Can the family prepare/supply the food for the repast?
No, all food items must be prepared by the culinary ministry on the church premises.

Can the church provide names of funeral homes to the family?
Yes, we can provide the names some funeral homes in the area or you can go to the following website at  http://www.funeralnet.com/.

Does the church have a policy that prohibits cremation?
No, the church has no say regarding cremation if desired; the family must make the cremation arrangement with the funeral home.

Will MABC support a funeral service at the funeral home or another church?
Yes, the Senior Pastor or Assistant to the Pastor will discuss with the family any needed support.

Do you eulogize non-believers?
No. Non-believers are asked to make funeral arrangements with the funeral chapel.

How soon after death must the funeral occur?
Christian tradition urges that burial occur as soon as possible after death, generally within three to five days.

What services does a funeral director provide?
A funeral director makes all of the arrangements required to transfer the deceased from the place of death to the funeral chapel and to the ultimate place of burial; obtains the death certificates; prepares the remains for burial; aids in the selection of caskets and burial garments; assists in the preparation of obituary notices; and coordinates and supervises the arrangements for funeral services and burial.

The funeral director will arrange for transfer of the deceased to the funeral chapel and the funeral director in collaboration with the church pastor's schedule will begin a preliminary discussion regarding the time and place of the funeral.

How much does a funeral cost?
Although prices vary, a modest Christian funeral today is around $5,000 and rising. This cost includes transferring the remains to the funeral chapel and to the place of burial; preparing the remains for burial, a plain pine casket and the service fees for arrangements and supervision.

Not included is the cost of a cemetery plot, cemetery charges for opening and closing the grave site, obituary notices, and limousines for family members, certain clergy fees and other optional expenses, all of which can add substantially to the bottom line cost. For the best burial experience, shop prices. In the same locality burial expenses and services can vary and sometimes widely.

What should I do if the death occurred in a distant place?
Call the funeral director in the location where the funeral service and burial will take place. They can make arrangements to transport a body from any location in the world.