THE CHRISTIAN FUNERAL SERVICE

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.” Revelation 14:13

The Funeral Service (Home-Going Service) is conducted for the members of the family who survive after the death of a loved one. It is a time of mourning and memorial of the deceased, not for their benefit but for the living. The funeral service is an opportunity to lift the name of Jesus Christ, to reinforce the faith of the saints, and to witness to the unbeliever the love and grace of God.

The Pastor will conduct the funeral service for members of the congregation in the Sanctuary, and in some rare instances for family members. When special circumstances apply, the Pastor may conduct a funeral service for a person who is not a member of the congregation. The Funeral Service must be spiritually focused and only spiritually appropriate requests will be granted.

Notification

The Pastor, Church Office or the Servant Leader of the Deacons Ministry can be notified. The notification should be made as soon as possible. The Pastor will notify the congregation.

Scheduling and Planning

The Pastor will schedule the Funeral Service and will also be available to assist with the planning of the funeral service program. Funeral Services will be conducted at 10:00A.M. as a general practice. The viewing services will be conducted prior to the funeral service.

The participation of lodges and fraternal orders in the funeral service is not permitted at anytime. As a Christian Church our loyalty and focus is to Christ and His Lordship. Therefore, lodges and fraternal orders will not be allowed to dictate, control, or influence the Christian Funeral Service.
If lodges and fraternal orders must have services (at the family’s request), those services must be held at the home or the funeral home, and completed before the scheduled time of the funeral. Once the casket enters the Sanctuary the mortician is no longer in charge, but must take direction from the Pastor.

The Pastor or a ministry designate will be available to assist the family, if needed, with the construction of the program; also to offer any other assistance and considerations for the composition of the obituary.
The family may request that clergy who are family members, pastors or friends participate in the service. At the family’s request, remarks, tributes or words of comfort may be offered. Organ and piano accompaniment will be provided for the service. The selection of music may be made by the family, as long as it is spiritually appropriate for the House of the Lord.

The Order of the Service

The Pastor or his designee will conduct the funeral service following the program as printed. In general and according to customary practice the casket will be closed before the service begins. The casket will then be opened for the final viewing after the Eulogy. The Recessional will follow immediately thereafter.

The Burial

With the direction of the Funeral Director, the Pastor or his designee will accompany the family to the cemetery for the conclusion of the funeral service and committal.

After Service

The Church will provide if requested, a Re-pass Dinner for the family in the Fellowship Hall after the burial service. This meal is prepared only for a minimum of twenty-five (25) persons, otherwise the family shall be requested to hold their gathering in the intimacy of their home. Re-passes are not held for Non-Member funerals.

Fees

For members of Keeping It Real Christian Fellowship in good standing there is no cost for the Christian Funeral Service and Re-pass. For Non-Members there is a fee for holding a funeral service in the church. This does not include the cost for an organist.