Recently, I was choosing hymns for an upcoming worship service. I opened the hymnal in the pastor’s office and noted the label on the inside cover: “In loving memory of John and Margaret, whose faith shaped this church for generations.” While I wasn’t familiar with John and Margaret, their legacy lives on, intertwined with the songs we sing and the prayers we offer each week. 

It made me think: What do we leave behind? How will our faith continue to bolster the church after we’re gone?

This month, I want to talk about something we don’t often discuss but should – Legacy Giving. Because when we plan ahead with generosity, we ensure that the ministries we cherish today can continue blessing others tomorrow.

And read to the end to learn about a free resource I’m offering to you and your congregation. 

All the best, 
Michael

Leaving a Legacy of Faith
A Simple Way to Make a Lasting Impact

Have you ever thought about the legacy you’ll leave behind? Not just for your family, but for your church—the place that has shaped your faith, supported you in times of need, and been a source of community and purpose?

We often think about our giving in the present—tithes, offerings, special gifts—but what if your generosity could extend beyond your lifetime? Legacy giving, or planned giving, is one of the most meaningful ways to ensure that the church you love remains strong for future generations.

Yet many churches never talk about it. And that means that members who would want to include the church in their estate plans often don’t, simply because no one ever invited them to consider it.

So let’s start that conversation.

Why Legacy Giving Matters

Churches depend on the faithful giving of their members to keep the lights on, fund ministries, and serve the community. But what happens when times change? Attendance fluctuates. Budgets tighten. Unexpected expenses arise.

A strong financial foundation helps a church weather those changes—and legacy gifts play a crucial role in building that foundation.

Legacy giving is about more than money. It’s a way to ensure that the ministries, missions, and spaces that have meant so much to you continue to thrive. It allows your church to:

• Sustain community outreach programs that serve those in need.
• Care for the building and grounds, ensuring a safe and welcoming space.
• Invest in new ministries and innovations that meet the needs of the next generation.

But legacy gifts don’t just happen. Churches need to invite people to consider them.

Five Ways to Encourage Legacy Giving in Your Church

Many people would gladly leave a gift to their church—but they don’t realize how easy it is. They assume it’s complicated or that only wealthy people can do it. But the truth is, anyone can make a planned gift, no matter the size of their estate.

So how do we help people take that step?

1. Show How Legacy Gifts Make a Difference

When people see the impact of legacy giving, they understand its power.

• The youth group still gathers in the church gym, thanks to a bequest that helped pay for the renovation.
• A pastor’s discretionary fund allows the church to respond to emergencies because a member left a portion of their life insurance to the church for that purpose.
• The new accessibility upgrades were made possible because someone included the church in their will.

Stories matter. If your church has received legacy gifts in the past, share those stories. Help your congregation see how these gifts make ministry possible, long after the donor is gone.

Here’s an example from a past client – TITLE and link.

2. Make Legacy Giving Simple and Accessible

People don’t want a complicated process—they want clear, easy steps. Most legacy gifts fall into just a few simple categories:

• A bequest – Naming the church in a will for a set amount or percentage.
• A beneficiary designation – Listing the church on a life insurance policy or retirement account.
• Gifts of property or investments – Donating real estate, stocks, or assets.

A Legacy Giving Guide with FAQs and sample wording can make all the difference. Churches don’t have to be experts in estate planning—just offering basic information can remove barriers and encourage action.

3. Talk About Legacy Giving Regularly

Many churches never discuss planned giving at all—so it’s no surprise that members don’t think about it.

Make it a normal part of the conversation in your church. Here’s how:

• Include a simple reminder in your bulletin or newsletter.
• Have the pastor mention it in a sermon on stewardship or generosity.
• Add a legacy giving page to your church’s website.
• Host an annual workshop with a financial planner.

You don’t need a big campaign. You just need to keep the idea present so that when members think about estate planning, they also think about their church.

4. Give People a Clear Next Step

Even when people want to give, they often get stuck on what to do next. You can help by providing an easy way forward:

✅ A Legacy Giving Guide with simple instructions.
✅ A private conversation with a pastor or church leader.
✅ An invitation to a Q&A session with an estate planning expert.

When churches make it simple and approachable, more people will take that step.

5. Lead by Example

Church leaders set the tone. If pastors, elders, and key leaders have included the church in their own plans, they should share that commitment openly.
Imagine the impact of a church leader saying:

“I love this church, and I want it to be strong long after I’m gone. That’s why I’ve included it in my will. It was a simple process, and it gives me great joy to know my legacy will support the mission of this church for generations to come.”

When people see leadership practicing legacy giving, they are far more likely to consider it for themselves.

Your Church’s Future Starts Today

I’ve always heard that the best time to make a legacy gift was twenty years ago. But the second best time is today.

Think about your church in 50 years.

Will it be thriving? Will it be financially secure? Will it still be making an impact in the community?

The decisions we make today shape the future. Legacy giving isn’t just about financial security—it’s about ensuring that our churches continue to be places of worship, service, and transformation for generations to come.
But for that to happen, we need to start the conversation.

Take the First Step: Start the Conversation Today

Legacy giving doesn’t have to be complicated, and your church doesn’t have to wait to begin talking about it.

Start today by:

✅ Adding a Legacy Giving Guide to your church’s website or welcome area.
✅ Talking about planned giving in your next church leadership meeting.
✅ Encouraging church leaders to publicly share their commitment to legacy giving.
✅ Hosting a simple workshop or Q&A session to answer questions.

Legacy giving isn’t just for “wealthy donors.” It’s for anyone who wants to see their church thrive beyond their lifetime.

Let’s make sure more people know about this opportunity—because one conversation today could make all the difference for your church’s future.

Final Thoughts

Legacy giving isn’t about numbers or dollars—it’s about faith, generosity, and the future of your church.

What if just one person in your congregation decided to leave a legacy gift this year? How might that gift strengthen your church for decades to come?

Your church’s future starts with the conversations you have today. Are you ready to start them?

Downloadable Resource: Legacy Giving Guide

Would you like a simple, one-page guide to give your members? I can create a resource with FAQs, giving options, and next steps. Let me know if you’d like to include that in your email or print materials!