Generosity is a value held deeply within the Brethren in Christ. We recognize and honor this legacy of generosity as we approach our 250th year of denominational ministry.
“This legacy comes in many forms,” says Mark Templeton, development officer for BIC U.S. “It includes tithes and offerings, support of regional programs and denominational initiatives, and gifts that are distributed from accumulated assets.”
In 2022, we established the BIC U.S. Legacy Society to recognize and appreciate individuals who have made a provision for a BIC ministry, congregation, or regional conference through their estate plan. Four years later, we now have more than 130 members in the Society
But why have these Legacy Society members chosen to prioritize this in their estate plan?
For Esther Spurrier, a former BIC missionary and the current pastor of congregational care at Dillsburg BIC (Pa.), planned giving is a way to honor previous generations. “My father was a BIC pastor, and things were sometimes a little dicey financially,” she says. “But I saw my parents be financially, spiritually, emotionally, and physically committed to supporting the Church. Their legacy helped underline the importance of leaving something to the Church if we were able to do that.”
Honoring the past connects us to where we’ve come from, but planned giving can also foster connections with the future.
“It’s important to me because of what the scriptures say to leave a legacy,” says Richard Ross, a retired BIC pastor. His desire is to lay the groundwork for fruitful BIC ministry in the future. “Now we know God doesn’t have any grandchildren, but I’m thinking of inheritance in a broader way in terms of a legacy, in terms of a structure that’s still there, that’s still sound. I think it’s important to do what I can do for the next generation to have at least a starting place.”
Adam Forry, pastor of Elizabethtown BIC (Pa.) and his wife Kim look beyond the future. “Legacy giving through our Will provides a means to give without limit or reservation when we are in the presence of Jesus and no longer need anything!” they say. “We are so glad to have a way to extend our values even beyond our lifetimes.”
Regardless of the motivations, our Legacy Society members recognize they are part of something bigger than themselves. And they have chosen to financially invest in that legacy.
Together, the impact of Legacy Society members is nearly $5 million in future ministry funding – and growing. “We aim to grow to 250 members by the BIC’s 250th anniversary in 2028,” says Mark. “Would you consider joining us in reaching this goal?”
There is no minimum amount for participation, and members who would like to remain anonymous are welcome.
“If you have already made such a gift or would like to discuss the Legacy Society further, I would enjoy connecting with you,” Mark says. You can contact him via email (templeton@bicus.org) or by phone: (717) 697-2634 ext. 5421.
