Ministering

the master’s way

Conduct gospel-centered funerals:

Applying the gospel at the unique challenges of death

Brian Croft and Phil A. Newton

©Day One Publications 2011

First printed 2011

Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)

A CIP record is held at the British Library

ISBN 978-1-84625-266-2

Published by Day One Publications, Ryelands Road, Leominster, HR6 8NZ

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Cover designed by Wayne McMaster

To our fathers:

Bill Croft and

Joe E. Newton

Contents

Brian’s Preface

Phil’s Preface

Introduction

1 Plan (Phil Newton)

2 Prepare (Brian Croft)

3 Preach (Phil Newton)

4 Perform (Brian Croft)

Appendix A Examples of Funeral Sermons (Phil Newton)

Appendix B Examples of Fitting Eulogies (Brian Croft)

Appendix C Examples of Appropriate Music (Phil Newton with Jim Carnes)

Appendix D Examples of Orders of Funeral Services (Brian Croft)

for Further help and Information

Brian’s Preface

Phil should solely have written this book. Phil grew up around a funeral home and was raised by a faithful father who was a funeral director and taught him to care for people in this everyday context. Phil conducted his first funeral before I was born and was in the trenches of pastoral ministry before I was potty-trained. Needless to say, Phil has graciously allowed me to ride on his coattails to be included with him in this book. So then, allow me this moment to say “thank you” to Phil for his kind, humble, and inclusive spirit in approaching this project.

I must confess, I think I found myself more excited to work with Phil, learn from a seasoned pastor, and create an excuse for us to fellowship together, than I was to write another book. Nevertheless, I am grateful that in the Lord’s kindness all those expectations were met in addition to this book being completed, and we trust that the Lord will use it as a helpful, practical tool to assist pastors in ministering the gospel at some of the most opportune times of people’s lives. If you benefit from Phil’s wisdom and experience in reading this book half as much as I did in working on this project with him, you will find combing through these pages well worth your time.

I want to express my deep appreciation to Joe and Joey Ratterman, Charley, and the entire Ratterman Funeral Home, for allowing me the opportunity to conduct so many funerals for them when a pastor was unavailable or unknown to a hurting family. The difficult, unique, and ...