How to Do a Funeral Sermon
Delivering funeral sermons is never an easy task. Loved ones can be inconsolable, and the speaker does not want to offend those already suffering. Death is a concept which many do not understand, yet no one can avoid. Many cultures have had methods to commemorate the passing of one of their own, and many of today's cultures will hold a sermon, or commemoration of some type, for the individual they have lost.
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Instructions
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Discover to which religion the deceased felt most drawn, and take samples of scripture from the holy book to use in the sermon. Research the religious funeral beliefs of the deceased, as these beliefs should be incorporated into the sermon. Catholics, for example, will have more prayer in a funeral sermon than a Presbyterian parting.
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Interview the family members arranging the funeral for insights to the individual. Personal stories add a light touch to the funeral sermon. Integrate some of the individual's positive qualities and lighter antics into the sermon to create a sense of connection to the audience.
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Include some readings related to the life of the deceased, some favorite passages gathered from the family, or some anecdotes from the deceased person's past. Whether religious or non-religious in nature, passages and stories should commemorate the mark the person left on the world while living.
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References
- Photo Credit angel of death. image by Tom Oliveira from Fotolia.com
