Make-a-Will Month—6 Key Components for Your Plan

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
Proverbs 15:22

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As someone who loves the Lord, His word, and His global church, you have likely experienced the blessings that come with being a wise steward of God’s resources. What a privilege God has given us, and what a joy to be participants in God’s work in this world!

August has been designated as national make-a-will month, and one of our desires here at Langham Partnership is to serve you and your family with your stewardship and charitable planning needs. By God’s grace, over 100 people have told us that Langham is part of their estate plan. We are honored by those who want to see their resources have a continued impact beyond their lifetime.

Your will is one of the most important documents you will ever create. Through it, you are proactively making the important, loving decision to support the needs of your family and the causes you hold most dear. But in order for it to be effective, your will must be complete and up-to-date. As you move through the will planning process, here are six critical areas you’ll want to consider.

1. Priorities

Determine your priorities and objectives. What are the core values and guiding principles by which you’ve lived your life? What do you want to communicate to your family and the world about what matters most to you?

2. People

Identify the people you wish to remember in your plan and determine whether they have any specific needs that must be addressed. How can you best equip the next generation for success? In what ways can you reinforce the values you’re hoping to teach them? How much is enough for them? How much is too much?

3. Passions

Which ministries best reflect your values and help fulfill your personal mission? How much of your estate will you direct toward the causes you currently support? You can extend your kingdom impact and possibly give more than anything ever possible during your lifetime by including charitable giving in your will.

4. Property

Take stock of what you own — your home, real estate, business interests, personal collections, even sentimental items and family heirlooms. How can your resources be used to meet the tangible and emotional needs of your loved ones? Who should be the next steward of your God-given resources?

5. Plan

For the particulars of your plan’s structure, seek professional support. Your estate planner, lawyer, or professional advisor can help you identify the best options and the appropriate documentation for a plan that honors God, provides for your family, minimizes delays, and eliminates unnecessary taxes.

6. Participants

Who do you trust to implement your plan? Who will make decisions on your behalf when you are no longer able? Your representative(s) might be a family member, trust officer, accountant, or other trusted acquaintance who will carry out your wishes. If you have minor children, your will should also include designated guardians, whether they are family members or close friends who share your values.

The Challenge: Procrastination

Many people have the best intentions but put off establishing their estate plans indefinitely. Some 60 percent of Americans die without a will, leaving their loved ones to pick up the pieces. In contrast, we have often seen the joy, peace, and even heartfelt expressions of worship that come when wise plans are completed.

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We’re Here to Help! 

Because so many of our friends can benefit from charitable planning, we have partnered with a network of Christian charitable planners. Like you, these planners love the Lord, the global church, and wise stewardship. If you would like to learn more about charitable planning strategies, we would love to serve you. At no cost to you and with no obligation, a planner will answer your questions with clarity, integrity, and the utmost confidentiality. They can help you make important, God-honoring decisions in an atmosphere of complete confidence and trust. To learn more, simply reach out to Kevin VandenBrink at kevin.vandenbrink@langham.org or 314-488-0256.

We’d Like to Thank You

If you have included Langham in your legacy planning, would you share your decision with us? We would love the opportunity to thank you and to welcome you as a member of our Cross of Christ Legacy Fellowship!

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