Pastor, at some point this year, you’ll likely be called upon to minister to someone who is dying. Nothing prepares you for that moment like experience—and nothing tests your heart like sitting beside someone facing death.

Even with all your training and Bible knowledge, walking into a room where someone is dying can shake you to your core. What do you say? How do you bring comfort? You can’t promise healing—that’s in God’s hands. But you can bring comfort.

Here’s how to offer C.O.M.F.O.R.T. to someone who is dying.

C: Confront Your Own Fears

Before you can help someone else, you must deal with your own fear of death. Fear of death is natural; many people avoid funerals because they’re afraid of facing death.

But as a pastor, you can’t afford to hide from that fear. Instead, you need to admit it. Acknowledge it. And then trust God to help you overcome it. You’re not going to mess anything up by showing up. You’re not going to say the wrong thing. Just be present. Trust that God will use you.

O: Offer Your Physical Presence

The most powerful ministry you can provide is your presence.

You don’t have to say much. You might not say anything at all. Just being there—sitting in the room, holding a hand, offering a quiet word of prayer—can be more comforting than any sermon. People should not have to face death alone.

M: Minister with Practical Assistance

Ask, “How can I help?”

Dying people are often in pain or discomfort. Your willingness to do simple, practical things—adjusting a pillow, turning on a fan, bringing water or ice chips—communicates love. No task is too small. These small acts of service reflect the love of Christ.

F: Fortify Them with Emotional Support

People who are dying carry heavy emotional burdens. You can help lighten that load.

One of the best ways to do this is through prayer. But don’t just say you’re praying—pray aloud with them. Reflect their emotions in your prayers. If they say they’re frustrated, pray, “Lord, Susie is feeling frustrated right now.” If they say they’re scared, pray, “God, Bob is feeling anxious and afraid.” That’s intercession—standing in the gap for someone who doesn’t have the strength to pray.

O: Open Them Up with Questions

Dying people often carry a swirl of unspoken emotions—fear, regret, guilt, sadness. Open-ended questions help draw those feelings out.

If they ask, “Am I going to die?” don’t pretend you know the answer. Instead, reframe the question: “What does dying mean to you?” That kind of question opens the door for meaningful conversation.

And if they don’t want to talk about death? That’s okay. Follow their lead. The goal is not to force a conversation but to create space if they want to share.

R: Remember the Family Has Needs Too

Ministry doesn’t end with the dying—it extends to the family.

Ask the hard questions that family members might feel awkward bringing up, like: “Have you made any final arrangements?” “Is there anything you’d like to say to your loved ones?” Your presence can bring clarity and peace to those standing by.

Friends care for friends—and for their families too.

T: Turn Them to Jesus

The most important ministry you can offer is spiritual.

If the person hasn’t yet trusted Christ, lovingly share the Good News. Let them know that Jesus loves them, died for them, and offers eternal life. Invite them to pray with you. This may be the most important moment of their life—and of your ministry.

You don’t need all the right words. You just need to bring the presence of Christ into the room. Walk in with compassion. Offer C.O.M.F.O.R.T. And trust that God will use you to bring peace in someone’s final days.