What is the protocol for a Jehovah's Witness funeral?

Answer 1

A Jehovah's Witness funeral may take place at graveside, a funeral home, or at the Kingdom Hall. Ususally if the Kingdom Hall is used, the body will most likely not be present, as the viewing will likely be at the funeral home. A Witness funeral service at times may even occur after the burial or cremation has already taken place. A Jehovah's Witness funeral service is a simple occasion. It will not involve eulogies or rituals. If it takes place at a Kingdom Hall, it will begin with a song and prayer, followed by a simple Bible based talk that will usually last for 20 or 30 minutes. The talk will highlight what the beliefs of the deceased were, and what Bible promises for future life he or she hoped for. It will include some things about the life of the person and family members, and it may include final thoughts that the person themself left behind to share at the funeral. This is a solemn, dignified occasion, but not overly mournful. It will be an occasion of hope and reaffirmation of faith in The Bible's promise that dead ones will live again in the ressurection as promised by Jesus Christ. After the funeral talk, usually another song and prayer which will signal the end.

Answer: At times when one of Jehovah's Witnesses dies a funeral with or witout the body inside may be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses or funeral home. Other times there will be a cremation and on a later date a Memorial Service for the deceased. It all depends on the personal wishes of the family. As stated above, a talk will be given based solely on the Bible and what it teaches us about the condition of the dead, what the Bible based hope is for the dead and a brief eulogy of the life and memories of the deceased will be read.

Answer 2

A Jehovah's Witness funeral service is led by a Jehovah's Witness elder and is seen as mainly an opportunity to preach the message of the Jehovah's Witnesses, namely, destruction of the current 'world system of things' at a bloody Armageddon (previously 'suggested' by the Watchtower, Bible and Tract Society to be imminent in 1914, 1925 and 1975). Members are taught that 'Jehovah God' will destroy all those he deems unfit to live forever in his new 'paradise earth'.

The elder may spend between 2-5 minutes of the approximately 30 minute service actually talking about the deceased and their life.

� FUNERAL DISCOURSE

REMARKS REGARDING THE DECEASED (Use any that apply and are appropriate.)

Details regarding age, birth, when married, and so forth

By whom the deceased is survived

Dedication record, including privileges of service

Exemplary qualities displayed by the deceased (Eccl. 7:1)

THE HOPE THE DECEASED ENTERTAINED

Worshiped Jehovah, the God of wisdom, justice, love, power

Had faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12)

Appreciated God's purpdse regarding earth (Gen. 1:28)

Sure to be realized (Isa. 11:9; 55:10, 11; Rev. 21:4) Why good people die

Disobedience of Adam (-Gen. 3:19; contrast with Genesis 2:7.) Offspring inherited deat6 (Rom. 5:12) Condition of the dead

Soul is mortal (Ezek 18:4, 20)

Dead are unconscious (Ps. 146:4; Eccl. 3:19; 9:5, 10)

The resurredion hope

Made possible by sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Matt. 20:28)

Christ's resurrection a guarantee (1 Cor. 15:22, 23)

God uses Jesus to raise the dead (John 5:28, 29)

For the anointed, resurrection is to heavenly life (1 Cor. 15:51-54; Rev. 20:4, 6)

"Other sheep" resurrected to life in earthly Paradise (Luke 23:43; John 10:16)

Armageddon survivors can hope to see the deceased one again soon

Others too are in line for resurrection (Ads 24:15)

WHY IT IS GOOD TO GO TO HOUSE OF MOURNING

Can comfort the bereaved; loss is mutual

Take to heart uncertainty of life (Ps. 90:12; Eccl. 7:2)

Makes us think about how we are using our life

HOW WE CAN BENEFIT FROM BEING HERE

While living, make good name with Jehovah God (Eccl. 7:1)

Lay up treasures in heaven (Matt. 6:19-21)

One way is to take zealous part in witness work, if qualified (Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20)

In this way and by godly conduct, we contribute to sanctification of Jehovah's name

(Prov. 27:11)

Resurrection hope an incentive to learn and do divine will(l Cor. 15:58)

(Note: Instead of eulogizing the deceased, use the material in this outline to give a fine witness concerning the truth. Good balance should be observed in this regard. Doctrinal points can be presented as beliefs of the deceased, which served as motivation for him. Purpose of talk is to uphold Jehovah God as a God of love and mercy and at the same time bring comfort to the bereaved. Use of a song such as No. 102 (53) or 187 (93) is optional. A brief prayer at the close is fitting When arrangement is made to go to the grave, it is well to consider quite briefly the hope through the Kingdom, reading one or two scriptures, such as Job 14:14, 15 and 1 Corinthians 15:5413-57. This service may also be closed with prayer, thanking Jehovah for the resurrection hope, which is of great comfort. The talk need not exceed 30 minutes.)

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