Christian Funeral Songs
40+ hymns and worship songs organized by denomination, tradition, and style
Understanding Christian Funeral Music
For believers, funeral music isn't just about mourning - it's about testimony. The songs played at a Christian funeral often reflect a lifetime of faith: the hymns sung at Sunday services, the worship songs from church camp, the verses that got someone through hard times.
“Amazing Grace” remains the most requested song at funerals (Christian or not) because its message of redemption resonates universally. But Christian families often want something more specific - songs about heaven, resurrection, seeing loved ones again.
The right choice depends on your denomination, the deceased's preferences, and what will comfort mourners. A Southern Baptist funeral sounds different from a Presbyterian one, and both differ from a contemporary non-denominational service.
Songs by Denomination
Different Christian traditions have distinct musical styles and expectations. Here's what typically works in each:
Baptist
Emphasis on congregational singing, salvation themes, and personal faith. Gospel-influenced music welcome.
Common Choices:
Southern Baptist services often feature more upbeat gospel; American Baptist tends toward traditional hymns.
Methodist
Rich hymn tradition from Charles Wesley. Balance of celebration and reverence.
Common Choices:
United Methodist Church has specific liturgical guidelines but allows flexibility in music selection.
Lutheran
Strong chorale tradition, emphasis on resurrection hope. More formal structure.
Common Choices:
ELCA tends more flexible; Missouri Synod may have stricter guidelines on hymn selection.
Presbyterian
Psalm-singing tradition, dignified worship, emphasis on God's sovereignty.
Common Choices:
Many Presbyterian churches use hymnals like Glory to God with approved selections.
Non-Denominational
Most flexible. Contemporary worship common. Focus on personal relationship with God.
Common Choices:
Often the most open to mixing contemporary worship with traditional hymns and even secular songs.
Traditional Hymns vs. Contemporary Worship
Traditional Hymns
These have stood the test of time. Everyone knows them, and there's power in that familiarity.
Contemporary Worship
For those who grew up with worship bands instead of organs. Speaks to younger generations.
Bridging the Generation Gap
One of the biggest challenges in choosing Christian funeral music is the generational divide. Grandma's favorites from the 1950s hymnal might not resonate with grandchildren raised on Hillsong.
Strategies that work:
- •Mix old and new: Open with “Amazing Grace,” include one contemporary song, close with a traditional hymn
- •Use modern arrangements: Chris Tomlin's “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” bridges both worlds
- •Honor their actual faith: Play what they actually sang, not what you think a funeral “should” have
- •Ask the pastor: They've navigated this many times and can suggest compromises
Songs for Different Moments
As People Arrive
Something gentle that helps people transition into worship
After Scripture Reading
Reflective, connects to the message
During Photo Tribute
Personal, can include secular favorites here
Closing / Recessional
Hopeful, forward-looking, often more upbeat
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular Christian funeral songs?
"Amazing Grace" remains the #1 most requested song at Christian funerals across all denominations. Other universally popular choices include "How Great Thou Art," "It Is Well With My Soul," "In the Garden," and "The Old Rugged Cross." For contemporary services, "I Can Only Imagine" and "10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)" are increasingly common.
Can I play contemporary worship music at a traditional church funeral?
This depends on the church and pastor. Many traditional churches now welcome contemporary worship songs, especially for younger family members. Always check with the officiating pastor first. A good compromise is mixing one or two contemporary songs with traditional hymns.
What's the difference between a funeral and a celebration of life?
A traditional Christian funeral focuses on commending the deceased to God, with Scripture readings, prayers, and hymns about heaven and resurrection. A celebration of life emphasizes the person's story and impact, often with more personal music choices. Many services blend both approaches.
How do I choose songs if the deceased wasn't very religious?
Consider hymns they would have heard growing up, even if they didn't attend church regularly. "Amazing Grace" and "In the Garden" resonate with many people regardless of current church attendance. You can also ask family members what songs remind them of the person.
Are secular songs allowed at Christian funerals?
This varies by denomination and church. Many Protestant churches allow meaningful secular songs during photo tributes or as people enter. Some are more restrictive. The pastor will let you know what's acceptable in their church.
All Christian Funeral Songs
Browse our complete collection of 30 Christian funeral songs, from centuries-old hymns to modern worship.
