Funeral Resolutions

Sometimes you may be asked to deliver a resolution by the clergy or pastor of the church. This can be a helpful guideline if you have never given one or need to know more about what to include. Most people confuse the terms funeral eulogy and funeral resolutions. It's important to note that the two are quite different in its content and presentation. First let's take a look at some differences between the two.

The eulogy is the focal point of a funeral service. It illustrates a picture of the deceased and personalizes the funeral service by sharing the memories with all who attend. The eulogy should help remember and affirm your loved one while giving value and honor to his or her character in the way they lived life and touched others around them.

Because a funeral resolution is an official church document, you may be asked to write one by the church of the deceased. If the services are held in a church or they were a member or regular attendee of the church, a funeral resolution is generally required. The resolution is kept in the church archives and usually follows a specific format. Should you be asked to write a funeral resolution, a pastor or member of the clergy of the church may be able to assist you in what to include for the funeral resolution.

The funeral resolution is specifically formatted and read at the church funeral service, it is also officially acknowledged by the church and family. There are specific aspects and information that need to be included in funeral resolutions.

The title of a Funeral resolutions can contain example titles like "A Resolution of Respect for ...(the name of the deceased)" or "A Resolution in Loving Memory of..." (the name of the deceased). It is then followed by a short introduction of faith by acknowledging their relationship with God, followed by a biblical selection reading and hymn.

The next items that are included are the "Whereas Statements" which help explain the decease's relationship with God, service to the church, community, and support to their family. Each of these items noted are preceded by the word "Whereas." Lastly, you must include details as to what the resolution is, who will be involved, when, where and how it will be resolved. These statements begin with "Therefore be it resolved..." or Be it further resolved..." prior to the details.

It is best to check inquire with the church to determine what type of format they require. There may be some churches that don't require a resolution to be so formal and will accept a resolution that is similar to a eulogy. In any case, the church will be able to provide you with further guidelines on how to write the funeral resolution. Some congregations may even have pre-formatted funeral resolutions.

You may want to conclude with a short comforting statement to the family stating of their loss and that the deceased is in a place of peace and rest. By using this short guideline, it isn't as intimidating as it may seem. If your church does not have a summary or guideline to follow, you can use this and tailor it to your own. It is also a good idea to run it by the church staff or pastor to ensure you include everything needed.

We have outlined more in details some examples on funeral resolution text, you can view them here for more reference. It's a good idea to write out your resolution on your computer and use your notes to read it in front of the congregation. If you would like to handout what you say, you can even write it out on one of our funeral flyer templates as a pretty background and then distribute it. Our flyer background templates give you a lovely soft color background that sits behind your text. View them under our DIY templates>Funeral Flyers Sheets.