Giving more from heaven than you can on Earth
By Dr. James R. Smith, MBF President/Treasurer
Imagine giving more to your church from heaven than you ever gave on earth. You can.
Endowment gifts keep on giving. Church leaders testify to many benefits endowments provide.
Churches committed to good stewardship and congregational health will establish endowment funds. When structured to keep a church on the cutting edge of ministry or to provide for long-term care of property, endowment is wise.
Ministry projects beyond the budget represent significant opportunities for churches today. But many church meetings end with the question: “How do we pay for it?” Endowment answers when opportunity knocks.
Proactive churches will anticipate God’s future work and will encourage memorial funds for mission and ministry projects. Estate gifts build endowment funds and provide income that continues beyond the lifetime of faithful saints when managed for perpetuity.
A well-planned building campaign will endow an income stream to keep buildings and future budgets in good repair. Endowment provides resources to help offset costly property improvements, maintenance, waterproofing buildings, sealing parking areas, or rising insurance costs.
Donors with tithes from appreciated property, insurance proceeds, or an asset sale know that large gifts can bless a church or bring conflict. An unanticipated $50,000 gift could cause a dispute. However, plans in place encourage such gifts and bless the congregation. Call 800-776-0747 for Foundation help to endow.
