Choosing the music for a Christian funeral is one of the hardest things a grieving family does. This guide lists the songs pastors and worship leaders recommend most — and the moment a custom tribute song makes more sense than any of them.
1. 'It Is Well With My Soul' — Horatio Spafford
Written by a father who lost four daughters at sea. The gold standard for grief that keeps its faith.
2. 'Amazing Grace' — John Newton
The most-sung funeral hymn in America. Timeless. Universally understood.
3. 'I Can Only Imagine' — MercyMe
Modern, hopeful, resurrection-forward. Requested more than any 21st-century worship song at funerals.
4. 'Great Is Thy Faithfulness'
For a life of quiet faithfulness. Almost always chosen for grandparents.
5. 'Goodness Of God' — CeCe Winans / Bethel
The go-to modern worship anthem for a life well-lived.
When to choose a custom tribute song instead
A hymn honors the faith. A custom song honors the person. Many families now do both — hymns during the service, a Holy Song at the reception or graveside. Where hymns say 'God is good,' a custom tribute song says 'and here's what God did through Grandma's life.'
Hymns will always have their place. But if you want a song that names your loved one by name, references their real story and plays at every anniversary of their passing, start their tribute song today.