As a pastor, I have to deal with death. Death is not something we like to talk about. We especially don’t like to plan for a funeral. When someone dies, most don’t know what to do or how to plan.

It’s Important to Plan Ahead

Best Option: Ask them Before they Die

Talk to your loved ones before they die. Actually, do it before they even get sick. Do it when they are nowhere near dying. It makes it so much easier on you. Life is stressful enough when the person dies. Why not take some of that away?

• Do they want to be in a casket or cremated?
• What type of service would they like? Do they want a service at all? It could be a traditional service, or just at the graveside, or a memorial, for instance.
• Where? In a funeral home, a church, etc.
• What type of music do they want? Which songs?
• Who do they want to preside over the service? Their pastor, etc.
• Who are the pallbearers to be?
• Do they want someone to give a eulogy. If so, who?
• What is their favorite Bible verse(s)? Poem? Story? These are great to know and share at a funeral.

Now is the time to talk to your mom, dad, spouse. Plan it. Write it down. Put it away in a safe place. You will not regret this.

Second Option: Plan for it after they die

Some refuse to talk about death, even if you want to plan ahead. What do you do?

• Talk to a local funeral home.
• Talk to your religious leader.
• Talk to family and friends who have had to do this.
• Ask the above questions to yourself and the family to discern what the loved one’s wishes might be.

Death is part of life. Be prepared.

John 11:25, “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”