Condolence Letter Writing Tips for Church Ministers

Yes, the believer has hope, but their heart is saddened when faced with the death of a loved one. This is why a personalized condolence letter is so very important, especially when it is sent to a church member.

When receiving a letter they know that they are in the heart of the church family. This ought to be always kept in mind when preparing it. Having a template for condolence letters is not inherently a bad thing, however if even for a moment it feels generic and standard then the recipient will feel distanced and unimportant. Taking this in mind, please consider the following tips.

1.) A mass produced signature is appropriate for general letters and church bulletins, however in the case of writing a condolence letter it is especially important to have it signed by hand by the pastor. A secretary or other member of the staff can be the one to write it, but the leader of the church should be the one to sign. This gives a personal touch, even if it is a small detail.

2.) Mention the deceased by name. Again, this is to keep the letter personal and to avoid a mass produced tone. If you do not know the name of the deceased then find out.

3.) Include some sort of memory of the deceased. Perhaps they had a hobby or a long time occupation. If the deceased was a member of your church then it is especially important to make the letter personal and warm, including specific memories which remind of good times.

4.) Include one more more Bible verses. Depending on the circumstances of the death a variety of verses could be appropriate. If the deceased was elderly and/or a believer, then a verse such as Matthew 11:28, Revelation 21:4, or John 14:27-29 would be great potential choices. However, if the death was unexpected and/or grim then Psalm 34:18, Matthew 5:4, or Psalm 46:1-2 might be a better fit. If the loss is that of a child, be especially careful and considerate with the phrasing of the letter as well as the verse you quote. In this case having it written personally by the pastor would be advisable due to the particularly difficult circumstances.

5.) Give information about the counseling options your church provides. Whether it is one on one counseling with one of the ministers or a weekly support group, be certain to mention the services you have available and instructions on how to get more information.

6.) Hand deliver the letter, as this would be a great show of support. Churches are different from businesses in that they deal with matters of the heart and of the soul. While it is appropriate for a business to mail a condolence letter, the church should try to avoid this when possible, opting for hand delivery.

The most important aspects of condolence letters is a personal feel and genuine sympathy. These tips will lead you there.