Congregational Planned Giving Program
Our weekly offering at worship is not the only opportunity we have for giving to the Lord. We honor the Lord when planning for the transition of our accumulated wealth (our “estate”) at life’s end. There are also a variety of other opportunities that enable us to support the Lord’s work now (while at the same time receiving tax benefits). The Bible encourages planned giving—intentional, cheerful management of our blessings to care for family and to return a portion of our possessions to our Creator and Savior God.
The purpose of the congregational planned giving program is (Part I) to help your congregation jump-start a program of promoting planned giving opportunities to members. Part II shares an easy way to start a congregational endowment fund through WELS Foundation. Part III tells how to set up a congregational planned giving committee to provide further manpower for carrying out this work. Part IV discusses how to establish and administer an endowment fund. Finally, Part V highlights WELS organizations that can help you with any of these steps.
School of Stewardship
Help members aim their treasures toward their Christ-centered mission with the Joyful Generosity “School of Stewardship” for congregational leaders.
This workshop, revised by Rev. Charles Degner, helps congregational leaders identify factors that influence God-pleasing stewardship and develop plans for encouraging a year-round stewardship culture within the congregation. Use at one sitting of 2.5 hours or spread out over five roughly half-hour meetings.