One of the most common phrases I hear from Arkansas Baptists about their finances and estate planning is some version of “I don’t need to worry about that, it’s not like we are millionaires.” Although I understand the sentiment, the example we have from Scripture does not provide a threshold or minimum for stewardship. In Matthew 25, Jesus provides several teaching moments including the parable of the talents. In this passage, we all know the servant who was given little did very little with what he was given. The master scolded the servant, and he was stripped of the master’s provision. Later, this servant was described as “worthless” or “good-for-nothing” depending on the translation.
While I know this is a parable and have not personally witnessed our churches exiling those who are unwise with money (and it would terrify me to see what this would do to church attendance), I do believe this parable, along with the whole of Scripture, mandates all believers to be good stewards of the resources, talents, and people God has placed in our path. Whether we have been blessed with an abundance or very little, we should always seek to wisely and diligently deploy our God-given resources in a God-honoring way.
While some will still hold to the above-mentioned sentiment, I believe a good estate plan ensuring a lifetime of accumulation goes smoothly for those we leave behind should be part of every Christian’s stewardship plan. For this reason, every believer should consider how some or all the following documents or actions can improve your own personal stewardship:
- Create a last will and testament or revocable trust to ensure your assets are passed on to the next generation in a God-honoring way.
- Create a durable power of attorney for personal affairs and health care decisions so someone can manage your assets when you are no longer able.
- Consider whether you need to place or update beneficiaries on your accounts or assets so they transfer automatically.
- Execute a beneficiary deed on your Arkansas real estate so your real estate will transfer automatically.
The above list is non-exhaustive, and every believer should create a plan based on their individual situation. As a reminder, the Arkansas Baptist Foundation can at least assist you in the area of estate planning if you are/were employed in denominational service or plan to leave at least ten percent (10%) of your estate to your church or favorite Southern Baptist ministry. May we be like the “faithful and wise” servants found in Matthew 24 and 25 knowing that we used what God has given us, no matter the amount, to bless others and further the Kingdom.
The information contained in this article does not constitute legal or tax advice and you should consult with your own legal counsel or tax counsel about your situation. If you have questions about this article or the Foundation’s services, please contact us at 501-376-4791, Ext. 5907 or info@abf.org.
2 Responses
Question concerning “As a reminder, the Arkansas Baptist Foundation can at least assist you in the area of estate planning if you are/were employed in denominational service or plan to leave at least ten percent (10%) of your estate to your church or favorite Southern Baptist ministry. ” I love the article and your approach to scripture. My questions have to do with what is considered “denominational service.” Would it be correct to conclude that none of our pastors or staff would have access to ABF services unless they were leaving (10%) to their church or Southern Baptist Ministry? Are local church leaders interpreted to be “employed in denominational service?” Are ABSC ministries interpreted to be a “Southern Baptist Ministry”? You may need to state specifically “ABSC or Southern Baptist Ministry.”
Don, thank you for the comment. Yes, our services are available to current or retired Arkansas Baptist pastors, church staff or the staff at any ABSC agency, institution, or ministry. Additionally, if a lay person is leaving at least 10% to a ministry that falls under the Southern Baptist “umbrella”, they would be eligible to receive our services. Hope this clarifies.