Funeral Homilies

​Funerals can be very difficult to preach because of the emotional side of things, but also we often find ourselves without words for the occasion. Listed below are 35+ funeral homilies. These are different outlines that are suitable for preaching a funeral. The eulogy portion will always have to taken care of by those who know the deceased. But anyone can preach the funeral sermon (homily). These outlines will help! As always several of these outlines have been borrowed from other preachers, my thanks to them. If you know the original author let me know!  

Three Clothed in White Robes
     This outline is from Rev., chapter 17.     PDF     

At the Time of Death
     A basic outline concerning what emotions should be felt at the time of loss.     PDF     

Death is... (Five Things)
     The death of a faithful Christian is a blessed thing. Listed are five blessings in the death of a Christian.     PDF     

Let Not Your Heart be Troubled
     A homily based on John 14:1-6. Points address the various phrases used in this passage.     PDF     

The Mystic Step of Death
     Death is serious and final. People need to be aware of this permanent farewell.  This outline can be used for both a Christian or non-Christian.     PDF     

The Three R's of Death
     This outline can be used to introduce the funeral service followed by a homily or be the main message.  It applies to a funeral for a Christian or non-Christian.     PDF     

A Proper Farewell
     This homily is for a Christian who may have departed this world without family or much companionship.     PDF     

"Footprints in the Sand"
     Remarks from the poem by Mary Stevenson. The lesson is designed to build faith in God during the time of death.     PDF     ​

Real Peace
     Another homily from Jn. 14:1-6. Four main points in this passage: we find hope in the promise, person, place, and path described.     PDF     

Four Things to Know
     Reminders to the living: God is awesome, sin is trouble, forgiveness is available, and heaven is worth it all.     PDF     

The Lord is My Shepherd
     Some encouraging thoughts from the 23rd Psalm.     PDF     

Four Steps to Victory
     If the deceased has suffered through much physical pain, this lesson is for those who knew it.     PDF     

Death Reminds Us
     A homily from David J. Riggs. When death strikes we need to be reminded of several things.     PDF     

Jesus and the Death of Lazarus
     Thoughts from Jn. 11:30-62. Jesus is in control of every situation, even death.     PDF     

Precious is the Death of His Saints
     See Psalm 115:15. Other verses referenced are Phil. 1:21; Rev. 14:13; Heb. 9:27.     PDF     

Does Death Win?
     For the faithful Christian, death does not win! Death is not the end of the story.     PDF     

Three Kinds of Death
     Physical death, spiritual death, eternal death. But deliverance is available!     PDF     

The Parable of the Four Wives
     This parable is an illustration of what is important at the time of death. I first heard this parable from Steve Ingram (my thanks to him).     PDF     

What a Friend We Have in Jesus
     This homily takes thoughts from the lyrics of this famous hymn.     PDF     

The Serenity Prayer
     Each line of this prayer/poem are used to give support to those grieving.     PDF     

The Certainty of Death
     Death brings a finality and certainty with it. The living need to take it to heart.     PDF     

Victory in Jesus
     Based on the song, the Christian's death is victory in every way.     PDF     

Lessons from Lazarus
     May the grieving take time to grieve, know that Jesus understands, that God has a purpose, and Jesus is the Lord of life and of death.     PDF     

Seven Great Blessings in Death
     Various scriptures showing that the death of a Christian means great gain.     PDF     

A Virtuous Woman
     Using 2Pet. 1:5-11 the qualities of an outstanding Christian woman are listed.     PDF     

Known by Their Fruits
     The attributes of joy, peace, self-control and faithfulness are applied to the deceased.     PDF     

His/Her Heart was in the Right Place
     The right place(s) are with God, family, the church, others, and with Jesus Christ.     PDF     

"I Shall Not Want"
     With Jesus as one's Shepherd, we will never be in want of anything.     PDF     

"Our Earthly Tent"
     Thoughts and applications from 2Corinthians 5:1-10.     PDF     

"Meek and Lowly of Heart"
     Thoughts and applications from Matthew 11:28-30.     PDF     

"Precious in the Sight of the Lord"
     Another homily from Psalm 116:15. The death of a Christian is a witness to four things.     PDF     

Steadfastness
     To be steadfast means to be resolute, committed, dedicated, unswerving, faithful, or constant.  If the deceased is all of these, this homily is for them!     PDF     

Suffering Sovereignty
     Everyone suffers in life and then passes away. Here are four things one can do to cope.     PDF     

The Good Shepherd
     Having Jesus as the Good Shepherd in one's life means no wants, no fears, and no partings.     PDF     

Things That Abide
     From 1Corinthians 13:13. No matter if it is life or death; faith, hope, and love abide.     PDF     

"Well done, thy Good and Faithful Servant"
     Some great thoughts for the funeral of a Christian. Everyone wants to hear these words!     PDF     

Funeral Service for a non-Christian
     Taken from Psalms 46:1-7.  No one escapes death or judgment.     PDF     

Readings for a Non-Religious Funeral Service
     Various readings and poems.     PDF     

A Non-Religious Funeral Service
     This homily is "The Three R's of Death" applied without Bible verses.     PDF      


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