Legacy: Joy and Faith for the Future

Editorial by William J. Largo

Legacy estate planning is more than wills, trusts and legal documents. Those tools matter, but they are not the heart of it. At its core, legacy planning is sacred work. It reflects the deepest truths of our faith—stewardship, generosity, trust in God and love for others. It is the culmination of your life: your family, values, passions and the story God has written through you.

Scripture reminds us, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded” (Luke 12:48, NIV). This isn’t meant to feel heavy—it’s an invitation to joy! Legacy planning empowers you to give to what brings you joy out of the blessings God has entrusted to you. It’s not just about distributing assets; it’s a tangible offering of your life—your time, labor and convictions—back to God in gratitude.

Your legacy carries your story: the sacrifices made, the faith that sustained you and the people you love. Estate planning gathers that story and expresses it intentionally. It becomes a testimony: “This is what my God has done in my life, and this is how I choose to bless others in return.”

For many, legacy begins with family. Providing for loved ones is a holy responsibility. But faith-filled legacy often reaches further—to ministries, missions, education and charitable works that have shaped your life. Giving to these areas brings profound joy and peace.

The apostle Paul writes, “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7, NIV). Those who engage in legacy giving discover this truth firsthand. There is deep fulfillment in knowing that what you have stewarded will continue to bear fruit—blessing others, fueling ministry and advancing God’s work long after you are gone. Legacy giving allows your generosity to outlive you.

Legacy giving turns estate planning from a financial task into spiritual formation. It invites prayerful reflection: What has God entrusted to me? What has shaped my heart? Where do I long to see hope flourish? When approached with faith, legacy planning brings peace and joy. It transforms accumulation into blessing and ensures generosity is intentional and aligned with what matters most.

As a legacy estate planning director, I am humbled by this work. We are not simply preparing documents; we are helping believers articulate faith, gratitude and hope. Legacy planning is the sacred moment when your life becomes a gift—offered in love and joy to God and the future.

Ready to begin your legacy journey? Contact the Ohio Conference to learn more about this free service to conference members.

William J. Largo is the Planned Giving, Properties and Trusts director for the Ohio Conference.