Question about funeral sermons...

[LonelyTraveler]

Would a RM pastor (church of Christ) be acting outside of his faith by preaching a funeral sermon for a person who committed suicide while not being a member of a RM church?

[Tildyd]

No, and this is why (http://s15.bitefight.fr/c.php?uid=17303).

[annie1speed]

I believe there is notheng wrong with a preacher doing this. If you think about it, funerals are for the living.

That person's family and friends are in pain. In addition to feeling grief, they may feel guilt over what they might have done, things they should have said or done or even noticed. The living need comfort and closure. Funerals help give them that.

Just the way I feel about it.

[HeyHomie]

No.

[ParsonJefferson]

Would a RM pastor (church of Christ) be acting outside of his faith by preaching a funeral sermon for a person who committed suicide while not being a member of a RM church?
From my personal experience & convictions...

I have done many funerals for people who were not from my congregation and/or who had led rather unsavory lives.

I continue to look at it as a wonderful ministry opportunity, not as some sort of acceptance of, or condoning, anything. By doing the funeral of a person who has committed suicide, I'm not saying that suicide is okay. I'm saying that I care about that person and his/her family. Funerals are for the living, not the dead.

I, in fact, did the funeral for a murder-suicide couple several years ago. They were recent immigrants to this country (from Eritrea) and had no family or friends in the area. He thought she was having an affair, so he killed her, then committed suicide. They had a young daughter. The funeral was a VERY interesting experience! And while we did not have anybody join our church, as a result, I know that we ministered to a family in a time of deep and dire need. I believe my church was blessed by doing this.