Deathbed Service

Definition and Meaning

The Korean term imjong (臨終) means "arriving at the time when life ends," that is, the moment of breathing one's last. A deathbed service is a brief service of worship held by family members, church members, and ministers at the side of a believer who is facing death or has just departed this world. Its purpose is to commit the departing person to God and to allow the bereaved family to affirm the hope of the resurrection and eternal life and to receive comfort. Protestants do not regard this service as a sacrament, nor do they prescribe it as an obligatory rite.

Biblical and Historical Background

Scripture records a number of blessings and prayers offered in the face of death. Jacob called his sons together and blessed them before he died (Genesis 49). As he was being stoned, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit" (Acts 7:59). On the cross Jesus said, "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit" (Luke 23:46). James 5:14–15, which instructs the elders to pray for the sick, is also frequently cited.

The medieval Western church administered extreme unction, the anointing with oil of those near death. In the Catholic Church today this is called the Anointing of the Sick. During the same period, ars moriendi literature, which taught the "art of dying well," was also widely read. After the Reformation, Protestants ceased to recognize extreme unction as a sacrament. Instead, they continued to minister to the dying through pastoral visitation of the sick, the Word, and prayer.

Practice in the Korean Church

The deathbed service is regarded as the first rite in the Korean Protestant funeral process, which continues with the encoffining service, the departure service, and the committal service. It is usually conducted simply, with the singing of hymns, Scripture reading, prayer, a brief sermon, and the Lord's Prayer. The order of service in a denomination's published book of worship may also be followed. In the past the service was held mainly at home, but today it is often held in a hospital room or intensive care unit. It may also be held after death, before the body is moved to a funeral home, and if a pastor is unable to come, a family member may lead it. In some cases, when an unbaptized person is critically ill, a pastor administers baptism at the bedside.

The emphasis varies somewhat by denomination.

• Anglican Church of Korea: Its prayer book is known to include prayers for the sick and a rite of anointing with oil.
• Pentecostal churches: Prayers for divine healing, asking for recovery, are sometimes offered as well.
• Presbyterian, Methodist, and other churches: The service is generally kept simple and centered on the Word and prayer.