Conduct Gospel-Centered Funerals: Applying the Gospel at the Unique Challenges of Death (Practical Shepherding)

"Brian Croft and Phil Newton write out of a passion for Christ and a yearning to see the lost saved and believers edified in the conduct of gospel-based funerals. New pastors will especially benefit from the practical insights in planning, preparing, preaching, and practicing funerals. And veteran pastors will be challenged to make sure mourners are comforted with the pure word of God, with a clear vision of Christ in the words and actions of the pastor."

"Not everything in Conduct Gospel-Centered Funerals will fit every pastoral situation or cultural context, but every pastor will find much-need guidance on what to say and do as they tread carefully and prayerfully through the minefields of bereavement, mourning, and funeral arrangements."

"This is an outstanding book that I wish had been available decades ago. Every pastor, elder, and man preparing for the ministry should read and apply its counsel."

"Brian Croft and Phil Newton are faithful, reliable guides helping the pastor with everything from prefuneral planning to postfuneral pastoral care. Particularly helpful is chapter 3, which guides the pastor in crafting gospel-centered messages for various types of funerals. In short, this is the first book pastors should consult for planning and preaching funerals."

"This theologically grounded guide is commendable for the way it leads readers to understand the central role that the gospel should have in funeral sermons, eulogies, and musical selections. It is worthy of careful and reflective reading by pastors, church leaders, and ministerial students."

"Far too many funerals present nothing but a eulogy—that is, good words about the deceased—and nothing about Jesus Christ, who came to be the solution to the final problem of sin and death. The seasoned pastors who authored this book have given us a practical resource that shows how to make the gospel central on an occasion when people are desperately in need of the good news of what God has done for sinners through Jesus Christ. Everyone who provides leadership for funeral, memorial, or graveside services could profit from reading this helpful guide."

"Funerals are one of the greatest opportunities for the gospel of Jesus Christ to be proclaimed because they are reminders to everyone that death is indeed 'the end of all men.' Brian Croft and Phil Newton know the gospel well, and in this book they share their seasoned pastoral wisdom."

"Conduct Gospel-Centered Funerals is wonderfully practical and helpful. The authors have performed hundreds of God-honoring funerals and here share lessons learned in the trenches. If you are called on to perform funerals, you will find this resource invaluable. I know I will consult it often."

"I needed this book thirty-five years ago! In an age where funerals and weddings are likely to be the only occasions when the gospel is heard, the need to view a funeral service as an occasion for the evangel is paramount. Every gospel-centered minister needs to read this book."

"Conduct Gospel-Centered Funerals is pack3d with wise and sane advice, ranging from how to relate to the funeral director to how to counsel a grieving family. Most importantly, the authors remind us that the gospel must be front and center at funerals. But they do not only instruct us to proclaim the gospel; they also illustrate it by including funeral sermons. This is a must-read for busy pastors, and I suspect most pastors will turn to it often."

"The brevity of this book betrays its value. Conduct Gospel-Centered Funerals is a superb treatment of this crucial aspect of pastoral ministry. It is both theologically faithful and practically useful. I will refer to it often when called upon to point others to the victory we have in Christ during the times of sorrow and grief that always accompany death."