Everyone of adult age with assets should have a will. God is good to provide for His children. Because of God's goodness we are honored to acquire and accumulate various kinds of assets during the course of life. It often takes a relocation from one place to another for us to actually realize how much we have accumulated. One thing is certain When the time comes for us to change worlds it is inevitable that we will leave behind all that remains of our accumulation.

While 7 out of 10 persons die without having developed estate plans of their own, wisdom suggests that advance preparation through a Will is the better choice. A Will is an investment in the future well worth the cost.

Preparing a Will is an act of good stewardship. A Will enables the individual to extend management of those God-given resources beyond his or her lifetime. A personal representative (and alternates) can be named to carry out the individual's wishes. A plan of distribution can be stated legally so that the individual's desires can be carried out after death. Bequests to favorite charities can also be accomplished through the will. Guardianship of children can also be accomplished through your will.

In preparing a Will there are some basic rules to follow. Here are a few of those rules for your consideration. Email stewardshipministries@wesleyan.org if you would like an Estate Planning Data Guide to fill in your answers:

1. Identify the assets.
It is surprising how many people do not know what their estate would consist of if death occurred next week. The first step to take in preparing an estate plan is to list the current assets. Include everything you own (i.e. cash, savings, investments, real estate, vehicles, household goods, businesses and anything else). Approximate the value of the assets.

2. Identify the beneficiaries.
In most cases this will not be difficult because we usually know what persons and charities to which we would like to give some or all of the assets. It is important, however, to consider the stewardship qualities of these individuals and charities. How are they likely to handle the assets you would give them? Would they honor God with what you gave them or would they likely use those resources in ways that would dishonor the Lord?

3. Determine the distribution plan.
Once you have identified the beneficiaries and their abilities to handle wisely what you would give them, you can then decide the best ways to make your gifts. Some gifts may be made "lump sum" with no "strings" attached. Others may best be made through trusts and special gift arrangements.

4. Decide to make your Will a Christian will.

The difference between a secular Will and a Christian Will is whether Christ is included in the Will. Your will becomes Christian when you remember the Church and God's work. Since everything we have during life is provided by God's goodness and generosity it only makes sense to include His interests in our Will. Many Christians choose to give at least a tenth of the estate to Christ-honoring ministries through their Wills. Great satisfaction comes from knowing that what we give to God generates eternal rewards. A Christian Will becomes a final testimony of our faith to our family and friends. It is interesting that in only a few paragraphs a will reveals who and what meant the most to us. If the work of the Lord is included in our Will, that makes a significant testimony to our family of how much the Lord really meant to us. If He is not included we miss a great opportunity to make that statement. Remember your local Wesleyan church ministries or a ministry such as missions, church planting, & ministerial scholarships at the general church level.

5. Secure qualified legal assistance.
While personally handwritten Wills are recognized in some states, it is best to have your Will drafted by qualified legal assistance. Security is gained by having the Will drafted properly. The Wesleyan Church has an Office of Stewardship Ministries which can assist you in getting your Will drafted by a Christian attorney at a very reasonable cost (possibly at no cost).

To obtain assistance and additional information from the Office of Stewardship Ministries, simply email or call us at P. O. Box 50434, Indianapolis, IN 46250. Telephone: (800) 627-2537.

6. Review the Will regularly.
Circumstances change with time. It is important to keep the Will up-to-date. At least once every five years review your Will and make changes as necessary.

7. Keep the Will in a safe place.
Be sure it is placed where it will be located immediately upon your death. Some people choose to file it with their attorney. Others place it in a locked box or in a secure place at home. Wherever you choose to file it be sure your personal representative knows where to find it when needed.

8. Do not procrastinate.
The number one reason so many people die without a Will is procrastination. Some things are important enough to do NOW. Failure to plan is a plan.

For what is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. - James 4:14

DISCLAIMER: Stewardship Ministries of The Wesleyan Church is not a law firm and its representatives are not attorneys, unless specifically so designated. This site, or e-mails from this address, may provide information about the law designed to help you understand and address your own legal needs. But legal information is not the same as legal advice — the application of your state's law or federal law to your specific circumstances. Although we go to great lengths to make sure this information is accurate and useful, we recommend you consult a lawyer if you want professional assurance that this information, and your interpretation of it, is appropriate to your particular situation. NEITHER STEWARDSHIP MINISTRIES NOR ITS REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE LIABLE FOR LOSSES OR DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF YOUR USE OR MISUSE OF SUCH INFORMATION.