Grieving With Hope

Description

In this well-researched work, Dr Albín Masarik explores various features of funeral sermons arising from their unique context and homiletic process. While funeral sermons are an important element in pastoral care of churches and the wider community, theological reflection of this weighty responsibility can be hard to find. Addressing the definition of a funeral sermon, their categorization, purpose and context, this book brings clarity to inform the exercise of preaching a funeral sermon and help pastors and theologians grapple with how to best shepherd their flock and exalt our Saviour in the midst of bereavement.Here is a study of preaching at funerals which is timely and important. At a time when many have lost confidence in the proclamation of Christian hope at the time of death, this book offers a corrective to such hesitancy. It does so by careful theological and pastoral consideration of the task, and it offers practical guidance and suggestions to those who stand before a congregation to declare God’s word in the face of death. Dr Masarik has done us an invaluable service.Rev Paul Sheppy, PhD - Research Fellow, Regent’s Park College, University of Oxford