Practicum: Witness to the Resurrection—Leading a Funeral

About this course

This practicum prepares students to lead funeral and memorial services as a faithful witness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ and as a pastoral act of care for those who grieve. Grounded in the hope of the Christian gospel and shaped by the Reformed tradition, the practicum attends to the unique theological, liturgical, and pastoral dimensions of death and loss within the life of the church.

Students learn from experienced leaders through observation, guided practice, and reflection. Emphasis is placed on proclaiming the resurrection with honesty and humility, holding together grief and hope, and speaking with pastoral sensitivity to families and communities in moments of profound vulnerability. Attention is given to planning services, selecting scripture and music, crafting homiletical reflections, and collaborating with families, congregational leaders, and funeral professionals.

The practicum also addresses the emotional and relational demands placed on ministers in times of loss, inviting students to reflect on their own responses to death and grief and to cultivate practices that support healthy, compassionate leadership.