“Blessed Are They Who Mourn”: Toward the Re-envisioning of Funeral Direction as Pastoral Ministry

Plese, Kenneth A.

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“Blessed Are They Who Mourn”: Toward the Re-envisioning of Funeral Direction as Pastoral Ministry

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MLA citation style (9th ed.)

Plese, Kenneth A. “blessed Are They Who Mourn”: Toward the Re-envisioning of Funeral Direction As Pastoral Ministry. rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/9d28a19f-56fc-44af-bb47-613062b3ca9e.

APA citation style (7th ed.)

P. K. A. “Blessed Are They Who Mourn”: Toward the Re-envisioning of Funeral Direction as Pastoral Ministry. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/9d28a19f-56fc-44af-bb47-613062b3ca9e

Chicago citation style (CMOS 17, author-date)

Plese, Kenneth A. “blessed Are They Who Mourn”: Toward the Re-Envisioning of Funeral Direction As Pastoral Ministry. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/9d28a19f-56fc-44af-bb47-613062b3ca9e.

Note: These citations are programmatically generated and may be incomplete.

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Plese, Kenneth A.

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Abstract

This thesis-project examines the ministerial formation of funeral directors who identify as Christian but lack intentional opportunities to integrate their faith into their profession as a spiritual vocation. Despite the deeply emotional and spiritual nature of funeral service, many practitioners do not explicitly connect their faith commitment with their professional practice. This research argues that structured ministerial formation can enhance personal fulfillment and improve the ability of Christian funeral directors to serve grieving families with greater compassion and effectiveness. Through qualitative research with a select group of funeral directors and an analysis of literature on faith-based grief counseling and accompaniment, the study explores the intersection of faith and funeral service. The primary audience includes Christian funeral directors in a specific region of the United States seeking a faith-integrated vocational approach. Secondary audiences consist of educators and leaders in the funeral industry, such as accrediting bodies and professional organizations, who may consider incorporating faith-based ministerial formation into professional training. Additionally, the findings may hold relevance for funeral professionals from other faith traditions. The thesis pursues three key outcomes: (1) a critical examination of the relationship between funeral direction and faith within professional education programs, (2) an analysis of the perspectives and aspirations of Christian funeral directors integrating faith with vocation, and (3) a preliminary vision for a structured ministerial praxis that positions funeral service as a transformational ministry rather than merely a transactional profession. This study acknowledges certain limitations, including the relatively small sample size and demographic constraints reflecting the predominantly white, male funeral industry in suburban Chicago. However, it incorporates insights from female and racially diverse funeral directors to provide a more representative perspective. While striving for diversity, equity, and inclusion, the findings are not presented as universally applicable beyond the study’s participants. Additionally, while the research does not introduce a tested vocational integration workshop, it lays the groundwork for future development. Beyond its direct ministerial implications, this research offers broader applications, encouraging professional funeral associations to consider faith-informed training programs. It also invites faith communities to recognize funeral service as a ministry, offering affirmation and ongoing support to practitioners. Although focused on Christian funeral directors, the study anticipates that its insights may resonate with professionals from other religious traditions, ultimately fostering a more holistic and spiritually grounded approach to funeral service.

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