Honoring the Past, Investing in Tomorrow: The Case for Legacy Sunday
Churches celebrate milestones in many ways—new ministries, baptisms, confirmations, and anniversaries. But what about the legacy of generosity that sustains the church through generations? That's where Legacy Sunday comes in.
Legacy Sunday is a dedicated time to celebrate those who have made planned gifts to the church and to encourage others to consider how they might do the same. It's a moment to pause, reflect, and plant seeds for the future of your congregation's mission and ministry.
Many churches focus on annual giving and stewardship—but fewer create intentional moments to talk about legacy. Legacy Sunday is one such moment. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the impact of long-term generosity, honor those who have made legacy gifts, and invite others to consider how their support can extend beyond their lifetime.
Why Legacy Sunday Matters
Legacy gifts—bequests, beneficiary designations, and other planned gifts—often provide the most transformational support a church will ever receive. But many faithful givers have never been asked to consider such a gift. Others may not understand how legacy giving works or assume it’s only for the wealthy.
Hosting a Legacy Sunday helps to:
- Normalize legacy giving as part of a faithful response to God’s abundance.
- Offer clarity and guidance around how planned gifts work.
- Create a culture of gratitude by recognizing those who have made commitments.
Rather than relying on chance, churches can create the conditions for legacy giving to flourish—faithfully and intentionally.
How Legacy Sunday Fits In
Legacy Sunday can be a standalone event or part of a broader planned giving or endowment initiative. Some churches incorporate it into:
- All Saints’ Sunday, honoring those who’ve gone before us.
- Stewardship season, connecting legacy with lifelong generosity.
- Estate Planning Awareness Month, offering next steps for faithful planning.
No matter the timing, Legacy Sunday works best when it aligns with your congregation’s rhythm and voice. It’s not a fundraising push—it’s a moment for reflection, story-sharing, and invitation.
Get Started
To help you plan, we’ve created a Legacy Sunday Planning Guide—a simple, practical resource that includes:
- Planning timelines and event formats.
- Suggestions for liturgy and worship.
- Communication templates and talking points.
- Ideas for how to follow up with interested members.
Legacy Sunday is about more than planning an event—it’s about planting seeds for the future. The resource will help you take the next step toward building a culture of lasting generosity in your congregation. If you’re ready to start planning your Legacy Sunday, click the link below.