How to handle funerals while social distancing
I have performed two funerals since quarantine began. The first funeral was a graveside service with five people present due to social-distancing restrictions. The second funeral was conducted over Zoom. I first lamented the Zoom service because it is such a foreign concept. However, in retrospect, the Zoom funeral was wonderful ministry, and I am going to recommend it to families who need to plan funerals during quarantine.
Here are a few reasons I believe the Zoom funeral is preferable to an in-person service during quarantine.
In-person services have severe limitations on the number of people who can attend. Zoom services can potentially accommodate as many people as desire to participate.
In-person services will have a limited number of elements in the service. Zoom services can accommodate the regular elements one would have at a funeral.
In-person services are nearly impossible for non-local family members to attend due to travel restrictions. Zoom services are accessible to people in every location.
What should you consider if you are going to perform a funeral via Zoom?
Use a paid account that can accommodate many people and is free from time limits.
Have someone run the technical side of the service (allowing people to enter the meeting, muting the participants, unmuting speakers, ending the meeting, etc.).
Use all the normal elements of a funeral service; prayer, Scripture reading, eulogy, message, slide shows, and music. The only challenging element would be an open share time (which I generally discourage under any circumstances).
Open the meeting early so you can meet the various participants of the service, and so family and friends can talk.
Dress for a funeral.
Keep your message brief. In my opinion, the online format is not well-suited for a message longer than fifteen minutes.
Give them the Gospel.
Record the service. Zoom gives you the option to record the service. It’s not automatic, so don’t forget. It normally takes half a day to get the link to the recorded service. Send the link to the family.
Final thoughts
I started the service by welcoming everyone and apologizing for the potential “clunkiness.” Then we dove in. I was surprised at how intimate and powerful the service was. God was present. The family was comforted. And friends from the Caribbean to Europe heard the Gospel.
It is possible that you will have several funerals to perform before quarantine is lifted. Don’t shy away from recommending and performing funerals via Zoom or a similar program. And as you care for people in their grief, you will highlight the glorious truth that there is coming a day when Christ will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away (Rev. 21:4).
Cody Busby serves as senior pastor at South Shore Baptist Church in Hingham, MA.