Talk with Your Leadership
“(Many) feel that they are stepping upon forbidden ground when they introduce the subject of property to the aged or to invalids in order to learn what disposition they design to make of it. But this duty is just as sacred as the duty to preach the word to save souls.”
CS 323 – 324
The last two issues of From the Director’s Desk have focused on the Wills Campaign, in progress through July 2018. In the spirit of this Wills Campaign we encourage you to talk to the employees of your organization about the importance of having an estate plan for their families, which should include a Will.
We here at the GC/NAD PGTS department are encouraging employees of the GC to make their plan, and since our office does not offer will preparation we refer interested members to their local offices. Dennis recently led the morning worship at the GC and focused on scriptural examples of planned giving. Scot gave a presentation to the General Conference Leadership Council (GCLC) and focused on how planning your estate is an opportunity to bless others, serve the people and organizations you love, and pass on your values. After giving these presentations we’ve been asked by other entities to share our message at their weekly worships as well. If you would like copies of our PowerPoint slide decks, you may find them by clicking here.
When you make these presentation, we suggest you not present all the technical nuances of estate planning. Rather, seek to challenge your listeners with scriptural examples of planning and focus on the mission of reaching the world (your part of the world) for Christ. Tailor your presentation to your organizations niche in this important mission of bringing lost souls to the foot of the cross.
Taking a few minutes to share the importance of estate planning with your organization’s employees, administration, and committees once a year is not too much to ask. Especially when you consider that what you are doing is just as important as preaching the gospel.
“(Many) feel that they are stepping upon forbidden ground when they introduce the subject of property to the aged or to invalids in order to learn what disposition they design to make of it. But this duty is just as sacred as the duty to preach the word to save souls.”
Counsels on Stewardship (pp. 323-324).
The NAD PGTS Standing Committee has looked to the future and made plans concerning the emphasis of our planned giving marketing. By emphasizing a topic at the NAD level, we aim to help you at the local level plan your marketing. Of course, those at the local level must be vigilant in marketing other areas of planned giving as well, and not ignore the many other ways people can give to support your mission. By coordinating our marketing at the NAD, Unions, Conferences and Organizations we can increase our effectiveness in reaching the largest number of donors.
2019 QCD Qualified Charitable Distributions (IRA roll over)
The QCD is when a donor who is 70.5 makes a charitable distribution to your organization of up to $100,000 per year from a traditional IRA. This distribution may count as part, or all, of the required minimum distribution for the calendar year. The donor does not receive an income tax charitable deduction; however, the distribution is not counted as income by the IRS. More on this marketing emphasis later.
2020 CGA Charitable Gift Annuities
The advertising promotion for 2020 will seek to make our constituents aware of how they can support the mission of the church through charitable gift annuities.
In conclusion, planned giving is the crowning act of stewardship, so encourage your members to end strong and support the mission to REACH THE WORLD FOR CHRIST.
Dennis Carlson
Director, GC Planned Giving & Trust Services