When members of St. Peter, Mishicot, Wis., think about stewardship, they are thinking beyond today. For more than 25 years, the congregation’s efforts to encourage planned gifts have helped support education, worship, facility improvements, and future ministry.

It began in 1999 with the formation of a congregational planned giving committee. The committee receives and manages gifts from estates, life insurance policies, memorials, and other assets.

Over the years, St. Peter’s planned giving committee has also intentionally educated members about opportunities. Committee members report at quarterly meetings about the special funds that benefit from contributions. Occasional informational meetings often include a WELS Christian giving counselor helping members understand charitable options such as estates, beneficiary designations, qualified charitable distributions from Individual Retirement Accounts, and giving tools such as charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, and donor-advised funds. In addition, St. Peter sometimes provides printed materials about a particular type of planned gift.

The results have been noteworthy.

Among the many blessings the congregation has experienced are a $1.3 million addition to the church that was paid for in less than five years and a sanctuary remodeling project that was funded 80 percent through an estate gift. Two homes have been donated to the congregation. Planned gifts have helped purchase new hymnals, support music ministries, and provide for facility maintenance.

Planned giving also has helped support Christian education. Several endowment funds provide tuition assistance for students attending Lutheran elementary school, Lutheran high school, and WELS ministerial education schools. Over the years, multiple students have benefited from these funds, reducing financial burdens on families and encouraging future church workers.

One particularly meaningful blessing came through a couple who established an endowment fund with WELS Foundation. Although they have since entered their eternal rest, their generosity continues to support ministry today. As committee members explained, “Each year, St. Peter’s is blessed with the earnings from that fund; it is a forever annual donation from them even though they now reside in heaven.”

The congregation sees these gifts as a reflection of Christian faith and gratitude. According to the committee, members who contribute are “very committed to WELS and thankful for opportunities to advance Christ’s kingdom.” Often, the impact of gifts inspires similar gifts from fellow members. Through intentional education, thoughtful planning, and members who desired to leave a lasting impact for Christ’s kingdom, God blessed the congregation’s planned giving efforts.

St. Peter’s experience highlights a growing opportunity for congregations across the synod. Experts estimate that approximately $124 trillion in US assets will transfer from the Silent Generation and Baby Boomers to heirs and charitable organizations over the coming decades. Older WELS members can take advantage of planned giving to support WELS ministry into the future while buffering against the impact of decreasing membership on offerings.

Volume 113, Number 10
Issue: October 2026

Learn more

WELS Ministry of Christian Giving offers resources, guidance, and support to congregations interested in beginning or strengthening their own planned giving efforts. A recently updated booklet offers step-by-step advice for educating members about planned giving and for starting a planned giving committee like the one at St. Peter, Mishicot.

Learn more at wels.net/congregationalplannedgiving.