Amazing Grace
by Traditional
A timeless hymn of redemption and hope that has comforted mourners for centuries.
Why it's meaningful: This beloved hymn speaks of salvation and the journey from loss to grace, offering profound comfort to those grieving.
Best moment: Often played during the processional or as a closing hymn.
Precious Lord, Take My Hand
by Mahalia Jackson
Written by Thomas Dorsey after losing his wife and infant son, this deeply personal hymn has become the quintessential gospel funeral song.
Why it's meaningful: Its heartfelt plea for divine guidance through life\\
Best moment: Perfect for processional or during reflection moments.
How Great Thou Art
by Traditional Hymn
A majestic hymn praising God
Why it's meaningful: Offers hope of reunion in heaven and celebrates faith
Best moment: Powerful as a congregational hymn or solo performance.
Going Up Yonder
by Walter Hawkins
This uplifting anthem celebrates the promise of heaven and eternal life, transforming grief into hope.
Why it's meaningful: A staple in Black Protestant funeral traditions, it focuses on the glorious reunion awaiting believers in heaven during homegoing services.
Best moment: Powerful as a recessional or celebration of life moment.
Soon and Very Soon
by Andraé Crouch
This triumphant song anticipates the joy of seeing Jesus and being reunited with loved ones in heaven.
Why it's meaningful: Based on Revelation 21:3-4, it speaks of no more crying or dying. Performed at Michael Jackson\\
Best moment: Celebratory recessional or closing hymn.
It Is Well With My Soul
by Horatio Spafford
Written as Spafford\\
Why it's meaningful: Despite devastating loss, Spafford declared
Best moment: Powerful testimony of faith during the darkest moments.
I Can Only Imagine
by MercyMe
Written by lead singer Bart Millard about his father\\
Why it's meaningful: For families of faith, this song processes grief through the lens of eventual reunion in God\\
Best moment: Powerful for Christian services, building from quiet contemplation to triumphant hope.
On Eagle
by Michael Joncas
A popular Catholic funeral hymn based on Psalm 91, about God
Why it's meaningful: Speaks of being carried on eagle
Best moment: Often chosen as a recessional or during the final commendation.
In the Garden
by Traditional Hymn
A beloved hymn about walking and talking with Jesus in a peaceful garden setting.
Why it's meaningful: Offers comfort through its imagery of personal communion with the divine.
Best moment: Often requested by elderly individuals for their own services.
The Old Rugged Cross
by George Bennard
A cherished hymn about sacrifice and salvation, beloved by older generations.
Why it's meaningful: Reflects the deep faith that sustained many through life\\
Best moment: Meaningful for those who held strong religious convictions.
10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)
by Matt Redman
A modern worship song about finding reasons to be grateful even in sorrow.
Why it's meaningful: Encourages thankfulness for a life lived while trusting in divine comfort.
Best moment: Uplifting during Christian services focused on celebration rather than mourning.
Abide With Me
by Traditional Hymn
A beloved hymn asking for divine presence through life\\
Why it's meaningful: Offers comfort through faith in God\\
Best moment: Traditional evening hymn often requested by the elderly.
Total Praise
by Richard Smallwood
Written while Smallwood cared for his mother with dementia, this powerful song based on Psalm 121 became an anthem of worship and surrender.
Why it's meaningful: Performed at Aretha Franklin\\
Best moment: Powerful during worship moments or as a solo performance.
Order My Steps
by GMWA Women of Worship
This passionate prayer for divine guidance resonates deeply at funerals as families seek comfort in knowing their loved one walked in God\\
Why it's meaningful: Initially rejected before being embraced, the song\\
Best moment: Meaningful during worship or reflection time.
Because He Lives
by Bill and Gloria Gaither
Written during the turbulent late 1960s, this song finds hope in Christ\\
Why it's meaningful: Christ\\
Best moment: Hopeful choice for celebrating resurrection faith.
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
by Traditional Hymn
Written by Joseph Scriven to comfort his mother after his fiancée drowned, this hymn emphasizes Jesus as the ultimate friend who bears our sorrows.
Why it's meaningful: Scriven\\
Best moment: Comforting during quiet reflection or congregational singing.
