By The Tribute Plan Editorial Team · Reviewed June 2026
Baptist funeral and homegoing services are rich with hymns and gospel music that celebrate salvation and the promise of heaven. The selections below are longtime favorites, from "Amazing Grace," "Blessed Assurance," and "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" to gospel pillars like "Take My Hand, Precious Lord," "His Eye Is on the Sparrow," and the joyful "I'll Fly Away."
Many Baptist services balance reverent reflection with genuine celebration of the person's homegoing, closing on an uplifting note. Congregational singing is central, so familiar hymns work especially well.
Preview any song below and add your favorites to a complete service playlist with our free Funeral Songs Picker. You can save it, share it with family, and print an order of service for your pastor or musicians.
Amazing Grace — Traditional (1779) · 4:10 · Hymn, Hopeful, Pre-1960s. The most-requested funeral hymn; near-universally known and easy for any congregation to sing.
Go Rest High on That Mountain — Vince Gill (1995) · 5:27 · Country, Sorrowful, 80s–90s. Written by Gill after losing his brother; arguably the definitive country funeral song.
How Great Thou Art — Traditional (1885) · 4:05 · Hymn, Hopeful, Pre-1960s. A soaring hymn of awe; a frequent closing song that lifts the room.
I Can Only Imagine — MercyMe (1999) · 4:49 · Christian, Hopeful, 2000s. Contemporary Christian standard imagining the moment of meeting God; a slideshow favorite.
It Is Well with My Soul — Traditional (1876) · 4:00 · Hymn, Peaceful, Pre-1960s. Written in grief, its refrain of peace amid loss speaks directly to mourners.
I'll Fly Away — Albert E. Brumley (1929) · 2:45 · Gospel, Uplifting, Pre-1960s. A joyful, up-tempo send-off; popular at celebration-of-life recessionals.
How Great Is Our God — Chris Tomlin (2004) · 4:28 · Christian, Uplifting, 2000s. A modern worship anthem for congregations that prefer contemporary praise.
Take My Hand, Precious Lord — Thomas A. Dorsey (1932) · 4:20 · Gospel, Sorrowful, Pre-1960s. A pillar of the gospel funeral tradition, asking to be led home.
The Old Rugged Cross — Traditional (1912) · 4:15 · Hymn, Nostalgic, Pre-1960s. A beloved old hymn, especially meaningful for traditional congregations.
Great Is Thy Faithfulness — Traditional (1923) · 3:55 · Hymn, Hopeful, Pre-1960s. A hymn of steadfast comfort, well suited to honoring a long, faithful life.
In the Garden — Traditional (1912) · 3:50 · Hymn, Peaceful, Pre-1960s. A tender, old-time gospel favorite, especially for older Southern congregations.
When I Get Where I’m Going — Brad Paisley (2005) · 4:11 · Country, Hopeful, 2000s. Pictures heaven free of pain and burden; comforting and uplifting.
His Eye Is on the Sparrow — Traditional (1905) · 4:05 · Gospel, Hopeful, Pre-1960s. Reassurance that God watches over each life; a gospel staple.
Because He Lives — Bill & Gloria Gaither (1971) · 4:10 · Gospel, Hopeful, 60s–70s. A resurrection-focused gospel anthem of hope beyond death.
I Will Rise — Chris Tomlin (2008) · 4:37 · Christian, Hopeful, 2000s. Written explicitly about death and resurrection; a modern closing choice.
Blessed Assurance — Traditional (1873) · 3:40 · Hymn, Hopeful, Pre-1960s. A confident hymn of faith and belonging; comforting and familiar.
When We All Get to Heaven — Traditional (1898) · 3:10 · Hymn, Uplifting, Pre-1960s. An upbeat reunion hymn that ends a service on a note of joy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common Baptist funeral songs?
Favorites include "Amazing Grace," "His Eye Is on the Sparrow," "Take My Hand, Precious Lord," "Blessed Assurance," and "I’ll Fly Away." Congregational hymns and gospel songs are central.
What is a homegoing service?
A homegoing is a celebration of a believer’s passage to heaven, common in Baptist and other Black church traditions. The music often balances mourning with joyful celebration.
Should the congregation sing along?
Yes — congregational singing is a hallmark of Baptist services. Familiar hymns like "Amazing Grace" invite everyone to participate; include the words in your printed program.