Many churches work hard to fund ministry today, but few are intentionally equipping their people to fund ministry for generations to come.

That is where planned giving comes in.

Planned giving is the act of leaving a gift to your church through a will, trust, or estate plan. These gifts often represent one of the most meaningful and intentional expressions of generosity a believer will ever make. Yet for many churches, the topic is rarely discussed.

Why Planned Giving Matters for Your Church

Planned giving is not just about finances. It is about discipleship, legacy, and eternal impact. When you help people think about generosity beyond their lifetime, you are helping them steward everything God has entrusted to them.

The Pastor’s Guide to Planned Giving highlights several key benefits of legacy giving, including:

• Funding ministry beyond a person’s lifetime
• Allowing faithful givers to express their values after death
• Creating long-term sustainability for your church
• Helping your church prepare for future opportunities

Planned gifts often come from faithful members who want to make a lasting difference. It is about faith and obedience, not just wealth.

What Holds Churches Back

Many pastors and church leaders want to talk about legacy giving but feel unsure how to begin. Common concerns include:

• We do not want to pressure people
• We do not know how to start the conversation
• Our people are not wealthy enough for this

The truth is that planned giving works best when it is framed as an invitation, not an obligation. When positioned as part of spiritual formation and stewardship, it becomes a natural and healthy conversation.

Simple Ways to Start the Conversation

The guide outlines practical, easy ways to introduce planned giving into your church culture, including:

• Normalizing legacy giving in generosity conversations
• Hosting a legacy or estate planning workshop
• Sharing stories of long-term impact
• Including legacy moments in sermons or church communications
• Having personal conversations with faithful, long-term givers

You do not need to be an expert in estate planning to take the first step. What matters most is creating space for the conversation and offering clear next steps for your people.

Download the Free Resource

If you want a simple way to begin building a culture of legacy generosity, The Pastor’s Guide to Planned Giving is designed to help.

Inside, you will find biblical framing, common myths, practical language, and actionable ideas to help your church think beyond today and prepare for lasting kingdom impact.

Download the free guide and start the conversation today.