Create a God-Honoring Will
Taking time to create a God-honoring Will helps us pause and consider the legacy we'll leave behind. It helps us to think through important questions such as:
- Does my Will reflect what's most important to me and my family?
- What kind of legacy do I want to leave for my children?
- What are the beliefs and values I want to pass along to my children and grandchildren?
- Does my Will reflect my love for Christ, my church, and my favorite ministry organizations?
What are the benefits of making a bequest gift in a Will or Trust?
- You can be a responsible steward of the assets God has put under your oversight
- You leave a lasting legacy with the people and places you care about
- You lessen the burden of taxes on your family
- You may receive estate tax savings
How do I make a bequest?
A bequest is one of the easiest gifts to make. With the help of an advisor, you can include language in your Will or Trust specifying a gift be made to family, friends or Phoenix Rescue Mission as part of your estate plan.
Writing an Ethical Will
An "Ethical Will" (sometimes referred to as a "Legacy Love Letter") is a document that traces its origins to Genesis 49:1-33, when a dying Jacob gathered his sons to offer them his blessing. Because an Ethical Will is not a legal document and is not made for the purpose of distributing assets, the content and form of your letter is up to you. Here are three themes you may wish to cover in your Ethical Will:
- Beliefs and Values: What do you believe about God? What are your guiding principles when it comes to marriage, raising children, church and ministry, handling money, etc.
- Life Lessons: What were some of the defining moments of your life, and what did you learn from them? What experiences and people are you most grateful for?
- Message of Hope: What are some of the most meaningful passages of Scripture to you? What message of hope and encouragement do you wish to leave to your family and friends?
What are my options?
A bequest can be made in several ways:
