Equipping Your Congregation for the Inevitable: Preparing for Death

A study by Faith Communities Today indicates that 33 percent of the members in the surveyed churches are over 65 years old. The 2020 census also revealed that 10,000 baby boomers reach the age of 65 daily. Our world is growing older, and so are the congregations within it. When we look at the increasing number of elderly people filling our church pews, we’re reminded that many in our congregations are closer to the end of their lives than to the beginning.

We’ve all heard the criticism that some believers are “so heavenly minded they’re of no earthly good.” But perhaps we should ask ourselves: Have we become so focused on earthly matters that we’ve forgotten about the blessings of the heavenly realm? As our congregations age, it’s crucial for leaders to deliberately prepare every member for the eternal glory that awaits.

First, it’s important to understand what eternal glory truly means. The apostle Peter tells us that “the God of all grace” has called us to “eternal glory in Christ,” where he will “restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish” us (1 Pet. 5:10). Eternal glory is the glorious state that the sufferings of this world help us prepare for. It’s a future filled with great hope. As Dan Doriani puts it, “As God one day sets creation right and removes the sin that causes all suffering, he also promises to restore us.”

Some might wonder if, since God’s work is what glorifies us, we even need to “prepare” for eternal glory. In a way, if we’re in Christ, we’ve already inherited this eternal glory: “Those whom he justified he also glorified” (Rom. 8:30). However, the full realization of this glory is yet to come, on the day of Christ’s return: “When Christ who is your life appears, then you will also appear with him in glory” (Col. 3:4).

Because we have this hope of future glory, we can and should prepare ourselves both spiritually and practically each day. Here are six ways we can ready ourselves and those we lead:

1. Openly Discuss Death and Dying
   As believers, we know that our Savior “abolished death and brought life and immortality to light” (2 Tim. 1:10). So, we should be among the first to be able to talk about death and dying.
   Yes, death can be a scary topic, but Christ has freed us from the fear of it (Heb. 2:15). In our sermons, Bible studies, and prayer meetings, we shouldn’t shy away from mentioning death or from celebrating Christ’s victory over it.
2. Clarify Misconceptions about the Afterlife
   If we were to casually quiz our church members, we’d likely find that many hold incorrect beliefs about what happens after we die. We need to put in the effort to help people understand that when a believer passes away, they don’t simply become an “angel in heaven” – our future is far more glorious. We also need to address the common, underlying fear in many churches that heaven will be a dull place. In fact, it’s a place where Jesus will joyfully welcome us, and we’ll be reunited with our loved ones who have passed on before us.
   It’s also essential to talk about judgment. Believers don’t need to be afraid because Christ has already taken the punishment for our sins. But for unbelievers, there should be concern because their sins will be judged, and hell is a real place. When we share the truth about hell and the judgment of sin, we should also plead with those who don’t know Jesus to seek refuge in his saving grace.
3. Offer Practical Preparation Resources
   Loving our neighbor includes leaving what I call a “practical legacy” – important documents and information that will benefit our loved ones in case we die or become unable to manage our affairs. Too often, we’ve seen families torn apart by disputes when someone fails to prepare a will.
   We can encourage everyone we lead to prepare a will, an advance directive, a durable power of attorney, and to keep a clear record of their digital legacy, such as passwords and online accounts.
4. Provide Biblical Guidance on End – of – Life Arrangements
   If we don’t offer guidance on matters related to the body and funeral services, our secular culture surely will. For example, in an episode of Modern Family, a character’s deceased mother was “recycled” into a tree, and a New York Times article discussed modern end – of – life commemoration practices like having a party on the 18th green of the deceased’s favorite golf course. A Christian funeral should be a celebration of God’s redemptive work in the life of the deceased, a source of comfort for those grieving, and a way to share the hope of the gospel.
   Whether through a Sunday School class, an annual workshop, or a pamphlet, sound biblical guidance can help our church members leave clear instructions for their grieving families.
5. Care for the Sick, the Dying, and Their Caregivers
   Physician L. S. Dugdale notes that hospital patients without family or friends are labeled “unbefriended.” As members of the church, we’re called to care for “the least of these” (Matt. 25:45).
   While we often do a good job of caring for the sick, we sometimes forget to pray for and support the caregivers. Caregivers frequently face challenges such as anxiety, depression, fear, grief, guilt, shame, isolation, doubt, and poor health. So, we must look after them and encourage them to take care of their mental and physical well – being.
6. Facilitate the Sharing of Spiritual Legacies
   The psalmist Asaph urged the Israelites to pass down the stories of their faith: “We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done” (Ps. 78:4).
   Similarly, we should equip and inspire people to share their own stories of redemption. A spiritual legacy can include personal stories, knowledge, blessings, and wisdom. We can organize workshops to help people record their spiritual legacies in the form of letters, lists, stories, or audio and video recordings. We can also host events where older members are interviewed, giving younger generations the chance to hear about how God has worked in their lives. When the elderly share the wonderful things God has done in their lives, the next generation grows in faith, hope, and love.

As our church members grow older, we’ll become more acutely aware of the harsh realities of aging, dying, and death. Let’s seize this opportunity to introduce those we lead to the hope of glory.
Our heavenly Bridegroom, our hero, is ready to take our hand, lead us to the Father, and joyfully announce, “Here is my beloved, your precious child.” With this great hope in mind, we can confidently, calmly, and compassionately prepare ourselves and those we shepherd for the eternal glory that awaits.

How can we prepare our congregations for death in a meaningful way?

Can you provide some practical suggestions for pastoral care during the end-of-life stage?

What are some important spiritual truths that can comfort and guide believers in the face of death?