Includes bibliographical references (p. 179-182) and index.

1. From Ordinary Time to Funeral Time -- 2. The Language of Loss -- 3. The First Phase of Grief -- 4. Caring for Individuals and Families Who Mourn -- 5. Caring for Mourners Beyond the Family -- 6. Assembling for a Funeral -- 7. Preparing a Funeral Liturgy -- 8. Funerals and Mourning -- 9. Worship Leadership in Funerals -- 10. Funerals and Comfort -- 11. Pastoral Care After the Funeral -- Postscript: Grief in a War-Torn World.

"Caring through the Funeral is a guidebook to take pastors through the complete funeral process, from the moment the call is received to the weeks following the funeral. More than just a "how-to," Caring through the Funeral uniquely addresses the funeral process from the perspective of pastoral ministry - of pastoral caring throughout the time of mourning, from the death through post-funeral grieving. Many times the funeral is the most momentous means of pastoral caring for the bereaved, and often it is the only time that the church has an opportunity to care for the family and friends."--BOOK JACKET.