5 ways to make a greater giving impact

By Kevin Vandenbrink

“… Be rich in good deeds, generous and willing to share… so that you may lay hold of the life that is truly life.”

— 1 Timothy 6:18-19 (NIV)

Visiting with donors like you is one of the greatest joys in my role with Langham Partnership. I love seeing your love for the Lord and your heart to equip pastors and leaders for the church where it is growing the fastest. What a blessing you are!

During my visits, I often hear something like “We love what God is doing through Langham and only wish we could give even more.” What a beautiful expression of a steward’s heart! And, in many cases, donors like you are finding ways to make an even greater impact — many times while reducing their taxes and providing for their loved ones at the same time.

Every situation is unique, but you might be encouraged to learn about these five stewardship strategies that help some of our Langham friends live and give in alignment with their passion for God and their place in His mission.

1. Making a legacy gift in your will or trust

For many friends of Langham, the largest charitable gift they make will be the one that is made when they go to be with the Lord. By including Langham in your will or trust, you retain access to your resources in the event that you need them but also make plans for a future gift that will have a transformative impact on God’s church around the world. You can learn more about how to include Langham here, and you can hear stories of how others have chosen to include Langham here.

2. Giving from retirement funds

If you are over 70 ½ years old and have an IRA, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) that meets your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) and may reduce your income taxes. Many donors have also chosen to name Langham Partnership as a beneficiary of their IRA or 401(k), resulting in a generous future gift and possible tax savings for your heirs.

3. Giving appreciated stock

If you have held appreciated stock for more than one year, a gift of stock could result in a substantial tax deduction, while also avoiding the capital gains taxes you would owe if you sold the stock. To learn more about how to give stock to Langham, click here.

4. Giving through a donor advised fund

A donor advised fund (DAF) is a simple alternative to a foundation and can help you streamline your giving. You can give all of your appreciated assets into a single fund and receive an immediate tax deduction. Then, you can choose when and how to recommend grants to Langham Partnership or other ministries.

5. Giving real estate, farmland, crops, cryptocurrency, a business or more

I will always remember worshiping at a church in Africa where a farmer placed two pieces of fruit in the offering plate. How beautiful. Here in the United States, gifts of rental property, a second home, a farm, crops, cryptocurrency, a business or other assets can be a wonderful way to support the Lord’s work while significantly reducing taxes. These gifts require some planning, and you will want to consult your advisors, but Langham Partnership has an incredible team of Christian charitable planners available to offer expert confidential help at each step of the process. 

We’re here to help

We are privileged to help people think through their plans in a way that is personal, pastoral and practical. We have also partnered with a network of Christian charitable planners. At no cost or obligation, a planner will answer your questions with clarity, integrity and the utmost confidentiality. To learn more, reach out to Kevin VandenBrink at kevin.vandenbrink@langham.org or 314-488-0256.

We’d like to thank you

If you have already included Langham in your legacy giving plans and have not shared that information with us, we would love to learn about your plans and welcome you to our Cross of Christ Legacy Fellowship. Later this year we will host a special ministry event for our legacy fellowship members, and we’d love to have you join us! Please contact Kevin anytime using the contact info above.