Funeral led by Methodist pastor - question?

[AmazingLove]

I attended a funeral service with a Methodist pastor directing, and a few things he said kind of struck me funny.
He was saying that the deceased person is always right there with us. Heaven is really the air surrounding us. And when we felt their spirit close by us, we can rest in comfort knowing they are with us.
And, although after the full hour of service, not one person that spoke mentioned the deceased's relationship with God or love for God or faith, etc... the pastor firmly said that the person is definitely in heaven (although he seemed to barely know anything about her).

What do you guys think of this? Thanks!

[CID03]

[M4EVERHIS]

the pastor doesn't sound like he knows the bible, to be polite.

[susanb]

I attended a funeral service with a Methodist pastor directing, and a few things he said kind of struck me funny.
He was saying that the deceased person is always right there with us. Heaven is really the air surrounding us. And when we felt their spirit close by us, we can rest in comfort knowing they are with us.
And, although after the full hour of service, not one person that spoke mentioned the deceased's relationship with God or love for God or faith, etc... the pastor firmly said that the person is definitely in heaven (although he seemed to barely know anything about her).

What do you guys think of this? Thanks!

Most likely the pastor didn't know the deceased, the family members weren't Christian, and he was doing a favor for the family. Doesn't excuse him and most likely he doesn't really know the Gospel. I was at a funeral like that and those were the circumstances except the pastor was Presbyterian. He said basically the same thing.

[Nightelf]

Luke 16:

20And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,

21And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

22And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

23And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

24And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

25But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

26And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

[AmazingLove]

Most likely the pastor didn't know the deceased, the family members weren't Christian, and he was doing a favor for the family. Doesn't excuse him and most likely he doesn't really know the Gospel. I was at a funeral like that and those were the circumstances except the pastor was Presbyterian. He said basically the same thing.

I think this may be the explanation, as he seemed to be trying to learn the family from their pictures.
As far as knowing the gospel, he was a senior pastor with forty years behind the pulpit.
To his credit, he did speak of Jesus' love,...and the 23rd Psalm was the main talking point to the family members.

[Anddra]

the pastor doesn't sound like he knows the bible, to be polite.

There is never any reason for a pastor to teach error.

[Buzzardhut]

I attended a funeral service with a Methodist pastor directing, and a few things he said kind of struck me funny.
He was saying that the deceased person is always right there with us. Heaven is really the air surrounding us. And when we felt their spirit close by us, we can rest in comfort knowing they are with us.
And, although after the full hour of service, not one person that spoke mentioned the deceased's relationship with God or love for God or faith, etc... the pastor firmly said that the person is definitely in heaven (although he seemed to barely know anything about her).

What do you guys think of this? Thanks!

reminds me of a dated video

[sharpstick]

Psalms 23 is the default sermon when the person isn't a believer in Christ.
I went to the funeral of a neighbor a couple of months ago and it was quite obvious the person wasn't a believer, and that the pastor didn't know him or the family. He was trying to be polite but....he knew this guy wasn't in heaven just by what he was saying. It must be difficult for pastors who are asked to perform a funeral when they don't know the family and know they aren't believers.
As a side note, I couldn't wait for it to be over, the friends and family are total heathens. The memories the friends stood up and shared were awful to me, but they were laughing it up!
So sad.

[rreighe]

man.... we need fearless pastors. idealy he should speak of the gosple and basically evanglize and say what Jesus is about and if they knew the dead wasn't a believer than hopefully it would make it more powerfull... but everybody wants to hear that they're going to heaven and that they will meet their persion on the "other side" and not really care about whats what and whats real ugh

[Anddra]

The service is for those who are left and if they are not saved, then they need to hear the gospel. Giving them comfort will only leave them on the path to hell.

[Eternally]

I bet the pastor really believes he is in heaven. They proably believe that since they were sprinkled as a baby and were not a murderer, that they are in heaven.

If you get a chance, ask.

And, let's remember, this is what most of Americans believe.

[davidswife]

Funny someone mentioned this. I am finishing up a good book by Francine Rivers called "And the Shofar Blew", in which a once God fearing minister of a church greatly expands the membership of his very small church primarily by a series of compromises. He went so far as to remove songs that relate to the blood of Jesus. He became very lifted up with pride and even more bizarre yet believable things like Yoga and aromatherapy were used to somehow increase spirituality. I also think of the popular talk show hosts espousing the doctrine that all paths lead to God. This is all pure new age humanistic garbage. And it has been on the rise for many years. davidswife

[OnceWasLost]

The service is for those who are left and if they are not saved, then they need to hear the gospel. Giving them comfort will only leave them on the path to hell.

As I once heard it put, funerals are for the living. Heaven and Hell are at stake, the Gospel is all that matters as hearts are open to their own mortality.

[Amber Lynne]

There is never any reason for a pastor to teach error.

I am becoming less and less pleased with my Methodist roots. Maybe time for a change...but where to go? Apostacy reigns these days.

[AmazingLove]

I bet the pastor really believes he is in heaven. They proably believe that since they were sprinkled as a baby and were not a murderer, that they are in heaven.

If you get a chance, ask.

And, let's remember, this is what most of Americans believe.

You are probably right. A while back we were visiting a Methodist Church until I sensed something was wrong. We witnessed the baptism of a group of new babies, and started thinking that the church never had an "alter call" or invitation to come down and receive Christ. My daughter and I were discussing this because so many of her high school friends were attending this big church. They had all been sprinkled as babies and basically took some classes for confirmation and could now join the church. Upon researching the Q and A section of the website, the United Methodist's at this church firmly believe that you dont have to "make a personal decision" in order to be saved and subsequently, baptized. How M I S L E A D I N G is that?!!!!!
I decided to email that pastor and ask him about "end times studies" that their church may be doing, and his reply was "Acts 1:7 specifically tells us we are not suppose to watch, nor know the times or the season. God's word is final." But we are to know the season! We never returned again.

Back to topic, the opportunity is so ripe to be able to present the gospel to many unsaved at a funeral. Funerals are often the ONLY time, besides a wedding, to find a multitude of unsaved.
Although the pastor mentioned Jesus, he sure led alot of people to believe that it is so easy to get to heaven. What a shame.

Thanks for the great comments and video (Buzz)!

[AmazingLove]

I am becoming less and less pleased with my Methodist roots. Maybe time for a change...but where to go? Apostacy reigns these days.

You are so right about apostasy! We bounced right over to the Baptist church as we were content with their familiar beliefs and doctrine, etc.
Now, as of the past few months, we have a multi-light show beaming on our cross in the contemporary service and we just go

We're staying though....because apostasy is everywhere...and maybe we can be a little more bold and vocal on our thoughts on some of these crazy ideas. These are definitely the LAST DAYS and the last churches spoken of in Revelation.

[Anddra]

I am becoming less and less pleased with my Methodist roots. Maybe time for a change...but where to go? Apostacy reigns these days.

It is getting more difficult all over. We need to be grounded in the truth so that we can recognise what is counterfeit.

[Amber Lynne]

It is getting more difficult all over. We need to be grounded in the truth so that we can recognise what is counterfeit.

Amen! For me, that isn't always easy, but since I started coming in here, it is getting easier.

to all y'all....(and to some...you know who you are... )