70% of Americans Die Without a Will: The Biblical Case for Christian Estate Planning

The stark reality is that approximately 70-76% of Americans die without a valid will or estate plan(source: caring.com), a statistic that has remained consistently troubling for decades. Recent data from 2024 shows that only 32% of Americans have an estate plan, representing a decline from 38% the previous year(source: caring.com). This widespread lack of preparation is particularly concerning within the Christian community, where surveys reveal that 63% of Christian adults do not have an estate plan in place(source: https://shorturl.at/9FIWH). These numbers do more than reveal a planning gap; they highlight a spiritual challenge—how we as believers view stewardship and preparation.

As fiduciary asset managers, we understand that this reluctance stems from various factors, but for believers, the absence of proper estate planning represents more than just financial oversight, it's a missed opportunity to exercise faithful stewardship until our final breath.

Why Christians Avoid Estate Planning

The most common reason people avoid creating a will is simple procrastination, with over 40% of Americans admitting they "just haven't gotten around to it." Additionally, 40% of respondents believe they don't have enough assets to justify creating a will, representing a 14% increase from the previous year.(source: caring.com)

For many Christian families, other barriers include:

• Discomfort with mortality: Discussing death feels too overwhelming or morbid

• Perceived complexity: The process seems too complicated or expensive

• Lack of urgency: Believing they're "too young" to worry about estate planning

• Misconceptions about asset thresholds: Thinking only wealthy people need wills

  
  

Alarmingly, even among parents with children under 18, only 36% have an end-of-life plan in place.(source: https://shorturl.at/1aFqv) This means millions of Christian families are leaving their children's future guardianship and financial security to chance.

Biblical Foundations for Estate Planning

Scripture provides clear guidance on the importance of planning for the stewardship of resources after death. The concept of wills existed in biblical times, as evidenced in Hebrews 9:16-17: "For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established. For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive."

God's Ownership of All Things

We believe the foundation of Christian estate planning begins with recognizing that God owns everything we possess. Psalm 24:1 declares, "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein." This understanding transforms estate planning from a purely financial exercise into a final act of stewardship, recognizing that we are merely managers of God's resources during our lifetime.

When you create an estate plan with this biblical worldview, you're not just distributing "your" assets, you're completing your role as a faithful steward of what God has entrusted to your care.

Providing for Family

Scripture explicitly commands believers to provide for their families. First Timothy 5:8 makes this responsibility crystal clear: "But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."

Proverbs 13:22 further encourages leaving an inheritance as a blessing: "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous." An estate plan helps to ensure that the resources God has entrusted to you are properly distributed to those you love in the right way, at the right time, and at minimal cost.

Stewardship and Generous Giving

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 reminds believers that "whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

A Christian estate plan provides the opportunity to extend generosity beyond your lifetime, supporting ministries and causes that advance God's kingdom. First Corinthians 4:2 underscores that "it is required of stewards that they be found faithful." This faithfulness doesn't end at death, it continues through the legacy you leave behind.

The Christian Perspective on Estate Planning

For Christians, an estate plan can represent the capstone on a lifetime of stewardship. It should be carefully designed with God's Word in mind, ensuring that every decision honors both the Lord and the family He has given you.

Peace and Protection

A well-written estate plan helps to provide assurance that your family is protected and provided for after your death. Beyond post-mortem provisions, it also protects you during your senior years by designating specific individuals to manage your property and make important medical decisions, ensuring you receive the best care possible.

Rather than hastening thoughts of death, creating a will gives you a voice after you die and provides your loved ones with direction and peace of mind during one of life's most difficult seasons.

Practical Benefits for Christian Families

Estate planning preserves your legacy by ensuring that the property and assets you have spent a lifetime gathering are conveyed to loved ones according to your wishes and values. Without a will, state laws determine how your assets are distributed, which may not align with your Christian values or family priorities.

Key benefits include:

• Asset distribution: Ensuring your resources go where God has led you to designate them

• Tax efficiency: Minimizing the tax burden on your beneficiaries

• Family harmony: Preventing disputes by clearly documenting your wishes

• Ministry continuation: Supporting churches and ministries that shaped your faith journey

• Guardian designation: Protecting minor children by choosing godly guardians

Who Really Needs a Will?

Despite common misconceptions about asset thresholds, virtually every Christian adult should have a will. If you have a minor child, own a home, have retirement accounts, or possess any assets of value, you should have a will.

Consider these scenarios where estate planning is crucial:

• Young families: 35% of those without wills cite insufficient assets, yet many are parents of children under 18(source: caring.com)

• Empty nesters: Adults approaching or in retirement with accumulated assets and specific charitable intentions

• Business owners: Those with business interests requiring succession planning

• Ministry leaders: Pastors and Christian leaders wanting to leave a legacy for kingdom work

Overcoming Common Obstacles

"I don't have enough assets": If you own anything of value or have minor children, you need a will. The average American household has assets worth protecting and distributing according to their values.

"It's too expensive": The cost of not having a will, including probate fees, family disputes, and unintended distributions, far exceeds the cost of creating one.

"It's too complicated": