Funeral/Memorial Best Practices
The death of a loved one is a trying time for every family. Survivors often feel lost, not knowing where to turn for emotional and spiritual support, as well as how to plan a memorial service. While all decisions are in the hands of the family, the pastoral staff have prepared these best practices to help guide families through the grieving and memorializing process.
● It is preferable to let the church know if your loved one is approaching death. It is the desire of the church body to offer care and support.
● In the event the church has not been notified of impending death, we ask when possible that the church be notified of the actual death prior to contacting a funeral home. This alerts the office and ministerial staff that they may be needed. The pastoral staff often meets with the immediate family at this point to condole and explore the family’s wishes.
● After the family has met with the funeral home and finalized the date and time for the arrangements, the church at large is notified with the consent of the family. Confirming the date and time with the funeral home prior to publication eliminates the need for correction announcements, should a conflict arise. (ex. The family wishes to hold a memorial service on Wednesday at 3pm. After publicizing the date and time, they meet with the funeral home only to discover the funeral home has a conflict.)
Contact Daniel Long, Minister of Music & Funeral Coordinator
Email: dlong@firstbaptistking.org
Phone: (336) 983-5252
● The funeral home is the de facto funeral director for funerals on FBC campus, and off. Arrangements such as times, pallbearers, transportation, etc. are made through the funeral home. These professionals do an excellent job logistically supporting the family.
● The Minister of Music serves as the FBC funeral coordinator for on-campus funerals. He does not replace a funeral home director, but works closely alongside the funeral home to ensure seamless cooperation. The FBC funeral coordinator schedules sound and video personnel, arranges musicians, singers, coordinates with facilities manager and funeral meals team.
● To eliminate confusion and to guard the wishes of the deceased, it is our practice to only take direction from the immediate family. This is most often a surviving spouse or child. We understand that friendships and community connections run deep. However, the family is best served by allowing the ministerial staff to work directly with the family without “go betweens”, however well intended. If due to grief the next of kin finds they require the assistance of a deputy, they can notify the Senior Pastor or Funeral Coordinator in writing, by email or text.