Burials and Funerals

Honouring and remembering the deceased

Across the Christian faith, there is a shared belief in the afterlife — that for a true believer, death, although final so far as their earthly existence, it awaits the glorious resurrection at Christ’s return. While customs may differ across cultures and denominations, the essence of Christian mourning remains grounded in faith in Christ, the hope of resurrection and the promise of eternal life.

Among members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, the passing of a family member or a friend is observed with simple and solemn services which focus on remembering the departed, the hope of eternal life and practical care for those who remain.

Faith in Christ and the hope of resurrection

Plymouth Brethren members believe in one God, known through Jesus Christ, who exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

We believe that God sent His Son to die for us — that Jesus Christ became the Substitute for our offences. On this foundation, we are offered repentance, forgiveness, and eternal life, granted to all who believe in God. For those saved by grace, life becomes a testimony of faith and a duty of service to the Saviour who died for us. (1 Tim 2:6; Philippians 2:8; 1 John 2:2; 1 John 1:7).

This faith in Christ also gives us hope in the resurrection. While death marks the end of this earthly journey, we hold a strong belief in life beyond — that we will be raised again, to eternal life in the presence of God.

We take particular comfort from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Burial procession and practices

In the Plymouth Brethren community, burials are arranged relatively quickly – usually within one to two days following a person’s passing, though in some cases, burial may occur up to a week later. There are no religious reasons for this timing – rather, it is a practical approach.

Most localities will have an appropriately qualified funeral director in their community, but if not, a third-party director is appointed. Funeral directors manage the planning of the burial and preparation of the body of the deceased.

A Brethren burial service begins with the arrival of the casket at the church hall. The general structure is that a congregation gathers for a hymn, a prayer, two sermons, and a closing hymn and prayer. Following this, attendees are invited to quietly file past the open casket to pay their final respects to the deceased.

The service then concludes at the burial site — usually the nearest public cemetery, although some churches in the United Kingdom have registered cemetery grounds adjacent to their church halls.

Community Support

While the loss of a family member or friend will naturally bring sadness, for us it is also accompanied by a sense of spiritual hope and community solidarity. Families are supported by the congregation through prayer and practical help, but also through their own personal faith and hope of eternal life.

Burials are generally attended by around 50–60 people, which maintains the simple and solemn atmosphere. The family decides who to invite. This will predominantly be members of the Plymouth Brethren faith, but in some cases this may include individuals from outside the church such as former members or colleagues from work. Non-members don’t join the church service but are invited to join at the graveside ceremony.

These services are not only a time to remember the deceased, but also to gather in community support, uphold one another in faith, and reaffirm our shared hope in Christ’s promise of eternal life.