Because there are so many things to plan and logistics to prepare, isn’t it uncommon for the pastor to have all his words ready, the planned service, all in place, the revised ceremonial details and realize that an essential element has been neglected?shepherd’s heart. Do not enslave yourself to the tyranny of the preparation of the funeral, but stay and lead with an empty, exhausted and indifferent heart. Don’t underestimate the emotional and mental exhaustion of comforting mourners during the preparation and holding of a funeral. Therefore, there are three, areas in which the pastor must devote time and prepare his heart, mind, and soul.
Just when you think you’ve seen it all, the next funeral reveals that it wasn’t, even if you’ve seen fights, arrests, uncontrollable cries, relatives and people carrying the passed-out coffin, coffins falling and opening up, heated conflicts between families and funeral administrators, or mourning costumes that would embarrass most people, these experiences don’t mean that the next funeral will fit in any way. , so get ready to see it all. Prepare to have the dumbest answer to something you say. Prepare to help families at their worst. This will allow you to think clearly and sensibly when something unexpected happens.
- While there is much to administer.
- Manage.
- And facilitate.
- You are not the funeral doorman; he is a minister of the word of God and a preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Prepare your heart.
- Mind.
- And soul.
- As you always should.
- So that when you stand before the people at the beginning of the funeral.
- You will administer the word of God.
- Trusting that God will act powerfully through your word.
You are not at funerals to resolve family disputes or to help the funeral home learn how to act more easily. He is here to clearly present to each person the hope we have beyond sin and death, thanks to Christ. You can better prepare by thinking about who will be at the funeral. Think about the kinds of questions you might ask family members to evaluate their spiritual condition as you speak to them. Ask questions before the time of the words you have prepared to share, so that gospel opportunities become apparent in these conversations.
It is necessary to have the role of administrator and facilitator during the process, this will serve as a useful companion to handle all the details and requirements that always accompany the funeral, however, in short, you are a pastor and an evangelist called by the High Shepherd to prepare and conduct a funeral for the dead as “a dying preacher for the dying”. Prepare and organize a funeral knowing that the mourners are wounded, yearn for loving care, and should regard Jesus as their only hope.
By: Brian Croft. © Practical Shepherding, Inc. Website: practicshepherding. com. Translated with permission. Source: What are the 3 ways a pastor can prepare his or her heart before a funeral?
Original: 3 ways to prepare a funeral. © Faithful Ministry. Website: MinisterioFiel. com. br. All rights reserved. Translation: Camila Rebeca Teixeira. Review: André Alosio Oliveira da Silva.