Today there are many good causes vying for our congregation’s attention and financial support: an alma mater, St. Jude’s, Sierra Club or even the Human Society. And, though meaningful, none of these organizations share our mission to make disciples for Christ in our communities and beyond. At the GUMF, we work with individuals to create a plan for their legacy that will help support the future witness of the church.
Reverend Doreen Smalls, the Regional Vice President and Director of Lending at the Georgia United Methodist Foundation, delivers the message of planned giving with grace and conviction. “It’s about future discipleship for future generations,” Smalls states simply. “It’s not just about me but about all the children and the generations that come after me. Planned giving means the calling to make disciples for Christ will continue.”
After decades in the church, Rev. Smalls has seen the impact of planned giving on communities over time. She knows her nieces and nephews won’t have to struggle with the same financial difficulties of her parent’s generation because of their commitment to stewardship, planned giving and a long term vision for the future. Smalls was the beneficiary of planned giving herself, through a scholarship endowment that allowed her to pursue seminary. In this way, she knows the tangible impact of endowments on the future of the Methodist mission.
“I think people assume you have to be wealthy to give,” Smalls says. “You don’t. You just need to start the conversation and make a plan from there. You can start small and make a big difference down the line.” The Foundation has made a commitment to help facilitate these conversations in local communities across the state. It is our purpose to share your mission by teaching planned giving that will contribute to your congregation’s future ministry.
Rev. Smalls often quotes Second Corinthians in her sermons on planned giving and responsible stewardship. The passage reads, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).
To begin the conversation about planned giving, please reach out to Rev. Doreen Smalls (SG) or Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Coppedge-Henley (NG) at info@gumf.org or at 770-449-6726.
