“Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” the old cliché goes. That saying takes on special meaning when applied to the area of estate planning. Where there’s a will, there is a way—to name guardians for minor children, to give gifts to friends, to make provisions for charitable gifts.

And yet, more than two-thirds of all adult Americans die without wills, thereby giving up their right to make decisions about how their property is to be divided. This seems especially tragic for Christians who are called upon to witness to their faith. Without a will they give up the right to make a statement at the time of their death as to those charities and causes they valued most. A powerful opportunity for ensuring the continuation of their values is lost.

Actually, where there’s a will, there are several ways to remember those charities persons care about most:

1. Leave a fixed amount. This is the most common way to leave a gift to a charity, though not always the best way. The amount, can, of course, be changed over the years.

2. Leave a percentage. This is the most flexible way to give. The gift automatically changes with the size of the estate. For Christians, the idea of tithing one’s estate seems especially appropriate.

3. Leave the residue. In this method of giving, the charity (or charities) receives whatever property is left over after other bequests have been fulfilled.

Click here to read why Yvonne Hammond included St. Luke’s in her estate plans. More than 55 people have shared with St. Luke’s that they have made provision for the church in their estate. These people are members of the St. Luke’s Legacy Society, our recognition society for those who have included the church in their estate plans. If you would like further information on how to include St. Luke’s in your estate plans, email me at David.Heetland@gmail.com or call me at 317.399.6202.  

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