In preparing for the service, encourage family members to keep the slideshow as brief as possible—10 minutes should be the maximum. Also encourage them to include photos from the varying ages and stages of their loved one’s life (as much as they are able to), as well as to limit duplicate images that are perhaps multiple shots from the same event.
Should the family need technical assistance in preparing the slideshow, consider who from your staff or volunteer team you may call upon to help them assemble the slideshow.
Final Blessing
Following the video slideshow, return to the stage to provide a final blessing. You may craft some words of encouragement that are particularly relevant to the family or that relate to something that has been shared in the service.
One thing that my pastor always did growing up that I thought was special is this: encourage those in attendance to mark their calendars for a year from now. While the parents, spouse, or children may feel a wave of support in the weeks after their loved one has passed, that kind of attention often dries up soon after the funeral is over. However, if those who are in attendance at the funeral or memorial service mark their calendar, they will be reminded to check in on the family and provide them with much needed support and encouragement.
After you have given your final prayer and blessing, instruct those in attendance as to where the reception will take place. Instruct everyone to remain seated until the family has been given the chance to make their way out of the auditorium or chapel where the service has been held.
Accommodating the Family’s Requests
Important to note about this funeral service outline is that it simply provides a rough framework to aid you in planning the memorial and can be adjusted to fit the needs of the situation or specific requests of the family.
For example, some families may want to include a musical element or special song. Others may have unique familial or cultural traditions they wish to add. Others still may want to organize the service elements in a slightly different way.
Be flexible and patient with the family, who is grieving and may not always present their suggested adjustments with the utmost aplomb. Also remember that you are the pastor and it is your responsibility to ensure the service runs smoothly, so take care to explain some of the considerations above with grace, ultimately being willing to relent on what you think will make for the best service in favor of the family’s strongest wishes.
Most importantly, do everything you can to convey how much you care about the family in their time of grief. Offer frequent hugs, prayers, and reassuring words.
When the funeral service has passed, what the family will remember is not your ability to craft and create a service, but the compassion and kindness you showed them when they needed it most.
