Many Christian funerals in the United States have more similarities than differences. There are cultural universals that have remained consistent in funeral service (even outside of Christian rites): announcing the death, care of the deceased, a method of disposition, a possible ceremony or ritual, and some form of memorialization. We would like to offer a brief outline of a Christian funeral (wake, funeral service, and burial service) and then provide any differences for each major Christian religion.

Wake or Visitation

The historical purpose of the wake was to keep watch over the deceased in the event the body would return to consciousness (to prevent premature burials). The old Jewish custom of leaving the sepulchre open for 3 days was taken over by the early Christians, who used the occasion to gather and say prayers for the repose of the deceased.

Today a wake provides a time for family and friends to view the deceased and pay respects to the family, usually lasting for a few hours at the funeral home. Visitors generally remain for a shorter period of time than the immediate family, and the wake is almost always held prior to a more formal funeral service.

Funeral Service

The funeral service usually takes place the day following the wake, but in some cases it will immediately follow the wake. The funeral service will take place either at the Church to which the deceased belonged or at the funeral home or crematorium with the cleric, minister or priest presiding. Increasingly, more and more families are choosing to have the funeral service at the funeral home.

The presider will lead prayers to give thanks for the life of the person who has died and to ask God to comfort his or her family and friends. The presider or family and friends will talk about the person's life and work accomplishments. The service is intended to comfort family and friends by reminding them of God's love for the deceased and the help and love He has for them in their time of grief.

Committal - Graveside / Cremation Service

In some instances a family may choose to eliminate the funeral service and combine a few words about the deceased with a graveside service. This service is the final committal of the body either to the earth or to the crematorium, and it provides the family with a sense of closure and farewell for the bereaved. This short, but formal ceremony - presided by the priest or minister - is usually only attended by those closest to the deceased. The committal service usually follows the following format:

1. Opening Remarks
2. Scripture Reading
3. Committal
4. Final Prayer and Departure