Go Preach · Free Resource

Free Funeral Service Planner

A compassionate, practical guide to leading families through one of life's hardest moments — with clarity, hope and gospel confidence.

What's included

Pre-service family care checklist
Full service order with graveside committal
Sample committal, welcome & closing words
10 Scripture passages for grief and hope
Pastoral follow-up guide

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Pre-Service Family Care Checklist

Make contact with the family as soon as possible after the death
Meet with family to gather life details for tribute / eulogy
Confirm date, time, venue and duration
Confirm funeral director name and contact
Confirm pallbearers / coffin bearers
Confirm music preferences (entry, reflection, recessional)
Confirm who will deliver family tributes and order
Confirm whether there will be a photo / video tribute
Confirm burial or cremation and committal location
Confirm if there will be a wake / reception after
Confirm order of service card (family or funeral home)
Prepare message of hope — know your audience (believers / mixed)

Service Order

#	Element	Est. Time
—	Prelude music (guests arrive)	15–20 min
—	Procession of casket / family	3–5 min
1	Welcome & acknowledgement	2–3 min
2	Opening prayer	2 min
3	Hymn / song	3–4 min
4	Scripture reading	3–4 min
5	Family tribute(s)	5–15 min
6	Photo / video tribute (optional)	3–5 min
7	Second song (optional)	3–4 min
8	Message of hope	10–15 min
9	Closing prayer	2 min
10	Committal words	1–2 min
11	Benediction	1 min
12	Recessional	3–5 min

Graveside Committal

Graveside Committal Words

"We commit the body of _____ to the ground — earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust — in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ. To Him be glory for ever and ever. Amen."

Opening Welcome (sample)

"We are here today not to say goodbye, but to give thanks for the life of _____, and to place our grief in the hands of the One who promised, 'I am the resurrection and the life.' Death does not have the final word."

Scripture for Grief & Hope

Psalm 23"The Lord is my shepherd... Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil."

John 11:25–26"I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live."

John 14:1–6"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms..."

1 Thessalonians 4:13–18The great resurrection hope — "we will be with the Lord forever."

Revelation 21:1–4"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, mourning, crying or pain."

Romans 8:38–39"Neither death nor life... will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus."

2 Corinthians 5:1–8"To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord."

Psalm 103:15–17"As for man, his days are like grass... but from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him."

Pastoral Follow-Up

Grief ministry doesn't end at the graveside. Plan to follow up at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months. Grief intensifies around the first Christmas, anniversary, and the one-year mark. A simple phone call or handwritten note goes a long way.

Family details & follow-up notes

Message Notes

Title / Key Text