Gift planning provides assistance to individuals by:

• Coordinating and clarifying individual goals and needs.
• Offering encouragement to make a final witness of faith in Jesus Christ through a Christian preamble.
• Providing in writing a complete outline that summarizes the goals and desires of the individual, which assists with the attorney appointment.
• Sharing information on opportunities and options to benefit the family and the Lord's work.
• Assisting with technical information on estate planning and various trust agreements when applicable and requested.
• Explaining clearly property ownership, including tax and probate cost implications.
• Providing information on living trusts, durable powers of attorney, living wills, and various estate planning vehicles.
• Reviewing present wills and estate plans upon request.
• Encouraging use of the life income agreements of the LCMS Foundation.
• Assisting individuals with their direct gift planning as it affects income tax or estate tax planning.
• Assisting individuals wishing to make gifts using assets other than cash (i.e., stock, retirement plan assets, farms, business interests).