Christian Funeral Songs
If the service is a Christian one, this list collects the hymns and worship songs families and pastors return to most often. Songs are grouped into traditional hymns and modern worship so you can match the congregation.
The songs
Suggested in no particular order — choose what fits them best.
Amazing Grace
The single most chosen song at Christian services in the US and UK.
How Great Thou Art
A standard Christian hymn across denominations.
It Is Well with My Soul
A long-standing hymn with a text written through hardship. Frequently chosen for services that emphasise peace.
The Old Rugged Cross
A long-standing Protestant hymn often chosen by older churchgoers.
Blessed Assurance
A familiar congregational hymn, easy to sing along to.
Because He Lives
A modern Easter hymn that has become a memorial standard.
In the Garden
A gentle hymn often selected because it was a favourite of the person being remembered.
Just a Closer Walk with Thee
Frequently performed at services in the US South, sometimes in an instrumental jazz arrangement.
Be Thou My Vision
An ancient Irish hymn. Frequently chosen for services with a Celtic or Anglican leaning.
Nearer, My God, to Thee
A traditional Protestant hymn often chosen for solemn services.
I Can Only Imagine
The most chosen modern Christian song for memorials. Frames the moment of arrival in heaven.
10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)
A widely sung modern worship song at memorials, especially in evangelical congregations.
In Christ Alone
A modern hymn covering life, death, and resurrection. Frequently chosen for full-service music.
How Great Is Our God
A modern worship standard that older churchgoers have grown into.
Goodness of God
A more recent modern worship choice. Frequently chosen at memorials in contemporary churches.
I Will Rise
Directly references the resurrection. Strong choice for an Easter-leaning service.
When We All Get to Heaven
An older hymn focused on the gathering after this life. Common at services in the US South.
I'll Fly Away
A lighter-tempo gospel hymn often used for celebrations of life.
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
A standard hymn frequently chosen for memorials. Easy for the congregation to sing.
His Eye Is on the Sparrow
Often performed as a solo. Frequently chosen for services in the African American Christian tradition.
Precious Lord, Take My Hand
A long-standing gospel hymn. Mahalia Jackson's recording is the most recognised version.
Holy, Holy, Holy
A formal opening hymn for a Christian service.
Still nothing feels right?
If no existing song captures who them was, we'll write one. Original lyrics built around your stories, them's name, and the things you loved.
How to choose a Christian funeral song
The right mix depends on the congregation:
- Traditional Protestant service — two hymns from the long-standing list (Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art, It Is Well, The Old Rugged Cross) and a soloist piece.
- Contemporary evangelical service — a mix of one traditional hymn and one or two modern worship songs (I Can Only Imagine, 10,000 Reasons).
- Baptist or AME / gospel-leaning service — gospel hymns (Precious Lord, His Eye Is on the Sparrow, I'll Fly Away) sung by a choir or soloist.
- Anglican / Episcopal — Be Thou My Vision, In Christ Alone, Great Is Thy Faithfulness.
If you're not sure what the congregation is used to, the officiant can tell you in one conversation.
When you want a Christian song written for them
If you want a song that names them, includes their story, and is written in a Christian style — traditional hymn, modern worship, or gospel — we can write and produce one. From $49, delivered in three days.
Questions families ask
Other ideas
Write a song just for them.
Share who them was — the stories, the things you loved — and we'll write and produce an original song with them at the heart of it.