Northern Light Church considers funerals, memorial services, and celebrations of life held on church property to be worship gatherings. These services are conducted under the spiritual authority of the church and are intended to honor God, uphold biblical truth, and offer genuine hope rooted in Jesus Christ.
This policy exists to provide clarity, protect the integrity of the pulpit, steward church resources responsibly, and serve families with compassion during times of loss.
1. Purpose of Services Held at Northern Light Church
Services held at Northern Light Church are not merely facility events. They are sacred gatherings where Scripture, truth, reverence, and order matter.
While each service may reflect the life and memory of the deceased, the message proclaimed must never contradict biblical truth or present false assurance regarding eternity, salvation, or spiritual standing.
2. Eligibility & Priority of Use
Church Members
A church member is defined as an individual who was an active member of Northern Light Church in good standing.
• Members are given priority for scheduling
• Members may request use of the sanctuary or sanctuary plus dining hall
• No required fee is charged to members
• A recommended donation may be suggested to help offset utilities, cleaning, and volunteer support
No church member will be denied a service due to financial hardship.
Non-Members
Requests from non-members are considered at the discretion of the Pastor and church leadership and are subject to availability and alignment with church standards.
• Use of the church by non-members is not guaranteed
• The church is not a rental venue
• All non-member services must comply fully with this policy
Northern Light Church reserves the right to decline any request that conflicts with biblical values, church mission, or stewardship responsibilities.
3. Authority Over the Service
All services conducted at Northern Light Church are under pastoral authority.
• The Pastor of Northern Light Church retains final authority over all aspects of the service
• The Pastor may choose to deliver the message personally
• Guest speakers may only participate with prior approval
The church does not permit speculative statements regarding salvation, declarations of heaven without clear testimony of faith, universalist language, or unbiblical teaching from the pulpit or microphone.
If there is concern regarding doctrinal accuracy, the Pastor will deliver the message.
4. Testimonies & Personal Sharing
Personal sharing may be permitted with pastoral guidance.
• Sharing should focus on memories, gratitude, and character
• No profanity, vulgar humor, or inappropriate language
• No preaching or theological assertions by family or friends
• The Pastor reserves the right to guide, limit, or conclude any sharing
5. Music, Media & Décor
All music, media, and visual elements must be approved in advance.
Permitted:
• Hymns, worship music, instrumental selections
• Respectful secular music that does not contradict Christian values
• Photo displays or memorial tables
Not permitted:
• Music promoting sin, profanity, or unbiblical spirituality
• Displays or symbols inconsistent with Christian beliefs
Northern Light Church reserves the right to remove or decline any element deemed inappropriate.
6. Use of Church Facilities
Sanctuary Use
Includes:
• Sanctuary seating
• Pulpit
• Basic sound system
• Projector use (if approved)
Dining Hall / Fellowship Use
Includes:
• Dining hall
• Tables and chairs
• Kitchen access only if approved
Guidelines:
• No alcohol permitted anywhere on church property
• All food and cleanup plans must be coordinated in advance
• Additional volunteer coordination may be required
7. Body Present Funerals
Northern Light Church permits funerals where the body or casket is present, subject to the following guidelines:
• The presence of the body or casket must be requested and approved in advance
• All coordination must be handled through a licensed funeral home
• No private handling, movement, or opening of the casket by family or guests
• The casket must remain closed unless prior approval is granted
• The Pastor retains authority over placement, timing, and movement within the sanctuary
The church reserves the right to decline body-present services due to space, scheduling, safety, or logistical concerns.
8. Donations & Financial Considerations
Northern Light Church is not a rental facility. Donations help offset operational costs and volunteer support.
Church Members
• No required fee
• Recommended donation:
Sanctuary only: $100–$200
Sanctuary + Dining Hall: $200–$300
Inability to give will never prevent a service for a church member.
Non-Members
Facility donation is required prior to approval:
• Sanctuary only: $300
• Sanctuary + Dining Hall: $500
Any reduction or waiver for non-members is rare, not automatic, and granted only as a pastoral exception.
9. Scheduling & Planning
• All services must be scheduled through the Pastor or church office
• Services are subject to church calendar availability
• A planning meeting may be required prior to approval
• Final service details must be confirmed in advance
10. Right to Decline or Modify
Northern Light Church reserves the right to:
• Decline any service request
• Modify service elements to maintain biblical integrity
• Halt or adjust any portion of a service that violates church policy
All decisions rest with the Pastor and church leadership.
11. Spirit of This Policy
This policy exists not to exclude, but to ensure that in moments of grief, false comfort is not offered, truth is not compromised, and Christ is honored.
Northern Light Church seeks to offer real hope—hope rooted in Scripture, spoken with compassion, and grounded in the gospel of Jesus Christ.