Funeral Sermons
Since 2016, I've led more than 100 funerals, memorial services, and graveside services, some for my own congregation and many for families with no pastor or church home. Every one asks the preacher to do two things at once: tell the truth about the loss, and speak plainly and gently about Christ's victory over death.
These are full sermons I've written and preached for those services: a life cut short, a long illness, a faithful friend, and the questions grief raises. I hope you find them helpful as you study, pray, and write for God's glory.
All Funeral Sermons
Newest first. Each one is written to be adapted: change the names and stories, keep the hope.
Funeral Sermons by Passage
Sermon titles rarely tell you the text. Open the list to find a sermon on the passage the family has chosen.
Funeral Sermons, Listed by Passage
9 sermons, in Bible order
Funeral Sermons, Listed by Passage
Psalm 23 and Revelation 21 are the texts families ask for most, and several sermons pair them with a Gospel reading.
- Ruth 1:16-17; Psalm 23For Patti: Friendship, Care, and Commitment
- Psalm 23; Revelation 21:1-4Funeral Sermon: Psalm 23 and Revelation 21
- Isaiah 49:15-16; Romans 8:38-39Funeral Sermon for Dementia or Alzheimer's: We Are Remembered by God
- Luke 15:11-32Where Am I in the Story? (Funeral Sermon on the Prodigal Son)
- John 11:17-36Funeral Sermon for a Life Cut Short: God's Compassion in Our Deepest Pain
- John 15:12-17; Romans 5:1-5Funeral Sermon: The Gift of Life and the Grace of Christ
- John 20:24-29; Psalm 13Funeral Sermon for Someone with Parkinson's and Questions About Faith
- Revelation 21God with a Tattoo (Revelation 21 Funeral Sermon)
- Revelation 21; Psalm 23Valley of the Six Shadows (Revelation 21 Sermon)
Plan the Rest of the Service
Prayers, readings, and music for every part of a funeral or memorial, in the order of the service.
More Sermons
Browse the rest of the sermon library by occasion, season, or Scripture.
Looking for Something Specific?
Search by passage, theme, season, or title.
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A funeral sermon on the Parable of the Prodigal Son asking the question every grieving person must answer: where am I in this story, and will I leave the door open?