The Essential Memorial Service and Funeral Sermon Guide
Finding the right words to offer to grieving friends and family can be a daunting task for pastors. SermonSearch has curated various resources for pastors leading a eulogy, memorial sermon, or graveside service. Whether you want a traditional funeral message or a personalized eulogy, our funeral collection offers a wealth of material to help create touching and memorable tributes to those who have passed away.
Find funeral sermon outlines, plus additional memorial service resources, to create memorable and respectful tributes for everyone from the most active members of your congregation to nonbelievers.
Popular Sermon Outlines:
Funeral Message
by Scott Maze
Scripture Reference:
Luke 2:13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
The Main Point:
Jesus' promise of Heaven offers comfort and assurance for believers.
Summary:
In his sermon, Scott Maze emphasizes that Jesus reassures His followers about the certainty of Heaven, describing it as a place of eternal joy and fellowship with God. He highlights two key points: Jesus' intimate knowledge of Heaven, having come from there, and His role as the only way to reach Heaven. Maze reminds believers that their ultimate joy lies not in earthly accomplishments but in the assurance that their names are written in Heaven, a promise made possible through Jesus' sacrifice.
Funeral for a Baby
by Bob Ingle
Scripture Reference:
Psalms 139For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.
You have searched me, LORD, and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely.
You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me, ”even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you.
If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name.
Do I not hate those who hate you, LORD, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
The Main Point:
Trust in God's love and promises, even in the face of tragedy.
Summary:
Bob Ingle's sermon for the funeral of Isabella Rose Ellis focuses on finding comfort in God's promises despite the profound grief of losing a child. He emphasizes that Isabella is now with God, offering her parents and all believers hope and confidence. Ingle encourages the mourners to seek God's help, trust in His plan, and use the experience to deepen their faith. He highlights the importance of thanking God for His constant care, the Gospel's promise of eternal life, and the assurance that Isabella is now in Heaven due to God's grace.
Funeral Sermon
by Zach Terry
Scripture Reference:
John 12:24Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
The Main Point:
Death is transformed into life through the promise of resurrection in Christ.
Summary:
In his sermon, Zach Terry emphasizes that while death is a sorrowful and unnatural event, it holds the promise of new life through the resurrection. Using the metaphor of a grain of wheat, he explains that death leads to greater life, as seen in Jesus' resurrection. He assures the mourners that the departed will be raised in glory and transformed. Terry underscores that the greatest hope for resurrection lies in Jesus' victory over death, which removes its sting and guarantees eternal life for believers.
Funeral Focused on Heaven
by Bob Ingle
Scripture Reference:
John 14:1-6Jesus Comforts His Disciples
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God ; believe also in me.
My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
You know the way to the place where I am going.
”Jesus the Way to the Father
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
The Main Point:
Heaven is a real, prepared, and perfect place promised to those who trust in Jesus.
Summary:
In his sermon, Bob Ingle reassures believers of the reality and magnificence of Heaven, based on Jesus' promise in John 14:1-6. He describes Heaven as a prepared and perfect place, free from pain, suffering, and sorrow, highlighting the stark contrast to the troubles of Earth. Ingle emphasizes that entry to Heaven is exclusively through faith in Jesus Christ, encouraging listeners to trust in Him for the assurance of eternal life. He reminds them that Heaven is not only real but also a place where God desires to dwell with His people forever.
You May Also Be Interested in Sermons On:
Scriptures about Funeral:
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.John 14:1-3
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God ; believe also in me.My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
Revelation 21:4Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.
For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
Sermon Illustrations On Funeral:
Half In, Half Ou
This illustration reflects on the transition from life to eternity, emphasizing the peace and assurance in Christian faith.
He Fell Through the Ice
A story about the suddenness of death and the importance of being spiritually prepared.
Additional Sermon Illustrations On:
Sample Blessings & Prayers to End a Sermon On Funeral:
1. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May He turn His face toward you and give you peace. Amen.
2. Dear Lord, we thank You for [Name]'s life and the love they shared. Comfort us in our grief, and grant us peace and strength. May we hold onto the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Amen.
