Contemporary Christian Songs For Funeral

So, I was at this funeral the other day, right? Not mine, obviously, I was just there to pay my respects. Now, I've been to my fair share of funerals, but this one was different. As the service was about to start, the pastor walked in, pressed play on the sound system, and what do you hear? Shout to the Lord by Hillsong! I mean, I was expecting Amazing Grace or maybe even How Great Thou Art, but this? This was something else.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm all for mixing things up, keeping it fresh, you know? But it got me thinking, what are these contemporary Christian songs that we're playing at funerals these days? And why are they suddenly becoming the new norm?

From Hymns to Hits

Let's face it, funerals have always been a bit of a musical melting pot. You've got your traditional hymns, your spirituals, and even the occasional pop song that held a special meaning for the deceased. But somewhere along the line, contemporary Christian music started making its way into the funeral scene, and it's not showing any signs of slowing down.

I mean, have you heard Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) by Hillsong United at a funeral lately? Or maybe How He Loves by David Crowder Band? These songs are practically anthems in churches worldwide, and now they're becoming anthems at funerals too. But why?

Why Contemporary Christian Music at Funerals?

Well, for starters, these songs are just catchy. They've got that modern sound, you know? Beats that make you want to tap your foot, melodies that stick in your head. They're not your grandma's hymns (no offense, Grandma).

But it's not just about the sound. These songs are relatable. They talk about real-life struggles, about faith in the face of adversity, about finding hope in the midst of despair. They're not just singing about going to heaven when you die; they're singing about life, about love, about loss. And that, my friends, is something we can all relate to.

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Plus, let's not forget the fact that these songs are accessible. With the rise of streaming platforms and Christian radio stations, contemporary Christian music is more mainstream than ever. It's not just for the choir anymore; it's for everyone. And that makes it a safe bet for funerals, where you've got a mix of people from all walks of life.

But What About Tradition?

Now, I'm not saying we should ditch the hymns altogether. I mean, there's a reason they've stood the test of time, right? But there's room for both. Tradition is important, but so is relevance. And let's face it, Rock of Ages just doesn't have the same impact as This Is Amazing Grace by Phil Wickham.

And besides, funerals are about celebrating life, right? So why not celebrate with music that reflects the way we live and worship today? Why not honor the deceased with songs that they loved, that they sang along to in church every Sunday?

Finding the Balance

But it's all about balance. You don't want to go from one extreme to another. You don't want a funeral that's more concert than service. So, maybe start with a hymn, something traditional to set the tone. Then, mix in a contemporary song or two, something that reflects the life of the deceased. And finish it off with a hymn, something to send everyone off with a sense of peace and hope.

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And hey, if you're really feeling adventurous, maybe even throw in a secular song that held a special meaning for the deceased. I mean, if Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley can be sung at a royal funeral, then anything's possible, right?

So, What's Your Funeral Anthem?

Now, I'm not saying you should be planning your own funeral right this minute (although, you know, it's not a bad idea to have a will and all that jazz). But it's something to think about, right? What songs would you want played at your funeral? What songs would reflect your life, your faith, your love for cheesy 80s power ballads (no judgment here)?

Because at the end of the day, funerals are about more than just saying goodbye. They're about celebrating a life, about finding comfort in community, about singing our praises to God. And if contemporary Christian music can help us do that, then I say, let's turn it up to 11.

So, what do you say? Ready to start making your funeral playlist? Just promise me one thing: no Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley. Let's keep it classy, folks.