Legacy Gifting: From the Why to the How

As leaders, we are called to seek out and then shine a light on the path for the faithful to follow. One of those paths is stewardship and generosity. But how do we facilitate these concepts for our members?

Fletch talks with Mike Prior, going from the “Why” of offering a planned giving ministry to the “How.” Mike shares the options available to a church in promoting simple bequests through basic wills and probate-avoiding trusts. Mike’s work has assisted churches in establishing their legacy programs, resulting in the completion of 39,000 estate plans containing bequests totaling $1.9 billion in gift designations to their ministries.

About the Author: Mike Prior

Michael Prior is the President of Financial Planning Ministry, a national non-profit group based in Irvine, CA. Since 1982, FPM has provided Biblically-focused Stewardship education and support dedicated to Planned Giving through Estate Planning. Through partnership with over 120 ministries, FPM has established Will and Trust estate plans for over 35,000 members with charitable gift designations reaching over $1.7 Billion. Michael holds a J.D. in law and a B.A. in Business Administration. He served as Executive Pastor of Central Christian Church in Mesa, Arizona (1987-1993) before serving FPM, its partners and members for over 25 years.