God created us for life, not for death. Yet because of sin, death entered the world (Romans 6:23). Still, death does not have the final word. In Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, God has given us hope and victory through the resurrection from the dead and the gift of eternal life.

At Immanuel, funerals are a vital part of our ministry. We take seriously the call to care for those who are dying and for those who grieve, because these things are close to the heart of Jesus Himself.

A Christian funeral acknowledges the life of the deceased as a unique person created and loved by God. At the same time, it boldly proclaims our confidence in Christ’s promise: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25).

Through Word and song, through prayer and gathering together, a funeral at Immanuel is both a time to grieve and a time to cling to the sure hope of the resurrection, where one day God will wipe away every tear from our eyes.