Planned Giving and Trust Services (PGTS) is an integral component of Christian stewardship that seeks to encourage members to honour God through thoughtful estate planning, charitable giving, and responsible management of the resources entrusted to them. Under this banner, the Planned Giving and Trust Services Department served as a facilitator, educator, and advocate, helping members align their financial and legacy planning with biblical principles while supporting the mission of the Church.

During the reporting period, significant emphasis was placed on educating members regarding the importance of wills, trusts, beneficiary designations, and other planned giving instruments. Through seminars, workshops, stewardship conventions, meetings, and local church presentations, members gained practical knowledge that enabled them to make informed decisions concerning their estates and their support of God’s work beyond their lifetime.

A major accomplishment of the Department included the development and implementation of educational initiatives designed to increase awareness of Planned Giving and Trust Services throughout the Union territories. These initiatives involved collaboration with legal professionals, financial advisors, accountants, pastors, and administrators to provide members with accurate and relevant information concerning estate planning and charitable giving opportunities.

For members who wish to support the Church’s mission through deferred gifts, education on the preparation and execution of wills, trusts, and other legacy planning documents provides peace of mind for them and their families, while also contributing to the long-term sustainability of evangelistic, educational, and humanitarian ministries.

Another noteworthy accomplishment was the strengthening of partnerships between local churches, conferences, and institutional entities to promote a culture of stewardship that extends beyond tithes and offerings. Through intentional engagement with members of all age groups – particularly professionals, businesspersons, retirees, and senior members – the department cultivated a greater appreciation for legacy giving as an act of faith and discipleship.

The Department also established systems for the identification and follow-up of prospective donors, ensuring that members receive appropriate guidance and support throughout the planning process. This pastoral approach fosters trust, transparency, and accountability, while reinforcing the biblical principle that faithful stewardship encompasses both present resources and future provisions.

In addition, the Planned Giving and Trust Services Department had oversight of the preparation and dissemination of educational materials, brochures, newsletters, digital resources, and testimonial presentations, highlighting the impact of planned gifts on the advancement of God’s kingdom. These communication resources helped to inspire members to consider how their life’s blessings may continue to support ministry for generations to come.

A Caribbean Union-wide Planned Giving and Trust Services (PGTS) Convention was successfully convened in St. Lucia in 2023, bringing together field directors, administrators, pastors, and local church officers from across the Union territory. The convention provided a valuable platform for education, collaboration, and strategic discussion on the importance of legacy stewardship and estate planning within the mission of the Church. The keynote presenter was Elder Dennis Carlson, former Planned Giving and Trust Services Director of the General Conference, whose presentations offered invaluable insight, inspiration, and practical guidance for strengthening PGTS ministry throughout the Caribbean Union.

Ultimately, the work accomplished under the Planned Giving and Trust Services banner contributed to the spiritual growth of members, the strengthening of families, and the financial sustainability of the Church’s mission. Through prayerful leadership, strategic planning, and faithful education, the Department helped members transform their resources into a lasting testimony of faith, ensuring that their commitment to God’s work continues to bear fruit well into the future.