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
Common 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.
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.
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's darkness resonates deeply with mourners.
Best moment: Perfect for processional or during reflection moments.
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
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
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's memorial service.
Best moment: Celebratory recessional or closing hymn.
It Is Well With My Soul
Horatio Spafford
Written as Spafford sailed over the spot where his four daughters drowned, this hymn of faith emerged from unimaginable grief.
Why it's meaningful: Despite devastating loss, Spafford declared 'it is well' - a profound statement of faith that inspires mourners.
Best moment: Powerful testimony of faith during the darkest moments.
I Can Only Imagine
MercyMe
Written by lead singer Bart Millard about his father's death, imagining what it will be like to finally see Jesus face to face.
Why it's meaningful: For families of faith, this song processes grief through the lens of eventual reunion in God's presence.
Best moment: Powerful for Christian services, building from quiet contemplation to triumphant hope.
10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)
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.
Total Praise
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's funeral, it's become a signature gospel funeral song.
Best moment: Powerful during worship moments or as a solo performance.
Order My Steps
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's path.
Why it's meaningful: Initially rejected before being embraced, the song's journey mirrors how grief transforms into acceptance.
Best moment: Meaningful during worship or reflection time.
Because He Lives
Bill and Gloria Gaither
Written during the turbulent late 1960s, this song finds hope in Christ's resurrection as the answer to life's uncertainties.
Why it's meaningful: Christ's victory over death gives mourners hope that their loved one shares in eternal life.
Best moment: Hopeful choice for celebrating resurrection faith.
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
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's personal tragedy inspired words that comfort millions facing loss.
Best moment: Comforting during quiet reflection or congregational singing.
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.
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.
We Fall Down
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 we fall short but God is holy brings both humility and hope.
Best moment: Uplifting during worship or as a congregational hymn.
Held
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
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
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.
Precious Child
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's precious life.
I Will Carry You
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
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.
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.