Lord, forgive (and correct) our manipulative fear-mongering

I went to a funeral service today for a friend's dad who passed away from colon cancer. I never knew Bruce. I only came to show my love and sympathy for my friend and his wife. But what I heard there has led to the above prayer.

A older pastor was officiating (I think it was the pastor from where my friend grew up going to church). He never knew Bruce, and repeated that several times; he also stated that he didn't know Bruce's relationship to the Lord. "But," he said, "I have the opportunity to share the gospel with you. In his death, Bruce is giving you an opportunity to know the Lord." He talked about how everyone dies, and that everyone faces judgement. He talked about how we don't know when we are going to die, but that we all will, so we better be ready. "There are some here who would never darken the doorstep of a church, or spend time with me talking about eternity, yet, here we are. In his death, Bruce brings us together to hear the gospel."

There was no mention of Bruce, of celebration of life, of supporting the family; there was no discussion of comfort or hope. There was only talk of death, judgement, and the pastor's "God-given" ability to take advantage of this time to preach the Word.

Thankfully, Bruce's aunt got up (uninvited) and spoke of the great life that he lived. Then, his uncle got up and gently but directly chastised the pastor for only talking about death, and spoke to his life.

Lord, forgive, prevent and correct your church's manipulative fear-mongering.