious from the pulpit. Parishioners are initially skeptical about a new leader. They're wondering what the new pastor will be like and how much they can trust him. When they see me conduct a funeral service, people notice whether I care about them as individuals, even in their darkest moments.
Exciting and Exacting
These pastoral responsibilities are both exciting and exacting.
I consider them exciting because they provide opportunities to get ...
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 20,359 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
