From Out in the Country

   On occasion you will come across something that grabs your attention or catches you by surprise. For me, it is more of the former than the latter. Greg Jackson, Senior Pastor of First Southern Baptist Church in Camden, Ohio is one of those guys that goes about his business in a community that is almost not on the map. I mean, you have to have a reason to go to Camden, Ohio. Yet, God sent Greg and his family to Camden over 15 years ago. Pastor Greg has served this community in many different facets in that time.

   One of the ways this Pastor has served his community is in the area of funerals. That’s right, funerals! Greg knows from experience that pastors will have to conduct many funerals throughout the course of their ministries. Being one of the more prominent pastors in the Camden community, Greg has developed a strong relationship with the local funeral home and its directors. This relationship has taken him down a very interesting path-so much so that his chosen thesis in his doctoral program was on assistance for pastors conducting funerals. Now, Greg Jackson D.Min. has published a very practical paperback book entitled, A Pastor’s Guide to Conducting a Funeral: Things Every Pastor Needs to Know, But May Have Been Afraid to Ask. It is great to see one of our own Ohio pastors recognized for their work, not only in the church, but in the community as well.

   Please enjoy the following comments of individuals who have read this book and feel that it should be in the personal library of every pastor.

  “Many pastors do not feel prepared to do all that is required to help families during the loss of a loved one. Fortunately, Greg Jackson offers a research-based, practical guide that actually helps.
   Jackson writes with the insight of one who knows first-hand what pastors need to do. His advice is clear and well written. His insights about working with funeral directors were especially useful. He even managed to infuse his writing with appropriate humor.”

John Kramp, Director of Church Resources Division,

LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention 

   “A Pastor's Guide to Conducting a Funeral: Things Every Pastor Needs to Know, But May Have Been Afraid to Ask gives pastors, chaplains, and other caregivers clear and concise guidance for responding to the profound needs of people facing the deaths of loved ones. It is a tool that every ministry student and pastor can benefit from.

  Gregory F. Jackson D.Min., Senior Pastor of the First Southern Baptist Church in Camden, Ohio, has shared over 200 funerals with the people of his rural community during the past 17 years. These experiences shape the book's research and guide its practical and timely advice.

   Young pastors may wonder, ‘What should I say and do at the funeral home or at the grave? What will help families face their losses with faith and trust in God?’ Older pastors might ask, ‘How can I refresh my ministry at the time of death?’ No matter what stage of ministry you find yourself in, this book can be your companion. It can help you when you are uncertain about the best approach to a family's grief or when you need insight into to a family's special needs.

   This is a book that every pastor needs to read. Each chapter includes results of surveys of pastors and funeral directors and ends with a short list of insights pastors need to know to serve more compassionately and effectively. As an added bonus, the book concludes with ‘A Baker's Dozen of Funeral Director Nuggets,’ sharing the most important tips funeral directors wished pastors knew about how to lead thoughtful funeral services with dignity.

   My friend Greg Jackson has given every pastor not only a guide for conducting funerals, but a gift! His personal and practical insights will assist us in ministering to the hurting. THIS is a winner!”

Ernest L. Easley D.Min., Senior Pastor, Roswell Street Baptist Church, Marietta, Georgia

   A Pastor’s Guide to Conducting a Funeral is a must read for every pastor. Pastor Greg Jackson offers so many helpful tips on how a pastor can effectively and intentionally minister to families who are dealing with death. I believe you will also find, as I did, the chapter on the importance of the pastor's relationship with a funeral director to be especially helpful. As important as this moment of ministry is in the lives of those trying to make sense of the painful reality of death, it is vital that every pastor be prepared. This book is very well written and will assist both the novice as well as the experienced pastor in maximizing their effectiveness in ministry. I recommend you read it.

Michael Landry D.Min., Senior Pastor, Sarasota Baptist Church

   Thank you Greg!!! Your honesty, compassion, and obvious wisdom as a Senior Pastor at the same church for an extended number of years comes through on every page! Funerals and death are always a challenge, even for the most seasoned pastor. Thus, I whole-heartedly recommend this book for any person in ministry, especially if you are just starting out!

David Wheeler Ph.D., Associate Director of Ministry Training Center, Professor of Evangelism, Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary

Now available at www.amazon.com or www.crossbooks.com