THE CHALLENGE OF FUNERALS
Funeral: can present a challenge for pastors.
Imagine you are asked to conduct a funeral for a rather powerful but inactive member of your church who everyone knows is a rich, immoral, self-centered petty tyrant.
So what would you like to say in a funeral such as this?
YOUR PRIVATE FANTASY
We are gathered for the funeral service of George H. Booth.
In the name of the Gospel, we are urged to speak the truth.
He was not active in this church’s life,
I’m told that he joined just to please his sixth wife.
George’s life, to be honest, was an utter disgrace;
Though we are told he died with a smile on his face.
In fact, we are told that George died peacefully in bed.
Or at least that is what the flight attendant who was with him said.
Six marriages and multiple affairs
Didn’t leave George much time for saying his prayers.
He was clearly a liar, a scoundrel, and a cheat.
He never met a sin he didn’t want to repeat.
Someone just remarked on how nice it is that now George is in a heavenly place.
If that is so, it is proof that truly we are saved by grace.
LAUGHTER CAN BRING SOME RELIEF FROM STRESS
OK, I would highly recommend that you NOT do this, BUT I’d bet just fantasizing this in private might give you some relief as you face the real struggles of ministry. I learned a long time ago that during the grief process is no time to try to educate people in truth and faith. You have to do the best you can with what you have, but occasionally in private, you can have yourself a good laugh.
Some of my best comments at a wedding …
For a Golfer with a great reputation: “…no matter what, he lived life, playing it where it lies.”
For an Ego Narcissist “And now we will hear another blue eyed guy sing, ‘I did it my way.'”
At a grave side with a lot of people, for a guy in town everybody loved, who had a comment he often used. At the end of the graveside message and prayer, I said, “And Charlie told all of us that it wouldn’t be over til the fat lady sings.” Uproarious laughter followed.
Last week three musical virtuosos, at their mothers funeral requested some very special choral arrangements for the service, I said, “This isn’t a funeral service, it’s a requiem mass.”
Some of my best comments at a wedding …
For a Golfer with a great reputation: “…no matter what, he lived life, playing it where it lies.”
For an Ego Narcissist “And now we will hear Tony Bennet