This article tells us some important things about the future of our ministry to those who have lost loved ones.

First, funerals are going green. Environmentally friendly products and services are the coming rage.  Guilt has occasionally motivated families to spend more on funerals than they could afford, but now your church members have a new way to feel good about themselves—they can protect the environment while honoring their loved one.

Second, cremation will be used more frequently.  Pastors have differing ideas about this.  Some have no problem with it, and others feel it is sacrilegious to burn what was the “temple of the Holy Spirit.”  Your church members are going to ask you about it, so you need to prepare a Biblical answer for them.

Third, funerals are going digital.  If you are a pastor in an “average” SBC church in Arkansas, your first podcast may well be the funeral of one of your members.   Already, distant relatives and friends can register digital condolences with many rural funeral homes.  This trend has a long way to go before it reaches its terminal.

Fourth, get ready for the Facebook Funeral.  Read about it here. It is possible now to prepare your final status update before you need it, and you can say “goodbye” to the 875 friends you have on Facebook.  (Give me a break!)

In the new wave of “final respects,” there is an emphasis on spirituality as opposed to religion.  You and I know this is a cop-out.  Those who are “love spirituality, but hate religion” are usually resentful of the church’s role in Biblical spirituality. The church, and its pastors, and other leaders however, will be able to fill a void that exists in this new approach to death.  We should see it as an opportunity rather than be afraid of it.  If you have ever been with a grieving family and seen the power of John 14 or Psalm 23, you know that the power of the gospel cannot be overstated.

In the urban environments of the 1^st century, Christians reached the lost through ministry to families of those who had died.   Burying the dead with dignity and respect was something for which the church was known.  The times have changed by becoming more like the apostolic age.  We will always have the opportunity to minister and comfort those who grieve.

Working on my final status update.  I hope not too many people “like” it.  This blog is posted every Monday afternoon.  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it