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If you’re familiar with a celebration of life, then you’re already slightly familiar with a homegoing service. If you’ve never heard of this type of funeral service, it’s a helpful event to familiarize yourself with. This article covers homegoings and the meaning behind a homegoing, offers up some popular gospel funeral songs, and gives you a bit of history surrounding this popular funeral tradition.
What is a homegoing service?
A homegoing service, or homegoing celebration, often referred to simply as a "homegoing," is a type of funeral service that is common in African American communities in the United States. The term "homegoing" reflects the belief that the deceased is returning home to be with God or entering their heavenly home, rather than just being mourned as passing away.
Here are some key aspects of homegoing services:
Celebratory tone: Unlike traditional funerals that can be somber, homegoing services are often celebratory, focusing on honoring the life of the deceased, their faith, and the joy of reuniting with ancestors and/or going to heaven.
Religious foundation: These services are usually deeply rooted in Christian faith, particularly within Baptist, Pentecostal, and other Protestant denominations. They emphasize the hope of eternal life and the comfort found in spiritual beliefs.
Music and worship: Gospel music, hymns, and other spiritual songs play a significant role. Choirs, soloists, or congregational singing are common, and the music is often lively, uplifting, and soulful.
Personal tributes: Eulogies, personal reflections, and testimonies about the deceased's life and character are central. Family members, friends, and community leaders may share stories and memories, often highlighting the person’s faith, kindness, and community impact.
Cultural elements: There can be specific cultural traditions and practices, such as wearing certain colors, special readings, or rituals that reflect the heritage and personal history of the deceased.
Extended services: Homegoing services can be longer than typical funerals, sometimes lasting several hours, as they incorporate various elements like prayers, sermons, and multiple musical performances.
A homegoing service is both a farewell and a celebration, blending grief with joy, tradition with faith, and remembrance with the hope of reunion in the afterlife.
A brief history of homegoing services
The history of homegoing services is deeply intertwined with the African American experience, evolving from a blend of African cultural traditions, Christian beliefs, and the historical context of slavery in the United States. Homegoing services emerged as a distinct practice within African American communities during the era of slavery, when enslaved Africans brought with them spiritual beliefs that revered ancestors and viewed death as a return to a spiritual homeland. These beliefs, combined with the Christian promise of eternal life, provided hope and comfort in the face of the harsh realities of enslavement and oppression.
During slavery, formal funerals were often denied to enslaved individuals, so African Americans developed their own ways of honoring the deceased, incorporating African rituals, music, and communal expressions of grief and celebration. Singing, drumming, and storytelling were integral parts of these early homegoings, as they allowed the community to express both sorrow and joy. The Christian message of resurrection and the promise of heaven resonated deeply, reinforcing the belief that death was not an end but a return "home" to God.
As African American churches grew and became central to community life, homegoing services became more formalized, reflecting a blend of African traditions and Christian liturgy. They emphasized not just mourning the loss but celebrating the deceased's life and their spiritual journey to heaven. Gospel music, passionate sermons, and personal testimonies became hallmarks of these services, reflecting the vibrancy and resilience of African American culture. Over time, homegoings have remained a powerful expression of faith, community, and cultural identity, serving as a way to honor the deceased while affirming life and spiritual continuity.
How is a homegoing service different from a celebration of life?
A homegoing service and a celebration of life both serve to honor the deceased, but they differ significantly in their cultural roots, tone, and focus. A homegoing service is deeply rooted in African American Christian traditions, particularly within Baptist and Pentecostal denominations. It emphasizes the belief that the deceased is returning "home" to be with God in heaven. The service often includes traditional elements like scripture readings, prayers, a sermon, and gospel music, creating a blend of mourning and celebration with a strong focus on faith and the promise of eternal life.
In contrast, a celebration of life is generally more secular and personalized, not tied to specific religious traditions. It focuses on celebrating the unique life, personality, and achievements of the deceased rather than their spiritual journey. The tone is often more casual and joyful, with activities like sharing stories, displaying photos, or even holding themed events that reflect the deceased’s interests. Unlike the structured, worship-centered approach of a homegoing service, a celebration of life is flexible and can take place in various settings, allowing for a wide range of expressions to honor the individual.
Can anyone have a homegoing service?
While homegoing services are traditionally rooted in African American Christian communities, particularly among Baptist and Pentecostal denominations, anyone can choose to have a homegoing service if they resonate with its themes and format. The service’s emphasis on celebrating the deceased's transition to a spiritual home in heaven, with a focus on faith, hope, and joy, can appeal to individuals of various backgrounds who share similar beliefs. However, it’s important to consider the cultural and religious significance of a homegoing service, as it reflects specific traditions and practices. For those outside the African American community, it’s respectful to understand and honor these traditions authentically if opting for a homegoing service, ensuring that the service aligns with the values and wishes of the deceased and their family.
African American gospel funeral songs
Gospel songs and music are central to homegoing services, providing comfort, expressing faith, and celebrating the deceased's journey to heaven. They are played throughout the service, often during the processional, between eulogies, and at the closing, uplifting the congregation with messages of hope, joy, and spiritual reassurance. Here are 10 songs for African American funerals:
- "Going Up Yonder" by Walter Hawkins
- "Through It All" by Andraé Crouch
- "Soon and Very Soon" by Andraé Crouch
- "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" by Mahalia Jackson
- "Break Every Chain” by Tasha Cobbs Leonard
- "Just Like God” by Evvie McKinney
- ”Impossible” by Pastor Mike Jr.
- ”Blessed & Highly Favored” by The Clark Sisters
- ”Take Me To The King” by Tamela Mann
- If I Don't Wake Up” by The Williams Brothers
These songs are cherished for their ability to uplift spirits, honor the deceased, and provide solace to those grieving.
If you find yourself in charge of planning a funeral and aren’t sure where to start or what to do, start by setting up a memorial website on Ever Loved. Ever Loved memorial sites are free, easy to use, and easy to set up. They offer you a space to post an obituary, collect and share memories and photos, raise money, share event information, and much more.
Create a memorial website
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Funeral customs
Last updated September 2, 2024
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