Page 48 - BMIN191 Beginnning Internship

48 Beginning Ministerial Internship: Student Manual

The Funeral Service

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up”
LESSON (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
2.3 In his writing to the Thessalonians, the apostle Paul offers words of comfort

and hope to the believers concerning their suffering and the loss of their loved

2.3.1 ones in Christ. He reminded them of God’s promises for those who believe in the
OBJECTIVE Son. Even those who die before the coming of the Lord will inherit the promise
Identify and define the of resurrection and eternal life. The Thessalonians were in obvious need of this
essential components assurance, as were the other churches that heard the reading of this epistle. They
of the funeral/memorial were at a point of doubt and discouragement.
service. Nearly two millennia later, Paul’s words still bring hope to those who have
believed in the Son. They still provide comfort amidst the questions that suffering
2.3.2 and death bring. These words are the best insulation against doubt and fear until
OBJECTIVE we see the final fulfillment of their promise.
Design a complete funeral/
memorial service. The minister is comforted by these very words and uses them as an agent
of comfort to others, especially in times of grief. While Paul tells us that we
2.3.3 do not sorrow as those who live outside of the promises, he does not eliminate
OBJECTIVE sorrow altogether. Christians suffer heartbreak and grief when those they love
Be prepared to conduct a die. They need words like Paul’s to help them find comfort at those times. Thus,
funeral / memorial service. ministering to a grieving family may be the ultimate challenge for a minister, but
it also holds some of the greatest potential for making a lasting difference.

A Theology of Death

Nature of Mortality
Scripture tells us that death will be the consistent experience of all humanity
until the return of Christ. Every one will face this last challenge to natural life.
But most people avoid such thoughts as long as possible—and certainly no one
should be preoccupied with them.

15 Why do many people Many see death as unfair. We do not wish to die, and we are often angry or
avoid thoughts of death? disillusioned when confronted with it through another’s death. Many do not
understand death, while others deny even wanting to. Still, a minister will spend
a significant amount of time explaining and reassuring others when their lives are
touched by the death of one who was near and dear to them.
To be effective in this area, a minister must have a clear theology of death.
First comes the need to understand that death is a universal experience. With the
exception of Enoch, Elijah, and those alive at the return of Christ, every individual
will experience death. Ignoring our mortality does not change or extend it.
Second, the minister must understand inconsistent timing of death. Some
individuals live nearly ten decades, while others experience death before their
first decade of life is complete. While we may feel it is unfair, we are forced to
acquiesce to the fact that no individual is promised a specific number of years.
This is the uncertainty of the nature of death.
Finally, the minister must have a clear sense of the power of death. In spite
of the amazing technological advances of our age, death remains an unstoppable
power. We can postpone death to certain extents, but we cannot eliminate
it. Death’s power is only overcome by resurrection—a greater power that is
possessed by God alone. Armed with these points of understanding, a minister is
better equipped to be helpful when individuals face this enemy.