Many people would like to make a substantial gift to the church and its ministries, but are unfamiliar with the variety of ways in which such gifts can be made. Whole-life stewardship takes into account the entirety of our assets and the multiple ways in which we can give during our lifetime and after death.

A gift of life insurance in one way to make an estate gift whether or not you are a person of means. People can make such a gift at any age. In addition, life insurance passes to the church without delay and without being subject to probate or administrative fees.

You can make a gift of life insurance in several ways:
• Change the beneficiary on an existing policy. With a simple call to your insurance agent, you can use a change of beneficiary form to name your congregation or other ELCA ministry of your choice as primary beneficiary.
• Transfer ownership of a cash value policy. If you have a policy that no longer serves it original purpose (for example, a policy that was established when you were a child) you can transfer the policy. Through an irrevocable transfer, your designated ministry will hold your policy during your lifetime. At your death, the entire proceeds will be used for the ministries that you have named.
• Establish a new charitable life insurance policy. If you want to assure that a certain gift amount will be given to your favorite ministries, you can establish a new policy in which you determine the gift amount. In this situation, the ministry you choose is made the owner of the policy from the beginning. You make gifts to the ministry you choose to support the policy, and at your death, the entire proceeds will be distributed to your selected ministries.

You can make a significant difference through your gift.