Jehovah's Witnesses Funeral Services

Published: 05/17/2010 by Funeral Home Resource Team

Jehovah's Witnesses Funeral Service are based in their belief that death is considered a state of non-existence, based on their understanding of Ecclesiastes 9:5, "For the living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all". Witnesses believe that the only hope for life after death is in the resurrection, which they say involves re-creation by God of the same individual with a new body.




The Jehovah Witness funeral will resemble a normal Sunday public talk at a meeting of Jehovah's Witnesses. Jehovah witnesses do not perform traditional Christian funerals and do not believe in doing things to honor the deceased, such as wakes and memorial ceremonies. The Jehovah Witness funeral itself will include a brief discussion or speech about the life of the deceased, the beliefs of the deceased, and the Bible's hope for resurrection. The Bible will be guide for the talk. The talk will be preceded and followed by a song and prayer.




A Jehovah's Witness funeral service is led by a Jehovah's Witness elder and is seen as mainly an opportunity to preach the message of the Jehovah's Witnesses. The Jehovah’s Witnesses funeral service lasts only 15 or 30 minutes. The funeral usually takes place within a week after death. At the service, men wear a suit and tie, and women are expected to dress modestly, but neither needs a head covering. Flowers and food may be offered to the family before, during or after the service.




Jehovah Witnesses Funeral Services take place in a funeral home or Kingdom Hall, the Jehovah’s Witnesses place of worship. Cameras or video equipment are not permitted. Guests who are not of this faith may participate in the service to the extent that they feel comfortable. At graveside, the scriptures are referenced and a prayer is read.