Estate Planning Month – An Act of Stewardship

Creating an estate plan is more than preparing for the inevitable or completing legal paperwork – it is the spiritual act of stewardship. Our lives, time, talents, and treasures are gifts entrusted to us by God to faithfully manage. Estate planning embodies stewardship by helping each person thoughtfully prepare for the future.

October is Estate Planning Month and the perfect reminder that each of us have the opportunity to protect our families, clarify our wishes, minimize legal hurdles, and determine our legacy.

• Most people want to protect their family from unnecessary hardship, confusion, or conflict during a difficult illness or after they die. For parents with minor children, naming a legal guardian provides a measure of assurance that a trusted person will provide for your children’s care and well-being. An estate plan can provide reassurance by taking steps to care for your family’s future, even when you are no longer able to help provide for that future.
• By clearly outlining your wishes, you ease the decision-making process for yourself and your family, alleviating stress and uncertainty. Putting an estate plan in place is an act of self-care allowing you to thoughtfully decide how your resources and wishes are managed. Doing so may free you from worry, knowing your affairs are in order and your loved ones are cared for.
• Many people worry about the legal hurdles that may follow their death. Avoiding costly probate actions and eliminating estate taxes should be part of a comprehensive estate plan. Establishing beneficiary designations, pay or transfer on death, and, where appropriate, creating a trust are just a few tools that can minimize or eliminate the need for legal action following your death.
• As a lasting expression of stewardship, ensure your legacy with an estate plan that includes those ministries where you have devoted your gifts. An estate gift can provide a lasting impact on a congregation, regional or general ministry, camps and conferences, higher education, women’s or men’s ministry, or many other ministry expressions.

This Estate Planning Month, consider approaching your own plan not just as a task, but as a spiritual practice—an intentional way to steward your gifts and demonstrate love that endures.

The Christian Church Foundation is your planned giving partner and can help you explore options to include one or more ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in your estate plan.

Find your zone representative or contact the Foundation (800-668-8016) for help starting your estate plan or updating your current plan.