What songs to choose for a Pentecostal funeral

If we had to choose one thing above everything we do as the most significant, it would be singing at funerals. Music is such a gift on difficult days like these. We all have a soundtrack to our lives and reflecting that soundtrack brings such meaning to your chosen day of farewell. Favourite songs, memories and - if your loved one had a Christian faith - worship, too. Whether it’s for a congregation who love to sing, or for a family sorely feeling their loss, it’s our honour to lead the worship and hymns.

If you’re planning your loved one’s funeral, there are so many things to do and to remember. Choosing the music is a big part of the to-do list. We hope this blog helps you decide which of these twenty popular hymns and worship songs we often get asked to sing might suit the service you’re planning.

Hymns

The Old Rugged Cross - such a popular yet poignant hymn referring to the glory of meeting Jesus at last. “I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it some day for a crown.”

Great is thy faithfulness - in hard times, we lean on God and his faithfulness, for He never leaves us or lets us down. “All I have needed thy hand hath provided; Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.”

How Great Thou Art - one of the most famous hymns across all denominations, this hymn is great to choose if you have guests who might not be regular church goers. And it’s a brilliant hymn!

Blessed Assurance - “Blessed assurance - Jesus is mine! Oh what a foretaste of glory divine!” I love the hope in the lyrics of this song pointing us towards Heaven, where your loved one now is.

What a day that will be - another hymn painting the picture of the glorious day we meet Christ: “There'll be no sorrows there, No more burdens to bear. No more sickness and no more pain, no more parting over there.
But forever I will be with the one who died for me - What a day, glorious day that will be.”

‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus - I learned this one for my best friend’s mum’s funeral and it fast became one of my favourite hymns, all about trusting in Jesus in both life and death.

Caribbean Medley - based on Donnie McClurkin’s Caribbean medley, we love singing these upbeat pentecostal staples!

Peace in the valley - another beautiful song focusing on Heaven! “No more sorrow and sadness or trouble will be, there will be peace in the valley for me.”

My Hope is built on nothing less - “On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.” A powerful hymn fixing eyes on Jesus in times of trouble and grief.

Spirituals - perfect for the burial

Down By The Riverside - I arranged this wanting the listener to experience Heaven in the music, the peace that comes from the Lord.

Swing Low, Sweet Chariot - there’s a joy in this song as it calls us heavenward.

Wade in the Water - another popular one for the time of reflection.

Contemporary Worship Songs

The Goodness of God - it comforts our hearts when we focus on God’s goodness in times of grief. “All my life you have been faithful!”

It Is Well With My Soul - this is a contemporary reworking of the amazing hymn of the same title, by Kristene Di Marco. It’s a tear jerker to be honest but great for times of reflection.

How Great Is Our God - such a classic by Chris Tomlin.

My Life Is In Your Hands - another complete classic by Kirk Franklin. “I know that I can make it, I know that I can stand. No matter what may come my way, my life is in your hands.”

You Know My Name - Tasha Cobbs’ song reminds us that Jesus knows exactly where we are and what we are going through.

Take me to the King - when we don’t have the words to say, this beautiful Tamela Mann song brings us to our knees before Jesus.

Never Would Have Made It - this Marvin Sapp song is perfect for thanking your loved one for everything they’ve done for you.

Oceans - “You call me out upon the waters… and there I find you in the mystery, in oceans deep my faith will stand.

I hope this has helped you with some good ideas for your loved one’s funeral. If you would like us to help you by taking the burden of singing from you on this day of farewell, do get in touch. God bless you!