Beliefs About Death

The following New Testament scripture passage summarizes the Brethren view of death: "We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living" (Rom. 14:7-9).

Brethren believe Christ is Lord of both our living and our dying and that as Christians, life will continue after death. They affirm the Gospel teaching that in Christ, death is overcome and becomes the prelude to new and everlasting life.

Brethren emphatically embrace the understanding that death is the door to eternal life with God. Brethren are called to live in readiness because the exact timing and circumstances of death are not ours to determine. A consistent life of faithfulness and obedience to God, not deathbed conversion, is the way to prepare for death.

Funeral Services

When it is determined that a Brethren is gravely ill, the minister should be called immediately for an anointing service. This service follows the counsel of James from the New Testament: "Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord."

The Brethren commitment to simple living is to be expressed also in dying. In past generations the deceased person was remembered in a simple worship service of hymn singing and preaching of the Word. Many congregations maintained cemeteries for the use of their members, and it was not unusual for church members to build the plain wood coffin that they carried to the grave they had prepared. The Brethren concern for simplicity extends to decisions regarding funeral services, memorial services, memorial gifts, burial, cremation, and other practices related to remembering and caring for persons who have died.

In Brethren tradition, the family of faith has often gathered around those who were dying and grieving with ministries of care and support. The church community offers both spiritual support through anointing, special times of prayer, and compassionate presence, and practical assistance, such as preparation of food and, in rural settings, help with seasonal tasks.

Following death, through the funeral, memorial services, and the meal prepared by the congregation, they remember those who have been important in the faith community.

References:

www.brethren.org/ac/ac_statements/endolife.htm#Brethren