Best Gospel Funeral Songs
In times of bereavement, when emotions are high and people may be feeling hopeless, a simple song can hold the power to restore and encourage those who are hurt by the loss of a loved one. That’s precisely why the song choice at a funeral ceremony is so important. Gospel funeral songs are the ideal choice for honoring a loved one with music that is both meaningful and uplifting.
Gospel music has its roots in religious traditions, but it also carries a message of hope and positivity. This makes gospel funeral songs perfect for expressing the complexity of emotions felt by mourners at a service. Christian gospel songs can be used to celebrate life as well as to provide comfort and solace.
When planning a funeral service, take a few moments and consider compiling a music playlist that will serve to heal the hurt, encourage the family, and give hope and help to those who are left behind. A balanced mix of funeral hymns and gospel funeral songs should be considered during funeral planning.
Defining the Gospel Funeral Tradition
Gospel music has been part of funerals for many years. It is defined as a style of Christian music that is composed and performed primarily to give praise and honor to God. Gospel funeral songs are generally spiritually uplifting, expressing messages of hope, peace, faith, love, and joy in the midst of sadness.
These gospel hymns often carry a message of joy even when the lyrics concern death. This makes them increasingly popular choices for use in funerals and memorial services to provide comfort and healing.
Honoring Loved Ones Through Music
There is nothing more powerful than the sound of a beloved gospel hymn at the funeral of a Christian loved one. Not only will it fill hearts with joy, but it will also remind everyone in attendance that no matter what sadness or pain they may be experiencing in their loss, God is still present and is always there to provide comfort.
Gospel music is all-encompassing and celebrates life while also honoring death. It not only speaks of the physical passing but also speaks to the spiritual transition that comes with it. A well-chosen gospel song can provide comfort and solace in a time of grief and sorrow, helping mourners cope in their moment of need.
Finding a Musician for Your Loved One’s Service
When selecting a gospel funeral song, it is important to consider the type of musician that will be performing at the service. It’s essential to find someone who can adequately portray the tone and style of music you are looking for. Choosing a musician who is experienced in playing gospel funeral songs is key if you want your loved one’s memorial service to reflect their faith and beliefs.
A good place to start searching for musicians is your local church or community. There may be a choir that would be willing to perform the requested gospel songs, or you might even find an individual musician who could provide the perfect accompaniment for the occasion.
The following song list will provide you with music suggestions that should be considered when planning Christian funeral services in a religious context.
In particular, gospel and Christian songs will set the mood for a homegoing service that will give the perfect message to family and friends that are suffering emotionally.
Instead of playing traditional hymns about death, we suggest focusing on praise songs that celebrate life, and life with God in particular. Celebrating life through gospel music will ease the emotional burden for friends and family during this difficult time.
Gospel Funeral Songs
- “I’m Goin Away” – Walter Hawkins
- “Till We Meet Again” – Kirk Franklin
- “When We All Get to Heaven” by Richard Smallwood
- “If I Don’t Wake Up” – The Williams Brothers
- “I Need You Now” – Smokie Norful
- “I’ll See You Again” – Richard Smallwood
- “I Trust You” – James Fortune & Fiya
- “I Shall Wear a Crown” – Richard Smallwood
- “You Waited” – Travis Greene
- “Amazing Grace” – Harlem Gospel Choir
- “Bye and Bye” – Georgia Mass Choir
- “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” – Mahalia Jackson
- “I’m Free” – Milton Brunson and the Thompson Community Singers
- “The Battle Is Not Yours” – Yolanda Adams
- “More Than I Can Bear” – Kirk Franklin & God’s Property
- “Stand” – Donnie McClurkin
- “I’ll Fly Away” – Hezekiah Walker
- “His Eye Is On the Sparrow” – Whitney Houston
- “Walk Around Heaven” – Patti Labelle
- “Soon and Very Soon” – Andrae Crouch
- “Goin’ Up Yonder” – Walter Hawkins
Southern Traditional Funeral Songs
- “Sweet Hour of Prayer” – Alan Jackson
- “What a Day That Will Be” – Southern Raised
- “How Great Thou Art” – Carrie Underwood
Christian Funeral Songs (CCM)
- “Broken Halos” – Chris Stapleton
- “Amazing Grace” – Alan Jackson
- “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” – Justin Moore
- “Heaven’s Now My Home” – Libby Allen
- “How Great Thou Art” – Alan Jackson
- “When I’m Gone” – Joey+Rory
- “When I Get Where I’m Going” – Brad Paisley
- “If Heaven” – Andy Griggs
- “Dancing in the Sky” – Dani and Lizzy
- “Jealous of the Angels” – Donna Taggart
- “Go Rest High On That Mountain” – Vince Gill
- “I Will Rise” – Chris Tomlin
- “It Is Not Death to Die” – Sovereign Grace
- “I’ll See You Again” – Westlife
- “Heaven Song” – Phil Wickham
- “Save A Place for Me” – Matthew West
- “I Can Only Imagine” – MercyMe