Customer Reviews

The Funeral and Wedding Handbook

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Some books in this general category are primarily collections of readings and references to be used when performing a religious ceremony. "The Funeral and Wedding Handbook" is not such an anthology. It provides a good discussion of the important issues and circumstances one should remember when involved with a funeral or wedding ceremony.

What emotions will you encounter, in your own experience and in working with families and others? What are the formalities or legal issues one must remember? What are the accepted and expected activities for which you will be responsible.

This is an excellent book for the new member of the clergy. It would also be of real value to funeral directors or their staffs, and to the many workers involved with weddings.

This book is excellent in every way. Most books on homiletics cover 5-10 pages on these subjects (if anything at all); here is a resource book with over 200 pages. It is very informative (on what to do) and filled with several practical examples (on how to do it) of ministry during these important times in people's lives. For the student preparing for ministry, the "rookie" or experienced minister, this book is a must. It is "as good as it gets" on these subjects.

This book is not only helpful to the clergy but to anyone who is trying to plan a wedding or a funeral. The author calls on his many years of experience conducting weddings and funerals in laying out the proper steps needed to organize either event regardless whether you are a minister or not. Mr.Blair approaches both events with respect and humor. This book is an absolute must have!

There may not be two areas of ministry that touch the lives of people more then funerals and weddings! Therefore, to excel in exemplifying Christ during these times is a must for pastors and servant-leaders who are called on to conduct such services and minister to family members at such a time as these. Not only have I read "The Funeral and Wedding Handbook" by Robert Blair, I keep it ready as an immediate reference and reminder of my responsibility to the families whom I serve. This book should be on every pastor's library shelf and a requirement for reading by every pastoral student.

Pastor Gregg Johnson
Crossroads Christian Church

I found this book to be a great resource for my own planning of funerals. As a fairly new pastor, I found the great advice Bob gives is priceless. Helpful hints, stories, Scriptures, and sample funeral messages all combine to make a easy to read resource.

As a preaching minister I have found myself going to Robert Blair's book numerous times for help and suggestions in ministering in two of the most emotional times in a person's life -- marriage and death. I would highly recommend this book to any one who is involved in these area's on peoples lives. You will keep it close for quick reference.

Certainly, this is not what they teach you in seminary, although they should. I picked this up on a whim, having owned a few books that contain wedding services, but I just felt I needed more funeral examples. This book not only offers good examples for both types of service, but Robert Blair also offers his own advice surrounding each event. Reading this book is like having a senior pastor mentor sitting beside you, offering his own guidance as you navigate the unknown territory of what is possibly the best and worst days in a person's life.

Every pastor must from time to time prepare for funerals and weddings. In today's individualized world, people expect that their pastor will come up with a unique and special service. Where does one turn when the creative juices are running low? Bob Blair's Funeral and Wedding Handbook holds the answer.


I recently conducted a wedding that try as I might, I couldn't get to come together. I pulled Bob's book off my shelf and it provided just the spark I needed. Afterwards, the father of the bride told me it was the best wedding he had ever attended. That I could go from "I've got nothing," to putting together a meaningful service is a testimony to how God can use the help found in this book in the life of an ordinary preacher.


Rev. John Battern
New Sharon United Methodist Church