Written by Dr. Harry G. Gardner, Consultant to the President, Development

After the birth of our first child, my wife and I wrote our initial wills. We believed it was an important step to take at that time.

Recently, I was surprised to learn that more than half of Canadians do not have a will. But since the beginning of the pandemic, will writing has increased significantly.

For various reasons, people can be uneasy to discuss their will and estate plans. However, I believe part of being faithful stewards of all God has entrusted us is determining how our resources will be allocated after our life here has ended. Paul reminded the Corinthians that “each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7).

Considering Estate Planning

An individual usually prioritizes their family in the development of an estate plan. But what is often missing are the churches, ministries, and charities that a person has supported throughout their lifetime.

Convinced of its mission, many of you are generous supporters of Acadia Divinity College. You may have already taken steps to designate a bequest to the College. But, if not, may I ask you to prayerfully consider this?

The reasons for estate gifts are many. A person is often impacted by the sacrifice of someone who entered Christian ministry, so their bequest will help reduce the cost for students also preparing for ministry. Others establish bursaries or scholarships, but they want to use their estate to further contribute to these funds.

Your motivation to support ADC could arise from the impact a professor had, and you want to support an academic (teaching) chair. Or you may be interested in the focus of one of the Centres of Excellence at ADC.

You can give confidently to Acadia Divinity College knowing that its alumni are faithfully serving Christ as pastors, chaplains, educators, and missionaries across Canada and around the world.

ADC also has the highest affirmation of its accrediting body, the Association of Theological Schools. Your gift will help ensure that future Christian leaders will receive excellent theological education for service in this ever-changing world.

My wife and I have updated our wills several times since having a family and we have included ADC in our estate plan. Would you, too, consider supporting ADC in this way? I would love to talk with you.