Pentecostal/Charismatic Funeral Service Programme: Complete Order of Service (Ghana)

Pentecostal and Charismatic churches are among the most vibrant Christian denominations in Ghana, and their funeral services reflect this energy. Unlike more liturgical traditions, Pentecostal and Charismatic funerals emphasise praise and worship, the power of the Holy Spirit, prophetic declarations of hope, and a celebration of the deceased's homegoing to be with the Lord. The atmosphere blends deep grief with powerful expressions of faith, creating a service that is both comforting and spiritually uplifting.

This guide provides a complete order of service for a typical Pentecostal or Charismatic funeral in Ghana. Whether you are planning a funeral for a member of the Church of Pentecost, Lighthouse Chapel International, International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), Perez Chapel International, Action Chapel, or any Charismatic ministry, this programme serves as a comprehensive template that you can adapt to your specific church tradition and family preferences.

Complete Order of Service

The following programme covers the main funeral service, which typically takes place on a Saturday morning. Many Pentecostal funerals also include a pre-burial service (wake-keeping) on the Friday evening, which we address separately below.

• 1. Filing Past / Laying in State — The service often begins with the body lying in state at the church or family home. Family members, friends, and mourners file past the open casket to pay their last respects. This is a solemn moment accompanied by soft worship music or hymns played in the background. Duration: 30–60 minutes.
• 2. Processional Hymn — The officiating ministers, choir, and family process into the church as a hymn is sung. Common choices include "When the Saints Go Marching In" or "What a Friend We Have in Jesus."
• 3. Opening Prayer — A minister opens the service with prayer, committing the proceedings to God and asking for comfort and strength for the bereaved family.
• 4. Praise and Worship — This is a defining feature of Pentecostal and Charismatic funerals. The worship team leads the congregation in 15–30 minutes of spirited praise and worship. Songs are chosen to celebrate God's faithfulness, declare victory over death, and comfort the mourning. The atmosphere is often powerful, with congregants lifting hands, clapping, and singing passionately.
• 5. Scripture Reading — Selected Bible passages are read, typically from the Old Testament, the Psalms, and the New Testament. Popular funeral scriptures include Psalm 23, John 14:1–6, 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18, Revelation 21:1–4, and Romans 8:38–39.
• 6. Hymn — A congregational hymn is sung between readings. Popular choices include "Abide With Me," "Rock of Ages," and "Great Is Thy Faithfulness."
• 7. Biography / Tribute to the Deceased — A family member or close friend reads a biography of the deceased, covering their life story, achievements, faith journey, and family. This is often the most personal and emotional part of the service.
• 8. Tributes — Family members, friends, colleagues, church leaders, and community members read their tributes. In large funerals, tributes may be limited to five or six to manage time, with additional tributes printed in the funeral brochure.
• 9. Special Song / Musical Ministration — The church choir, a soloist, or a gospel music minister performs a special song. This is often a powerful moment that ministers to the hearts of mourners.
• 10. Sermon / Homily — The lead pastor or a senior minister preaches a message, typically focusing on the hope of resurrection, the promise of eternal life, and the call to live a life of faith. Pentecostal funeral sermons are often evangelistic, urging the living to prepare for their own eternity.
• 11. Prophetic Declarations — A distinctive element of Charismatic funerals. A minister may make prophetic declarations over the family — speaking blessings, divine comfort, provision, and protection over the bereaved. This may include prayers against any spiritual attacks and declarations of God's continued faithfulness to the family.
• 12. Altar Call — Many Pentecostal funeral services include an altar call, inviting those who do not know Christ to accept Him as Lord and Saviour. The preacher often frames this around the reality of death and the urgency of salvation.
• 13. Prayer for the Family — The ministers lay hands on or stand with the bereaved family and pray specifically for comfort, strength, unity, and God's provision.
• 14. Closing Hymn — A final hymn is sung as the service draws to a close. "Blessed Assurance," "It Is Well With My Soul," and "Amazing Grace" are popular choices.
• 15. Benediction — The lead minister pronounces a blessing over the congregation and officially closes the service.
• 16. Recession / Removal of the Body — The casket is carried out of the church, followed by the ministers, family, and congregation. The procession moves to the hearse for transport to the cemetery or family burial ground.

Pre-Burial Service / Wake-Keeping

Many Pentecostal families hold a pre-burial or wake-keeping service on the Friday evening before the Saturday funeral. This is typically a worship-focused gathering that may include praise and worship, testimonies about the deceased, prayer, and a short devotional message. Some churches transform the wake-keeping into a prayer vigil that extends into the early hours of Saturday morning. The programme is usually less formal than the main service and allows more room for spontaneous worship and sharing.

Popular Pentecostal and Charismatic Funeral Songs

Music is central to Pentecostal worship, and funeral services are no exception. Here are some of the most popular songs used in Pentecostal and Charismatic funerals in Ghana:

• "Wayeyi Wo Nyame" — A powerful Twi worship song praising God's greatness.
• "Onyame Ne Hene" (God Is King) — A declaration of God's sovereignty even in death.
• "It Is Well With My Soul" — A classic hymn of faith in the midst of suffering.
• "Because He Lives" — A song of hope in the resurrection.
• "Blessed Assurance" — A hymn of confidence in salvation.
• "Yesu Mogya" (The Blood of Jesus) — A popular Ghanaian Charismatic worship song.
• "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" — Celebrating God's unchanging nature.
• "When We All Get to Heaven" — A joyful song about the hope of eternity.
• "Me Nyame Ye Odo" (My God Is Love) — A comforting Twi worship song.
• "Amazing Grace" — Perhaps the most universally beloved funeral hymn.

Key Elements That Distinguish Pentecostal Funerals

• Emphasis on Praise and Worship — Extended periods of singing and worship are central, not peripheral.
• Prophetic Ministry — Ministers may deliver prophetic words of comfort, blessing, and direction to the family.
• Altar Calls — Evangelistic appeals are common, using the occasion to preach the gospel.
• Spontaneity — While there is a programme, Pentecostal services allow room for the Holy Spirit to lead, which may include spontaneous prayer, singing in tongues, or extended worship.
• Celebration of Homegoing — The service often frames death not as a defeat but as a glorious homegoing for believers, shifting the atmosphere from grief to celebration.
• Spiritual Warfare Prayers — Some services include prayers against spiritual attacks on the bereaved family, reflecting the Pentecostal worldview.

Creating a well-structured funeral programme ensures that the service flows smoothly and honours the deceased with dignity. FuneralPress offers a dedicated booklet editor where you can design and print professional funeral programme booklets with all these elements laid out beautifully.