This complete guide to pastoral care at the time of a death includes both a theoretical introduction and practical guidance about how pastors can and should respond to the needs and expectations of families and communities. It provides guidance for pastors on how to respond to the needs of the bereaved throughout the period of direct pastoral involvement with family and friends, the kind of responses that are appropriate and expected at the time of death, and the nature of the funeral service and the funeral sermon. The book contains complete to-do lists and sample guides.  It is especially useful for new pastors.