Pentecostal Funeral Traditions: What to Expect at a Homegoing Service

A Pentecostal funeral is often called a homegoing. It celebrates the person's life and the congregation's faith that they have gone to be with God, so it is usually more musical and expressive than a quiet, formal service. Expect live gospel music, Scripture, spoken tributes, a sermon in place of a standard eulogy and, in many churches, an altar call. How long it lasts and how it is run depends on the church, so the printed program is your best guide.

What is a Pentecostal funeral or homegoing?

Pentecostalism is a branch of Christianity that emphasizes the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including speaking in tongues, divine healing and prophecy, according to Pew Research Center. Its classical denominations trace their roots to the early 20th-century revival at Azusa Street in Los Angeles, led by William J. Seymour. The Church of God in Christ (COGIC) was organized as a Pentecostal body in Memphis in 1907 after its founder, Charles Harrison Mason, attended the Azusa Street revival. The Assemblies of God is another large Pentecostal denomination.

"Homegoing" is a term from the African American church tradition. One historian quoted by NBC News traces it to the Middle Passage and the hope that the souls of enslaved Africans who died would return to Africa, and says it took on a Christian meaning as enslaved people became Christians. Today many Pentecostal and other Christian congregations use it for a funeral that mixes celebration with grief. Not every Pentecostal church uses the word. Some simply say funeral, memorial service or celebration of life.

What beliefs shape a Pentecostal funeral?

The service is built around hope. Pentecostal Christians believe that for a believer, death is a passage to life with God and that the body will be raised. A verse often quoted is 1 Thessalonians 4:13, which speaks of not grieving "as others do who have no hope" (NRSV). That is why a funeral can have triumphant music alongside tears. Sorrow is not discouraged. Mourners are expected to weep, and the congregation is there to comfort the family.

Many Pentecostal ministers also see a funeral as a chance to share the gospel with the people who gather. That is the reason for the sermon and altar call described below.

What is the order of service?

Every congregation is different, and the pastor and family shape the service, so the church's program is the final word. Many services follow a pattern like this.

1. Processional. The family is seated, sometimes with ushers or deacons, often while music plays. The casket is usually at the front, open or closed.
2. Opening prayer and welcome. A pastor or elder opens with prayer.
3. Scripture readings. Commonly Psalm 23 and passages on resurrection and comfort.
4. Music. A choir, praise team or soloist leads. Congregations often join in, clap or raise their hands.
5. Obituary and acknowledgments. The obituary or life story is read, and cards and flowers may be acknowledged.
6. Tributes and testimonies. Family, friends and church members share short memories or faith stories. This part can be brief or long.
7. The sermon. The pastor or a guest minister preaches about the person's faith and about hope in Christ. It often takes the place of a eulogy.
8. Altar call. An invitation to pray or make a commitment to Christ. You may stay seated.
9. Final viewing. If the casket is open, guests often file past, and the family usually goes last.
10. Closing prayer and benediction, followed by the recessional.

After the church service there is usually a procession to the cemetery for a short committal with a prayer, Scripture and often a song. Our guide to the funeral service order can help you build the program.

What music is played at a Pentecostal funeral?

Music is the heart of the service. Many churches combine older hymns and gospel favorites with contemporary worship songs. Songs often heard at these services include "I'll Fly Away," "Amazing Grace," "It Is Well with My Soul," "Precious Lord, Take My Hand," "Soon and Very Soon," "His Eye Is on the Sparrow," "Total Praise," "Way Maker" and "Goodness of God." The music is often live, with an organ, piano, band or choir, and the church's own musicians usually know the family's preferences.

If you are planning the service, talk to the church's music director early. Our guide to funeral music has more ideas, and the funeral music planner can help you choose songs for each part of the service.

Do Pentecostals believe in cremation?

There is no single Pentecostal rule. Many Christians accept cremation because the Bible does not forbid it, and that includes many Pentecostals. Others prefer burial as a traditional way to honor the body. Views vary by denomination, congregation and family, so ask the family's pastor. Some families hold the viewing and funeral with the body present and then cremate, and others choose cremation first and hold a memorial service. Our guides to direct cremation and cremation memorial service ideas cover the practical side.

What should guests wear and expect?

Dress modestly in dark or conservative clothing unless the family asks for a color. Some families ask guests to wear white or a particular color, which is usually in the obituary or program. Some Pentecostal and Apostolic churches keep conservative dress standards, so if you are unsure, ask the funeral home or a family member. Our guide on what to wear to a funeral has more.

A few things can help if you are new to this style of service.

• You do not have to participate. You can stand when the congregation stands and stay seated during any altar call. Speaking in tongues, shouting and dancing are spontaneous and not expected of guests.
• Call and response is normal. Hearing "Amen" or "Yes" during the sermon is a way for the congregation to agree with the speaker, not an interruption.
• Plan extra time. Turn off your phone and allow more time than the printed schedule suggests, since services can run long.
• Children are usually welcome. Many families include children in the service. If young children are sensitive to loud music, a seat near the back or an aisle can help.
• Sympathy gestures. Cards, flowers, meals for the family and a donation to a memorial fund are all welcome. Our guides on funeral etiquette and funeral donation etiquette explain the details.

What is a repast?

A repast is the meal shared after the funeral or burial. It is often held in the church fellowship hall or at a nearby venue, and it gives family, friends and the church community a chance to eat, share memories and support one another. In many congregations members cook and serve the food, so the family does not have to organize it. Non-members who attended the service are usually welcome. If you are hosting one, our guide to planning a funeral reception covers venues, food and costs.

How do you plan a Pentecostal funeral?

1. Call the pastor or church office. Confirm the date, the sanctuary, the officiating minister and any church policies. If the person did not belong to a church, a family pastor or a local congregation may be willing to help.
2. Choose a funeral home. Ask for its General Price List, which the FTC Funeral Rule requires funeral homes to give you when you visit, and to quote by phone. Ask whether it can work with longer service times, large gatherings and livestreaming if you want one.
3. Plan the viewing. Many families hold a viewing or visitation the evening before. Our guide to wake, viewing and visitation explains the differences.
4. Coordinate the music with the church's choir, praise team or musicians.
5. Write the program. Include the order of service, the obituary, a photo, song titles, the pallbearers and any thank-you note.
6. Arrange the repast with the church fellowship committee or a family member.
7. Confirm the details with the church, funeral home, cemetery and musicians in the last few days.

What does a Pentecostal funeral cost?

The church does not set the price, so costs depend on the funeral home, the cemetery and what you choose. The National Funeral Directors Association's 2023 price study put the national median at $8,300 for a funeral with viewing and burial and $6,280 for a funeral with viewing and cremation. These do not include the cemetery plot, opening and closing fees or a marker.

Some churches charge little or nothing for members to use the sanctuary, and musicians may volunteer. Others have fees, so ask the church office. Some congregations also take a collection or offering to help the family. If cost is a worry, see our guides to the average funeral cost breakdown and funeral costs by religion.