- Details
- Written by Jason Jones, Saint John’s Gift Planning Counselor Jason Jones, Saint John’s Gift Planning Counselor
- Created: June 29 2022 June 29 2022
Helen was married for fifty-two years. Her husband, Ralph, was called home last year. This year, responding to her attorney, Helen finally made an appointment to review her will, which she had created twenty-five years ago with her husband. Before going to the attorney, Helen met with her LCMS Gift Planning Counselor to consider her charitable gifting plan. She was shocked to find gifts she planned from her estate long ago were no longer appropriate. One gift was to a women’s shelter sponsored by her congregation that closed last year. One was to support a specific missionary who had served in Asia for fifty years but had retired seven years ago. One gift was designated for a ministry that she had never heard about. She said to the Gift Planning Counselor, “I am not sure if I should put a plan in place again because it might get outdated.”
The counselor pointed out two things. The gift to the missionary had a definite expiration date to it. Every missionary’s service will come to an end at some time. A better gift would have designated the ministry that was placing the missionary. Beyond that, the counselor shared strategies that create a succession plan in case the selected ministries should cease to exist. He also emphasized that a ministry gifting plan is based on the best plan for that current moment in time. It requires regular review, at least every five years, to make sure that it is keeping up with changes. Her fears could be addressed by simply committing to this regular review. Helen felt better.
Your LCMS Foundation Gift Planning Counselor can help you think through appropriate ministry gifts that are not as prone to having an expiration date. They can also regularly review your plan, making sure it is up to date. Now is a good day to start! Your LCMS Foundation Gift Planning Counselor can highlight areas of decision and point you to the right professionals to help you write down a plan, all the while expressing your love for your family and your devotion to the Lord.
Jason Jones, CGP, CDE, is Saint John’s Gift Planning Counselor. Jason works with individuals in our congregation who want to discover the lifetime plan that God has planted in their heart. He will help them to use this plan to Transfer the Blessings God has given them to their family and the ministries they love. This service comes to you at no cost as a member of Saint John’s. To schedule a free meeting with Jason or ask questions about this special opportunity, visit www.StJohnsFC.org/transfer-the-blessings, call (970) 988-0305 or email Jason.Jones@lfnd.org.