Go Rest High on That Mountain
by Vince Gill
A country gospel song about finding eternal rest after life
Why it's meaningful: Written after personal loss, it authentically captures grief and hope.
Best moment: Powerful choice for country music lovers with faith.
Ave Maria
by Franz Schubert
A classical prayer to Mary that transcends religious boundaries with its beauty.
Why it's meaningful: The melody alone can move hearts, offering comfort through pure beauty.
Best moment: Creates a sacred atmosphere during the service.
Be Not Afraid
by Bob Dufford
A beloved Catholic hymn based on Isaiah 43, offering comfort and hope.
Why it's meaningful: Reminds us that God is with us through death and into eternal life.
Best moment: Often sung during the entrance or as a closing hymn.
The Lord
by Traditional (Psalm 23)
The beloved Psalm 23 set to music, speaking of God
Why it's meaningful: Offers comfort through the imagery of God as a caring shepherd.
Best moment: Perfect during the psalm or as a meditation song.
Three Wooden Crosses
by Randy Travis
A story of lives intersecting and the legacy we leave behind.
Why it's meaningful: Reminds us that our influence lives on through the lives we touch.
Best moment: Meaningful for those who made a difference in their community.
Sissy\\
by Alan Jackson
Written after a tragic loss, finding faith in the midst of grief.
Why it's meaningful: Offers comfort through faith while acknowledging the pain of sudden loss.
Best moment: Meaningful for unexpected losses and young lives cut short.
We Fall Down
by Donnie McClurkin
This song acknowledges human frailty while celebrating the holiness of God, offering hope to mourners struggling with grief.
Why it's meaningful: The message that
Best moment: Uplifting during worship or as a congregational hymn.
Held
by Natalie Grant
A Christian song processing incomprehensible grief, asking how to praise God when your world falls apart, while finding comfort in being held through the pain.
Why it's meaningful: Honestly addresses the theological struggle of child loss while offering the comfort of divine presence in unbearable moments.
Best moment: For families wrestling with faith and grief after losing a child.
Scars in Heaven
by Casting Crowns
A Christian song asking if there are scars in heaven, processing the bittersweet grief of loss while holding onto hope of reunion.
Why it's meaningful: Beautifully captures the tension of saying goodbye while trusting in eternal hope - acknowledging both the devastation of loss and the comfort of faith.
Best moment: Moving choice for Christian families processing child loss or other profound grief.
Nearer, My God, to Thee
by Traditional Hymn
Solemn hymn often played by jazz bands during the funeral procession, expressing spiritual longing for divine presence.
Why it's meaningful: Combines sacred yearning with jazz tradition, famously rumored to have been played as the Titanic sank.
Best moment: Processional for New Orleans funerals or traditional services.
I Am the Bread of Life
by Suzanne Toolan
A Catholic hymn based on John 6, emphasizing eternal life through Christ.
Why it's meaningful: Offers hope of resurrection and eternal life in Christ.
Best moment: Particularly meaningful during the offertory or communion.
Precious Child
by Karen Taylor-Good
Originally written by Dolly Parton for her nephew who was murdered, this powerful song celebrates every child as precious and irreplaceable.
Why it's meaningful: Acknowledges the specific, devastating grief of losing a child while honoring their unique light and impact on your life.
Best moment: Deeply moving choice for celebrating your child\\
I Will Carry You
by Selah
A Christian song about God carrying grieving parents through the unbearable pain of losing a child, offering comfort in faith.
Why it's meaningful: For families of faith, this song acknowledges that some losses are too heavy to bear alone and offers divine comfort and strength.
Best moment: Tender choice for Christian services honoring a child or infant loss.
Hello, Good-Bye
by Michael W. Smith
Written for friends who lost their infant son, this gentle song acknowledges the brief hello before the devastating goodbye, with hope of reunion in heaven.
Why it's meaningful: Speaks directly to parents who barely got to know their child before losing them, honoring even the shortest lives as infinitely meaningful.
Best moment: Especially meaningful for infant loss or short lives.
Related Resources
Sarah Mitchell
Funeral Music CuratorFormer church music director with 15 years of experience helping families choose meaningful funeral music. Created YourFuneralSongs after losing her mother in 2019.