Page 57 - BMIN191 Beginnning Internship

The Tasks of Ministry 57

16 How has your own view of life after death affected your understanding of death?
Personal response
17 What is missing when a minister focuses all effort on spiritual issues and fails to make much mention of the
deceased in his or her funeral service?
Such an approach may limit the minister’s ability to connect with the family in a way that can influence them
toward trust in God.

18 Should a minister present a difficult question, though it may provoke more weeping or sadness? Explain.
The minister should acknowledge difficult issues and care for the emotions of those who are grieving, but he or
she can lovingly help them face the issues that are most critical in their own hearts.

19 How might you approach a family who plans not to notify an estranged son of his father’s death?
The minister can seek to help the family see each individual’s need to say goodbye. The minister should
encourage the inclusion of all who will grieve the loss and encourage warring parties to maintain focus on their
feelings of loss.
20 How would you approach helping someone who seeks escape from grief by using alcohol or drugs?
Encourage the individual to see that he or she is only postponing the pain. Give the grieving attention and time
to help him or her in starting the grief journey.
21 How does the Bible’s admonition, “in your anger do not sin” (Ephesians 4:26), speak to this phase of grief?
Anger should be seen as a part of the grief process; however, the minister should not let hurting individuals hurt
others.

22 Why does the depression stage typically last longest?
It is the stage that requires us to find a way to face life without the deceased. It is the deepest emotional stage—
the one where we are actually facing our loss.

23 When is it too soon to return to normal life?
If the individual has avoided his or her emotions and not worked through the grief journey

24 Write an outline for a funeral service and a funeral message. Use the samples in Appendix B as a guide.
This will be a personal response but should be similar to the following:
ORDER OF SERVICE
Opening Song
Welcome & Prayer
Eulogy
Music
Remarks To Family
Prayer For Family
Music
Memorial Message
Prayer
Committal Service (at grave site)

MESSAGE OUTLINE
Sample 1: Theme—Questions We Must Consider
1. Why has this happened?—Hebrews 9:27; Ecclesiastes 3:1–5; Psalm 90:10–11; 1 Thessalonians 5:9
2. Where is the deceased today?—1 Corinthians 2:9; John 3:16; John 5:24
3. Am I ready for this day?—2 Samuel 12:23; John 1:12; Revelation 3:20
25 How does Jesus’ example help establish a frame of mind for guiding the grieving?
At the tomb of Lazarus, He grieved with the family even though He knew their tears would soon turn to joy.
Jesus did not ignore the emotions, but actually participated with them.