|
|
The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away;
blessed be the name of the Lord.
Job 1:21b
Philosophy and Policy of Christian Funerals at Mount Hope Baptist Church
In our efforts to assist you in properly planning the eulogistic services for your loved one, our church staff has prepared this information for your perusal and consideration.
I. The Christian Funeral
The Christian funeral is a worship service in which God's people witness to their faith in the hope of the Gospel, the communion of saints, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting and in which also a comforting assurance of God's love and salvation in Christ is ministered, especially to the Christian bereaved.
II. Towards an Understanding of the Christian Funeral
A funeral service at Mount Hope Baptist Church is worship of the true and living God. The funeral is God's way of bringing comfort to the hearts of those who mourn as scripture is read and preached, prayer is offered, praises are sung, grief is expressed, remembrance is cherished; and it is an occasion in which we, by the grace of God, bless the name of the One who gives and takes away.
The presence of family and friends around at this time serves to support and strengthen those who sorrow. The funeral gives thanks for life and lifts meaningful memories of lost loved ones helping us learn vital lessons from it.
Thus, in the funeral service, we gather primarily to worship God and confess our faith in a living Savior. Though we mourn our loss and remember our loved one, our focus is fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
III. Funeral Matters
1. While many choose the chapel at a funeral home for the memorial service, others prefer the church building where faith is nourished, marriage vows are made, children are baptized, communion is received, and prayers are offered by the people of God.
2. The practice of "viewing the remains" is generally customary in the Baptist Church. However, it is totally a family decision. Accordingly, the church will abide by the family's wishes. In rare instances the family may wish to have the casket kept closed.
3. Because fraternal or civil rites are not part of the worship service, these organizations should pay
tribute to the deceased at another hour and place.
4. Many people choose to have the memorial service before the burial; others have the burial before the service. Either approach is appropriate and the church makes no recommendation in this regard. Over the years Christians have generally shunned the practice of cremation.
5. When funerals are conducted at Mount Hope Baptist Church, staff ministers ordinarily conduct the eulogistic services in their entirety. The Senior Minister has sole responsibility and discretion in carrying out church funeral services. Consequently, outside eulogists are not encouraged to perform family funerals at MHBC. However, specially designated family clergy are welcome to offer expressions of condolences on behalf of the bereaved.
Only those special request (regarding things pertaining to the service itself, whether music or guest minister) which meet the approval of the officiating minister are
acceptable.
IV. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How soon after death must the funeral occur?
Christian tradition urges that burial occur as soon as possible after death, generally within three to five days.
However, it is customary to avoid burial on the Lord’s Day or on a religious holiday and time is often required for close family members to gather. Monday through Saturday is deemed appropriate.
2. Is there a cost for the use of the church? Only in cases where the member has become inactive or is a non-member will there be a cost to use the church for funeral purposes. In this instance a burial plot and sexton fee is also accessed. Please consult the Chairman of the Trustee Ministry for details.
3. What is the best place for a funeral? No one can answer that question for you. This suggestion is offered only to assist you in making a proper determination. Customarily, Christians prefer the church. The church is the sacred center for worship and the most familiar setting in which to contemplate God and sacred events such as communion and baptism.
Through the ages the church has been the gathering place of the saints for the preached word, where the Songs of Zion and the prayers of believers are lifted to God. These sacred memories comfort those who mourn. The church is open for you at any time that you wish to plan your service Monday through Saturday. It is your church and a Christian burial will not be denied anyone.
4. Does the pastor or his designee perform Graveside Services? Yes. Graveside services are often for simplicity and convenience and are sometimes the expressed wish of the deceased. The following are some issues you may want to consider in making graveside plans. You make wish to consider the forecast for wind, rain, snow or harsh summer temperatures. The time must be brief as to prevent prolonged standing. The ministry of comfort may be lost to physical stress and inclement weather.
5. Who should I call when a death occurs?
Family members should immediately contact the pastor for pastoral care services and the scheduling of eulogistic service. The pastor can provide invaluable spiritual and emotional support in a time of bereavement as God’s personal presence in the midst of loss.
V. Funeral Arrangement Do's and Don'ts
1. At no time should funerals be planned without first consulting the church. The schedule of the pastor and the church should be respectfully considered at all times in making eulogistic arrangements.
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
John 14:1
| |
|
![]() |
