10 for Tenn | An investment with eternal impact

Illustrated three-generation family spending time near their decades-old tree in the front yard

Forever Impact God’s Kingdom Through “10 for Tenn”

By Rev. Bill Gruenewald, President-Treasurer

Since 1938, the Tennessee Baptist Foundation has been working to ensure that Baptist Churches in Tennessee are equipped to do the work of the Kingdom. Through the generosity of committed believers like you, we have been able to support churches, fund mission efforts, start new churches and create scholarships, and bring glory to God through the work of His people. 

But we want to do even more.

And by God’s grace, we believe the Lord will multiply His Kingdom through an impactful initiative called 10 FOR TENN. See the infographic below to understand just how far a small estate gift can go, or download the PDF here.

Download the 10 for Tenn infographic HERE

Throughout scripture, God challenges us to follow His example and give generously because he wants us to receive the blessing that comes through it. But most people don’t know that they can also honor God with their giving through estate planning. 

Though it is common for Christians to give to their churches throughout their lifetime, only 6% of Americans leave gifts to the church in their estate. 

This is mostly because they don’t know they can or they don’t know how to do it. In fact, 6 out of 10 Americans don’t even have a Last Will and Testament, leaving their estate to the decisions of others.

That’s where the Tennessee Baptist Foundation comes in. We’ll guide you through the process of adding a legacy gift of 10% to your will that will ensure you’re investing in the future of sharing Christ in Tennessee. We can also help you plan the remaining 90% so that your family is taken care of.

When you leave a legacy gift with the Tennessee Baptist Foundation, you are sowing a seed of investment that will reap unimaginable rewards. Consider the story of the mustard seed — the smallest of all seeds. Despite its size, with many years of proper tending it will grow to be a great tree, able to provide protection and nutrients to all of God’s earth.

With our tending, your legacy gift will grow exponentially into the future, providing the resources to do the work of the Kingdom for generations to come. Imagine the everlasting impact your gift could have on the Kingdom! 

Imagine what the Lord might do through your gift. Souls will be saved. The Kingdom of God will be preached and lives will be changed forever. Give us a call at (615) 371-2029 to learn more about how you can start your investment today!

10 for Tenn – Today’s Plans. Tomorrow’s Impact.


Ready to get started?

You can reach us via phone at (615) 371-2029 or fill out this form.

Please note that the advice offered in this article is not intended to be construed as tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for general informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice for the reader. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.

Everyone has an estate, but not everyone has a plan. Do you have a plan? Take our 10 minute estate plan audit to get started.

Learn More

3 Reasons Every Christian Needs an Estate Plan

Keys to a Plan

While it is beneficial for every person to have an estate plan for the sake of their family, it is even more essential for followers of Christ. Though some people may be uncomfortable talking about the topic, it doesn’t have to be scary — especially for Christians, knowing that because of our faith and trust in Jesus, we have a glorious future to look forward to after death.

Throughout my career I have found there are three foundational reasons every Christian needs an estate plan:

1. Everyone has assets that must be distributed at death.

No matter your economic level, when you leave this life, the assets you have accumulated must be distributed somewhere. You may have heard the saying, “I have never seen a hearse pulling a U-Haul!” That is the reality. We do not take the material things of this life with us to heaven. That being said, it has to go somewhere, so we all need to make provisions to pass along the possessions we have. While many people might think they do not have very much, once they start listing all their assets on paper, most people soon realize they have more than they thought. Some assets will be distributed based on titling of the asset or beneficiary designation (real estate, life insurance, retirement accounts, etc.). Everything else needs to be distributed, and a last will and testament is the best way to do this. If you die without a will, the State of Tennessee will determine how your assets will be given away. So, it behooves all of us to have our own plan in place. After all, everyone has an estate, but not everyone has a plan!

2. It is an act of stewardship.

The Bible contains more than 2,000 verses related to money and stewardship. The Holman Bible Dictionary defines stewardship as “utilizing and managing all resources God provides for the glory of God and the betterment of His creation.”

One of the key words in this definition is managing. That is what the word stewardship boils down to. We are the managers of the resources God has given us. Every believer in Christ must understand the principle that God owns everything. Psalm 24:1 states, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” (KJV) A good manager will make provisions for things under his care. That does not stop at death. To be a faithful manager, we must make plans to pass along the assets under our care so they can be used to help others and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. We all must be faithful stewards of our resources!

3. It is a powerful way for us to leave a legacy.

What do you want to be remembered for? I think it is intrinsic in all of us to want to leave some kind of legacy to our family and friends. One of the great opportunities we have as Christians is to designate something in our estate to take the Gospel to the next generation. The Tennessee Baptist Foundation is available to help any Tennessee Baptist learn how they can take care of their family and bless the next generation with a faith-based estate plan. Psalm 145:4 states, “One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. (KJV) What greater way to help the next generation than to leave resources for them to proclaim the cause of Christ. It’s your faith and your legacy!

Give us a call today. We would love to help you steward your blessings well and leave a legacy of impact.

Ready to get started?

You can reach us via phone at (615) 371-2029 or fill out this form.

Please note that the advice offered in this article is not intended to be construed as tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for general informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice for the reader. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.

Everyone has an estate, but not everyone has a plan. Do you have a plan? Take our 10 minute estate plan audit to get started.

Learn More