By Joe Degelia
As a Gift Planner at Focus on the Family, I’ve had the privilege of helping families think through some of life’s most important decisions. One of the most memorable conversations I’ve had started with a couple’s concern for their children. Their greatest worry wasn’t how much money they would leave their children, but whether they would leave them a legacy of faith and generosity.
They wanted future family gatherings to include conversations about ministry and giving, not simply inheritance. As they worked with their attorney, they included provisions in their trust that could help encourage family unity, Christian education, and ministry experiences to inspire their children’s love for God.
When preparing a will or trust, one of the most important questions to ask is, “What kind of legacy do I want to leave?” An estate plan can be about so much more than simply transferring assets and valuables to loved ones. It can also serve as a powerful tool for expressing the faith and values you hope will continue to shape the next generation.
For example, you might place parameters on how assets are distributed. A trust could provide funding for an international missions trip, annual marriage retreats, family reunions, or for tuition at a college that reflects your Christian values.
If you are hoping to pass on faithful generosity, your trust could provide seed money for charitable projects or matching funds when family members make a charitable gift. You could establish a family foundation or donor advised fund; These vehicles can give children and grandchildren the opportunity to participate in grantmaking decisions, training them to be faithful stewards and passing on your joy of giving.
Ultimately, an estate plan is about the stewardship and legacy you wish to pass on. It is a way to preserve the faith and biblical values that have shaped your family and extend your Kingdom impact for generations to come.
