Funeral Sermons that Proclaim and Celebrate

"I have been at too many funerals where the preacher talked extensively about the person without ever offering much in the way proclaiming our faith. At other times I have sat through intense reflections on biblical texts without having heard a word about the person whose funeral I was attending. These funeral sermons are written to proclaim a biblical message that addresses the mourners while also providing a celebration of the deceased. The proclamation portion is written with a place to put personal reflections about the deceased. These sermons are meant to be used in three different ways. The preacher can read the sermons and use bits and pieces to write their own sermon. In this way they serve as a place to start whether the sermon sparks a similar thought in the preacher or leads them to take an entirely different slant. The sermons can also be taken as is but tweaked to better fit the style and theology of the preacher. Use what can be used and change the rest. They can also be taken entirely as written with just the personal reflection added to make the celebration part speak to the mourners about the life they have come to grieve over and celebrate. These sermons tend to be short. I have found that with the personal reflection added they are a good length for a funeral service. They can certainly be expanded if the need is felt. If you read through these sermons and think, "I can do better than that" then I have done my job and I wish you well. However, as you use this resource I hope that it will be helpful in the very important ministry of proclaiming Gods truth while also celebrating the life of one whose departure from this life is being grieved"--