This statement or a form of it has been declared one too many times by none other than . . . pastors.
Recently, while eating supper with a group of ministry leaders, I made the comment that I love officiating weddings AND funerals. The retired pastor across from me responded with a look of disgust and disdain while shaking his head.
Now, you might understand why I love to lead weddings yet wonder about funerals. Let me share some of my reasons with the hopes of encouraging you, pastor, to see these as a positive opportunity rather than a drudgery. If they have become mechanical to you, then hopefully this will encourage you to serve in the newness of Christ.
Weddings
- Discipleship—What a blessed opportunity to spend several sessions with a man and woman helping them understand this blessed gift from God as well as the biblical meaning of marriage.
- Gospel—Not only does marriage portray the gospel (Ephesians 5:18-33), but you have the opportunity to present the gospel at the wedding ceremony.
- Accountability—Having spent hours in pre-marital counseling, you are afforded the honor of being a counselor for this couple as they navigate through this journey of marriage. Furthermore, in your remarks to the couple and the congregation at the ceremony, you can challenge those gathered to be a God-glorifying example to the newlyweds and beyond in their years.
- Joy—By your example and demeanor during the pre-martial counseling, the rehearsal, and the wedding, you are displaying joy that God intended through the marriage relationship. (Proverbs 5:15-19)
Funerals
- Gospel—Hearts are more open to hear of the hope of the gospel (Romans 5-8; Colossians 1:27; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
- Comfort—Since hearts are tender and hurting, this is a blessed opportunity for the God of all comfort to work through the pastor to encourage the broken-hearted. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
- Community—Often, a funeral gives the local church the privilege of serving the grieving family through a meal or other means. (Romans 12:13)
- Compassion—Just being there says so much to a hurting family. Serve them with the love of Christ. (1 Peter 3:8)
- Genuine—Walk in the Spirit so the service is not mechanical but personal, heart-felt. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Weddings and funerals . . . Christ is the answer and the preeminent One in both! We are His messengers as He lives His life and preaches His truth through us. Therefore, whether in weddings or funerals, Christ is the issue, so surrender to Him as crucified servants. (Galatians 2:20)
Pastor, do you have a specific question about officiating weddings and/or funerals? I would love to help you with the practical “how to” of these events. Email me with your question (dalewaynecunningham@gmail) or leave it in the comments below. I will address it in a follow up post.
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