In April, I went to a conference on emerging new church starts. That link will take you back to the post and notes from that conference. One of the topics that came up was the question – What do you do, that no one else can do? An example was given by Denise Van Eck of Mars Hill. At Mars Hill, it may be as common to have a lay person conduct a funeral as a pastor. If I remember correctly, the pastors actually infrequently conduct funerals. There is the reality that there are others who know the person better and that perhaps this is something that a pastor does which someone else can do.
I am not sure what I think about this idea. At times, when I have officiated at a funeral, I recognize that there are probably others in the congregation who knew the person better and would better be able to speak in a way that honors the life of the person. I also recognize the role in representing God and the ongoing care that may be possible as a pastor leading a service of death and resurrection.
- What do you think about lay people conducting funerals?
- In your faith community, what does the pastor do that no one else can do?
- In your life, what do you do that no one else can do?
Rev. Andrew Conard 
2 replies on “What no one else can do…”
The question has to be “what is the purpose of a funeral”? By contemporary standards, the family and friends grieve and provide support for one another; however, it is also an opportunity to remind the family and friends about the redemitive power and hope provided in God/Jesus. So perhaps funerals should be a combination of good Christian message with honest friend/family reflection on the life and times of that person.
Adam – Thanks for your addition to this post. I agree with your assessment. A Christian message and reflections on the life is an important part of a funeral service.