A manual for securing a significant number of planned gifts for a church of any denomination or size.
In order for churches and related religious institutions to advance their strategic growth initiatives, a variety of funding vehicles are required, and a planned gifts program can play an important part. A planned gifts program offers a systematic and sustainable implementation model that is formalized, progressive, and—most importantly—volunteer-based and -driven.
Implementation of a planned gifts program should be centered upon the resolution of significant church needs and the advancement of God’s work. The authors, both successful fundraisers, keep this motivation at the center of their implementation model.
ROBERT SESSUM is a retired Episcopal priest with fifty years of ordained ministry. He served small and large congregations in Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, and Kentucky. Bob was instrumental in instituting a variety of stewardship campaigns throughout his career, including a highly successful planned gifts program.
L. PENDLETON ARMISTEAD has thirty-five years of resource development experience for not-for-profit organizations. During his career as a consultant, he has raised over $750 million. A “Cradle Episcopalian,” Pendleton has been actively involved in many volunteer capacities including managing planned, annual, and major gifts campaigns and conducting strategic planning initiatives.
“Bob Sessum and Pend Armistead have published the tools that they employed successfully at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Lexington, Kentucky. The full campaign was accomplished solely by the members of the church in leadership roles without outside consultants.”—Kathy Gross, Former Senior Warden, The Church of the Good Shepherd, Lexington, Kentucky
“Planned giving is absolutely essential for the future vitality and sustainability of every congregation. Within the broad context of promoting a culture of generosity, Sessum and Armistead provide a step-by-step guide that is comprehensive, practical, and user friendly.”—Donald V. Romanik, President, Episcopal Church Foundation
“The Book of Common Prayer directs congregational leaders to regularly discuss wills and planned giving with their congregations, but provides no practical advice. Sessum and Armistead provide the tools for making it successful.”—The Rev. Brendan Barnicle, Rector, St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, Wilsonville, Oregon
“All who read this manual will be blessed to learn and heed the wisdom of these two hopeful fundraisers.”—The Right Rev. Brian L. Cole, 5th Episcopal Bishop of East Tennessee, Rector of Good Shepherd, Lexington (2012–17)
