On May 23, 2019, a church funeral etiquette training was held in the Gospel Church of Mianzhu City, Sichuan Province. A total of 33 brothers and sisters from the Gospel Church's middle-aged choir, snare drum team, saxophone, Guangji Town snare drum team and master of ceremonies attended the training, and Pastor Gu lectured and trained the coworkers.
1. The function of different serving posts at funeral services.
The brothers and sisters who play the role of master of ceremonies should outline, dispatch, and arrange the division of labor. This is equivalent to the role of a host.
At the funeral service, the choir played the role of "taking the throne and attracting people to bow down." The choir conveyed the message that "After people who believe in the Lord have worked hard on earth, there is a more beautiful hometown in heaven above. Life is not the ultimate, but a brand new beginning." Before the ceremony began, the snare drum team used the drums to play the prelude to the funeral, reminding all of the serving staff and the participants of being ready. After all the ceremonies were completed, everyone sang the Lord's Prayer, and the snare drum team beating softly declared that the funeral ceremony was completed.
The instrumental music group plays an important accompanying role to the choir's singing. The choir and instrumental music complement each other, dispelling the oppression and sorrow of the loved ones, and arousing the love of and cherishment of the living.
2. The attire of the funeral etiquette group.
a) The army of Jehovah should be neat and standard in their dress, having simplicity and yet being generous in appearance.
b) The church should call for a standard attire.
3. The discipline of funeral etiquette group
Upon receiving the request to serve at a funeral service, they will not be slack or shift their responsibilities. After taking care of things at home, they are expected to arrive on time. Coworkers are asked to practice on a daily basis, practicing hymns, musical instruments, masters of ceremonial procedures, and even sound and emotion, in order to touch more people.
The staff that is serving need to diligently read the Bible and frequently meditate on the Word of God.
4. The gospel effect of the funeral service
Worship at a funeral service enables the brothers and sisters of the church to get close to the families of the deceased, bringing the faith of Jesus Christ into their family. Family members should have an understanding of everyday life and understanding of the Christian faith while at the funeral service. The message conveyed by the ceremonial group through a well-rounded service, a modest and gentle attitude, and godly love of the Lord, directly affects the unbelieving family's recognition and acceptance of Jesus.
- Translated by Ze Wang
