Our calling as ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ is to make Christ central in all we do. Yet, in many funeral occasions, the gospel of Jesus Christ is lamentably overlooked as the primary purpose of the funeral service and that upon which all true hope depends. The aim of this book is not just to inform you of all the different kinds of important logistics, challenges, and practicalities that often accompany any funeral, but so that you will know how to apply the power of the gospel in the midst of those unique challenges.
The brevity of this book betrays its value. Conduct Gospel-Centered Funerals is a superb treatment of this crucial aspect of pastoral ministry. It is both theologically faithful and practically useful. I will refer to it often when called upon to point others to the victory we have in Christ during the times of sorrow and grief that always accompany death.
—Daniel L. Akin, President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
How I wish that I had this book ten years ago! Filled with biblical and wise pastoral wisdom, this book will help the person just starting to take funerals as well as give fresh thoughts to those who have taken many. Brian Croft and Phil Newton have written a pastoral gem.
—Paul Rees, Senior Pastor, Charlotte Chapel, Edinburgh, Scotland
Brian Croft is senior pastor of Auburndale Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. He is the author of several books about pastoral ministry. Through his blog, Practical Shepherding, he seeks to equip pastors and leaders to faithfully shepherd God’s people.
Phil Newton is Senior Pastor of South Woods Baptist Church in Memphis, TN, a church he planted in 1987. He is the author of Elders in Congregational Life and contributor to other books and journals. He came to faith in Christ as a teenager while living in Russellville, Alabama. Called to gospel ministry a year later, he received his education at Mobile College (now the University of Mobile), B. A., New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, M. Div., and Fuller Theological Seminary, D. Min. He is presently a Ph. D. student at the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina, where he is studying applied theology in missiology. After pastoring three churches in Alabama and Mississippi, he planted South Woods Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee in 1987 and continues to serve as senior pastor. He regularly engages in training young men for Christian ministry and leading international mission trips.
