Funeral Service-Day Checklist

Bring

• ☐ Printed order of service
• ☐ Printed notes
• ☐ A few extra Scriptures or songs, just in case
• ☐ Nothing that depends on Wi-Fi
• ☐ Bible
• ☐ Names of family and speakers, with pronunciations
• ☐ The family's permission sheet from Resource 2
• ☐ Water, tissues, a pen
• ☐ Phone on silent

Arrive early

• ☐ Find the funeral director or coordinator
• ☐ Agree with the coordinator how you will help if a speaker cannot continue or runs beyond the agreed time
• ☐ Get an alternate contact in case the coordinator is unavailable
• ☐ Walk through the service flow and timing
• ☐ Check the mic. Can the back row hear you?
• ☐ Confirm music cues and who runs them
• ☐ Confirm speakers, their order and a time limit for each
• ☐ Ask how the service ends: who dismisses, and how people get to the graveside

Before the service starts

• ☐ Stand near the person closest to the one who passed. Don't hover.
• ☐ Walk the room. Learn names. Ask, "How did you know [Name]?" and listen.
• ☐ Read people before you offer a hand or a hug.
• ☐ Pray with the family if they want it. Ask first.
• ☐ Settle yourself. "People will mirror your posture. If you carry peace, they'll feel peace."

During the service

• ☐ Read Scripture slowly
• ☐ Speak slowly in the message of hope
• ☐ Pause 2–4 seconds after you pray
• ☐ Let laughter and tears both happen. Don't rush either.
• ☐ Thank each speaker by name
• ☐ If there is open sharing, say how it will end before it starts ("We'll hear from a few people, and then I'll close us in prayer")
• ☐ Be ready to pivot if something shifts

Three sample orders of service

These are three real orders from the source manuscripts. Pick the one that fits the family, then adjust.

Simple

1. Welcome and opening prayer
2. Song (chosen by the family)
3. Message (about 15 minutes)
4. Song (chosen by the family)
5. Closing prayer

Full

1. Welcome
2. Opening prayer
3. Song
4. Eulogy
5. Song
6. Letter to [Name], read by a family member
7. Message, with invitation and prayer
8. Song
9. Closing prayer
10. Graveside service (separate; see Resource 4)

Scripture-centered

1. Greeting
2. Opening prayer
3. Eulogy
4. Scripture reading
5. Message of hope
6. A closing passage of comfort
7. Closing prayer

After the service

• ☐ Stick around. "The most meaningful conversations often happen after the service."
• ☐ Be available for prayer, or just sit quietly with someone
• ☐ Thank the funeral director and anyone who served
• ☐ Note anyone who responded to the invitation or asked to talk
• ☐ Put the follow-up dates you chose from Resource 5 in your calendar before you drive home