Contemporary Christian
Funeral Songs:
Modern Worship Music

Contemporary Christian funeral songs bring the comfort of modern worship to memorial services. From Hillsong to Elevation Worship, these songs celebrate faith with fresh expressions of timeless biblical truth.

Modern Worship2000s-Present
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Why Choose Contemporary Christian Funeral Songs

Contemporary Christian funeral songs offer modern expressions of faith that resonate deeply with today's worshippers. Written by artists like Hillsong Worship, Elevation Worship, Chris Tomlin, and Bethel Music, these songs blend biblical truth with contemporary musical styles that feel authentic and accessible.

Unlike traditional hymns written centuries ago, contemporary Christian funeral songs use conversational language and modern melodies while maintaining the same core messages of hope, resurrection, and God's faithfulness. They bridge generational divides, offering comfort to both younger attendees and those who appreciate fresh expressions of timeless faith.

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Top Contemporary Christian Artists for Funerals

Hillsong Worship

Australian worship collective known for powerful anthems of faith. Songs like "What A Beautiful Name" and "Oceans" offer deep theological truth in accessible, moving arrangements.

• What A Beautiful Name
• Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)
• Cornerstone

Elevation Worship

Contemporary Christian music from Elevation Church featuring uplifting, hope-filled worship. Their songs emphasize God's presence in both triumph and grief.

• O Come to the Altar
• Graves Into Gardens
• The Blessing

Chris Tomlin

One of the most influential contemporary Christian artists, with worship songs sung in churches worldwide. His music bridges traditional and modern styles.

• Good Good Father
• How Great Is Our God
• Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)

Bethel Music

California-based worship collective creating intimate, powerful songs of faith. Their music emphasizes God's nearness during times of loss.

• Goodness of God
• Raise a Hallelujah
• No Longer Slaves

MercyMe & Other CCM Artists

Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) artists offering radio-friendly worship with deep emotional resonance and biblical foundation.

• I Can Only Imagine - MercyMe
• Even If - MercyMe
• You Say - Lauren Daigle
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Contemporary vs Traditional Christian Music

Contemporary Christian

Modern worship songs (2000-present) with contemporary musical arrangements and conversational lyrics.

Musical Style: Guitars, drums, keyboards, full band
Language: Conversational, accessible
Artists: Hillsong, Elevation, Bethel
Appeal: Younger generations, modern services

Traditional Hymns

Classic hymns (pre-2000) with traditional arrangements and formal theological language.

Musical Style: Organ, piano, classical arrangements
Language: Formal, poetic, theological
Examples: Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art
Appeal: Multigenerational, traditional services

Blending Both Styles

Many funeral services successfully blend contemporary Christian funeral songs with traditional hymns. Start with a familiar hymn like "Amazing Grace," include contemporary worship during reflection, and close with an uplifting modern song. This approach honors tradition while embracing contemporary expressions of faith.

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Complete Collection of Contemporary Christian Funeral Songs

Browse our curated selection of contemporary Christian funeral songs from the world's leading worship artists. Each song offers modern expressions of biblical hope and comfort.

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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.

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How to Choose Contemporary Christian Funeral Songs

Consider Your Church's Style

Contemporary Christian funeral songs work best in churches already using modern worship music. If your church is more traditional, consider blending one or two contemporary songs with traditional hymns to maintain appropriate reverence while adding modern elements.

Match Music to the Deceased's Faith

Choose contemporary Christian funeral songs that reflect how your loved one worshipped. If they attended contemporary services or loved modern worship, these songs authentically honor their faith expression. Include their favorite worship artists or songs they sang during life.

Ensure Lyrical Appropriateness

While contemporary Christian songs use conversational language, choose lyrics that emphasize hope, resurrection, and God's faithfulness. Songs about struggle and doubt can be appropriate if they ultimately point to faith and trust in God's goodness.

Consider Musical Arrangements

Contemporary Christian funeral songs often require full bands or quality backing tracks. Coordinate with your church's worship team or consider acoustic arrangements for smaller services. Recorded versions work well but test sound systems beforehand.

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Common Questions About Contemporary Christian Funeral Songs

What are contemporary Christian funeral songs?

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Contemporary Christian funeral songs are modern worship songs written primarily after 2000 by artists like Hillsong, Elevation Worship, Chris Tomlin, Bethel Music, and others. These songs feature contemporary musical styles while maintaining biblical themes of hope, faith, and eternal life.

Can I play contemporary Christian music at a traditional funeral?

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Yes, many traditional funeral services now include contemporary Christian funeral songs alongside traditional hymns. Modern worship music appeals to younger generations while still honoring Christian faith. Consult with your pastor or funeral director about incorporating both traditional and contemporary selections.

What are the most popular contemporary Christian funeral songs?

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Popular contemporary Christian funeral songs include "10,000 Reasons" by Matt Redman, "Good Good Father" by Chris Tomlin, "Way Maker" by Sinach, "What A Beautiful Name" by Hillsong Worship, and "Even If" by MercyMe. These songs offer comfort through modern worship while emphasizing faith and hope.

How do contemporary Christian songs differ from traditional hymns?

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Contemporary Christian funeral songs feature modern musical arrangements with guitars, drums, and contemporary melodies, while traditional hymns typically use organ or piano with classical arrangements. Both share biblical themes, but contemporary songs use more conversational language and were written in recent decades versus centuries ago.

Are contemporary Christian funeral songs appropriate for all denominations?

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Contemporary Christian funeral songs are widely accepted in most Protestant denominations including Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, and non-denominational churches. Catholic services may prefer traditional hymns for liturgical moments but often allow contemporary Christian music during other parts of the service. Always check with your church leadership.

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