Preparing to Cross The Finish Line by Walter Wiens

A Review

Walter Wiens’ vision to write Preparing to Cross the Finish Line began when he sensed God’s gentle Spirit urging him to write what he had experienced and learned about funerals in his pastoral ministry. 

The purpose of this book is to help families in their time of grief, as well as pastors who counsel families when death has occurred.  Using the metaphor “crossing the finish line,” he makes clear that a person’s preparedness to cross the finish line does not involve only the funeral preparations but begins long before the final stage of life. A redemptive crossing of the ‘finish line’ includes a right relationship with God, with other people, and with oneself.

The book is organized into two parts. The first part, A Guide for Families and Individuals, is directed to aging individuals and their families. The 11 chapters in this section serve as a practical primer for all aspects of the planning process. The author’s sensitivity in discussing difficult issues such as family conflict in funeral planning is a strength of this publication. 

The second part, A Guide for Pastors, applies to clergy and others with responsibility to plan funeral services. In this section the author reflects on theological beliefs and how these relate to areas such as the funeral message. Additionally, Wiens addresses an amazingly comprehensive number of end-of-life issues, including conducting funerals during a pandemic, funerals when death was by suicide, funerals for those not of the faith, funerals after lengthy and painful deaths, and funerals for victims of murder. 

Both sections of this book are enriched by numerous inset boxes containing quotes or relevant theme summaries. Readers will appreciate the prayers at the end of each chapter. This publication offers eight appendices, with information forms and advice in legal, financial and health matters. An easy-to-use index spanning both sections will help readers locate specifics they are looking for.

A paperback version is available. It has Part One: A Guide for Families and Individuals and seven appendices.

Preparing to Cross The Finish Line is available at:

Mennonite Heritage Museum;

House of James; 

Amazon;

From the Author Walter Wiens,  walter@clearbrookmbchurch.ca

Endorsements:

I have had the privilege of working with Pastor Walter Wiens as a funeral director in the Abbotsford community for many years. I appreciate his passion for this particular part of pastoral ministry. He has done an excellent job of covering all of the thorny issues that can come up at the time of death, including family dysfunction and leading a funeral service during a pandemic. 

– Jonathan Chapman,
Funeral director, Abbotsford, BC

In addition to reflecting a rich pastoral experience,
Preparing to Cross the Finish Line embodies wide
consultation and extensive reading.
Entrenched in this book is a comforting
spirituality variously expressed, including a prayer at the conclusion of each chapter.
Perhaps the greatest strength of this
publication is the author’s continuous use of Scripture as central to planning memorials in ways that encourage both worship and healing. 

–  David Giesbrecht, Abbotsford, BC.

Preparing to Cross the Finish Line is a
profound and indispensable resource for families,
individuals, care leaders and pastors.
Pastor Walter’s years of experience, wisdom, and empathy, structures this as a sensitive tool to help guide the delicate journey of  preparing for life’s ultimate transition. This comprehensive guide offers solace, understanding, and practical tools to support individuals and families with grace and love through difficult decisions. I highly
recommend this resource.

– Andrea Critchley,
Executive Director, Abbotsford Hospice Society. “Honouring Life & Sharing in Grief”

I recommend this work without reservation. Wiens has written an important and caring work filled with helpful advice, compassionate suggestions and a lifetime of
experiences walking alongside those who are grieving.  

– Michael Szuk,
Biblical Studies Faculty,
Columbia Bible College

Preparing to Cross the Finish Line is an invaluable book for anyone who is seeking to deal with end-of-life issues. Whether it is an individual wanting to get their affairs in order, a family member making plans for a loved one, or a professional seeking to help people through this difficult period, there is something that can help everyone. It
addresses many aspects of the end-of-life journey that other similar treatments fail to consider. I fully intend to utilize it in my own ministry. 

– Chris Thoutenhoofd,
Spiritual Care Coordinator, Tabor Village

Walter Wiens shows us the importance of funerals,
uncovers how funeral planning can be tricky with
remaining family members, and gives us many practical checklists that will make planning more simple and
meaningful. His chapters on recognizing family brokenness and restoring peace in relationships are very beneficial. I
highly recommend this book. 

– Lando Klassen,
Founder of House of James bookstore.

Walter has drawn on a lifetime of ministry both as a chaplain and as a pastor of care in identifying the many facets of ‘end of life’ care. This book is a ‘must have’ for priests, pastors, chaplains and lay persons who are
preparing individuals to “cross the finish line.” 

– Don Petker,
Lead Pastor, Clearbrook MB Church