“I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord”
John 11.25
Commissioned Lay Ministers for Funerals and Bereavement Care are called to the ministry of caring for the bereaved. Those called to this ministry are likely to be experienced Commissioned Lay Ministers for Pastoral Care or/and Worship and seek to grow and nurture their gifts and skills into caring for the bereaved and to officiating at funerals. A Commissioned Lay Minister (CLM) for Funerals and Bereavement Care is equipped and recognised to carry out this ministry on behalf of the church.
A ministry of coming alongside
A Commissioned Lay Minister for Funerals and Bereavement Care is called to support and travel with the bereaved on their journey of grief. They will:
- visit the bereaved
- assist families to prepare for funerals and memorial services
- officiate at funerals
- offer the gift of time and the ability to listen and come alongside in support and care
- help build a fruitful and effective relationship with local funeral directors.
Exploring the call
Becoming a Commissioned Lay Minister for Funerals and Bereavement Care often emerges out of an existing pastoral ministry or because of being asked to assist at or conduct a funeral service for someone already known to an individual. This may be the first step to an ongoing ministry with the bereaved and to leading funeral services and memorials on behalf of the church.
And just as a reminder
Resourcing and training for Funeral Ministry is a part of the Lay Ministries Pathway which is a flexible and responsive approach to training people called to Lay Ministry. Instead of asking the question “What course shall I do?”, it begins with a question of calling:
- “What is God calling me to do, and what do I need to be equipped for it?”
- “What is God calling you to do, and how can we support and equip you?”
Called to this ministry?
You may feel called to explore this ministry if you are:
- Already experienced in pastoral ministry or the leading of worship
- Compassionate and able to listen deeply to others
- Comfortable talking about death and dying
- Willing to work with professionals and families in the planning and conducting of funerals
- Willing to offer ongoing support with the bereaved over a lengthy period.
- Able to maintain confidentiality and appropriate boundaries
- Committed to ongoing support for your ministry
- Open to learning and developing your understanding of bereavement care
People from all walks of life and backgrounds are called by God to serve as Commissioned Lay Minister for Funerals and Bereavement Care. This is a voluntary, usually part-time ministry. While it requires a regular commitment of time, the role is designed to be flexible and responsive to your individual circumstances.
As this is a ministry on behalf of the Church, you will serve under the guidance of your incumbent and with the agreement of your PCC. This ministry may involve visiting and supporting people whose experiences and perspectives differ from your own. You may be invited to conduct funerals and memorial services in local crematoriums, cemeteries as well as your local church helping to build relationships and understanding with your local community. You will be safely recruited following safeguarding guidelines.
Who to contact
Working out a calling is about listening attentively to God and reflecting with others.
If what you have read is making sense for you – and you are feeling nudged towards this ministry – then have a conversation with your Incumbent: you may find they are already thinking about how people can get involved. We want Commissioned Lay Ministers to feel properly equipped for this significant role.
Your incumbent will need to contact the Training team for information and resources.