Presbyterian Funeral Service Programme — Template & Guide

The Presbyterian Church of Ghana has a dignified and structured approach to funeral services that reflects both Reformed theology and Ghanaian cultural values. Whether you are a church elder helping to plan a service or a family member preparing the funeral programme, this guide will walk you through the complete order of worship for a Presbyterian funeral.

The Presbyterian Approach to Funerals

Presbyterian funerals focus on worship, the proclamation of the Word, and the hope of resurrection. The service is led by the minister and follows a liturgical structure that is consistent across Presbyterian congregations in Ghana. The emphasis is on God's faithfulness and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ, rather than on elaborate eulogies. Tributes are typically kept brief and are separate from the main worship.

Order of Worship for a Presbyterian Funeral

• Processional — The casket is brought into the church while a hymn is sung or the organ plays. The minister leads the procession, followed by the pallbearers and family.
• Call to worship — The minister opens the service with a call to worship, often using Scripture such as Psalm 46:1: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
• Opening hymn — The congregation sings the first hymn. "The Lord Is My Shepherd" (metrical Psalm 23) or "O God, Our Help in Ages Past" are traditional choices.
• Opening prayer and invocation — The minister prays, acknowledging God's sovereignty and seeking comfort for the bereaved.
• Scripture readings — Two or three readings from the Bible. Old Testament readings commonly include Psalm 23, Psalm 90, or Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. New Testament readings may include John 14:1-6, Romans 8:28-39, or 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
• Hymn — A second hymn such as "Amazing Grace" or "Abide With Me" is sung.
• Biography of the deceased — Read by a family representative or church elder.
• Tributes — Brief tributes from selected family members, colleagues, or church members. The number is usually limited by the session (church governing body).
• Hymn — A third hymn, such as "It Is Well With My Soul" or "Blessed Assurance."
• Sermon — The minister preaches from the Scripture readings, focusing on the hope of the resurrection and God's comfort in times of loss.
• Prayers of thanksgiving and intercession — The minister leads prayers giving thanks for the life of the deceased, praying for the family, and commending the departed to God's care.
• Closing hymn — The congregation sings a final hymn such as "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah" or "When We All Get to Heaven."
• Benediction — The minister pronounces the blessing, typically the Aaronic blessing from Numbers 6:24-26.
• Recessional — The casket is carried out of the church. The congregation follows to the cemetery or the family home for the committal.

Committal Service

The committal takes place at the graveside. The minister reads from Scripture (often from 1 Corinthians 15), commits the body to the ground with the words "earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust," and leads the congregation in the Lord's Prayer. A final blessing is given, and the family may remain for the lowering of the casket.

Popular Presbyterian Funeral Hymns

• The Lord Is My Shepherd (Psalm 23 — Crimond)
• Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound
• O God, Our Help in Ages Past
• Abide With Me, Fast Falls the Eventide
• It Is Well With My Soul
• Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine
• Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
• Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me
• When We All Get to Heaven
• Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Create Your Presbyterian Funeral Programme

FuneralPress makes it easy to create a professional Presbyterian funeral service booklet. Use our booklet editor to lay out the full order of worship, include hymn lyrics, Scripture readings, the biography, tributes, and the family list. Export as a print-ready PDF and take it to any print shop in Ghana.