“I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord”
John 11.25
Who Are Funeral Ministers?
Funeral Ministers are called to the ministry of caring for the bereaved. Those called to this ministry are likely to be experienced Lay Pastoral Assistants or Lay Worship Assistants seeking to develop their gifts and skills into caring for the bereaved and to officiating at funerals. Funeral Ministers are equipped and recognised to carry out this ministry on behalf of the church.
A Ministry of coming alongside
A Funeral Minister is called to support and travel with the bereaved on their journey of grief.
They will
- Visit the bereaved
- Assist families to prepare for funerals and memorial services
- Officiate at funerals
- Offer the gift of time and the ability to listen and come alongside in support and care
- Help build a fruitful and effective relationship with local funeral directors.
Exploring the call
Becoming a Funeral Minister often emerges out of an existing pastoral ministry or because of being asked to assist at or conduct a funeral service for someone already known to an individual. This may be the first step to an ongoing ministry with the bereaved and to leading funeral services and memorials on behalf of the church.
And just as a reminder
Resourcing and training for Funeral Ministry is a part of the Lay Ministries Pathway which is a flexible and responsive approach to training people called to Lay Ministry. Instead of asking the question “What course shall I do?”, it begins with a question of calling:
"What is God calling me to do, and what do I need to be equipped for it?"
"What is God calling you to do, and how can we support and equip you?"
Might this be the ministry you are being called to?
If you feel called to explore this ministry, visit Are you called to be a Funeral Minister?
Safeguarding notice
All those who go on to exercise ministry on behalf of the church are safely recruited following DBS checks and safeguarding training.
