Legacy Giving Ministry

We often discuss with church leadership that the local church is the most overlooked charity in estate stewardship and legacy giving. It is not that church members are opposed to supporting the ministries and mission efforts of their church in this fashion. Rather, it is primarily due to the fact that most church members are never encouraged by their church leadership to consider giving a part of their estate to their church.

In most churches, the stewardship focus has been on tithes and offering giving that comes from members’ income and “liquid assets”, which may represent only a small portion of a member’s net worth. Certainly, it is good for the church to instill this discipline of current giving, but the discipline of financial stewardship should also include an attitude of legacy giving.

What is a legacy gift?

· It is a gift over and above tithes and offerings. It is a gift out of assets not out of income.

· It is a gift that can’t be put in the offering plate.

· It is a gift made in light of the giver’s overall estate and financial plans.

· It is a gift that uses tax-advantaged methods to accomplish the giver’s objectives.

· It is a gift that may require professional adviser assistance to complete the contribution.

Developing a coordinated legacy giving effort is how the church can equip its members to be Kingdom-minded with their resources. The legacy gifts that transpire from the churches’ stewardship education efforts will most certainly provide additional “above and beyond” financial resources that will permit the church to enhance and expand its programs and ministries.

As church leadership prays about its obligation to educate church members about the stewardship of legacy giving, the leadership should determine how legacy gifts will be used to further the church’s mission and what Kingdom impact will result from receiving legacy gifts.

How does a church get started in developing its personalized legacy giving ministry? An excellent first step is to contact the Kentucky Baptist Foundation. We welcome the opportunity to explain our legacy gift program development assistance. You may contact us at our toll-free number (866) 489-3533.

Richard Carnes is the president of the Kentucky Baptist Foundation, P O Box 436389, Louisville, KY 40253; toll-free (866) 489-3533; KYBaptistFoundation.org

The information in this article is provided as general information and is not intended as legal or tax advice. For advice and assistance in specific cases, you should seek the advice of an attorney or other professional adviser.