OPERATING A CHURCH WITHOUT A PASTOR (6)

0. Introduction

a) Can a church start WITHOUT an "ordained" person, be they a Pastor, Priest or Minister, present to lead the group? Are there certain functions and ceremonies within the church that should only be performed by those who receive a salary to serve? Below are several common practices and services that Christian churches commonly perform and how they can be handled by small groups and fellowships.

1. Funerals

a) The Bible does not record anyone preaching a funeral message. It mentions burial customs, people mourning for the dead, and people gathering together after a death, but does not mention a specific "funeral message" or who must preach it. The Bible contains many verses on the resurrection of the dead, the rewards given to believers and God's great love and mercy. Mature believers should be able to read these scriptures to comfort those gathering after a death. In the United States, an "ordained minister" does not perform any legal function in connection with a death or a funeral.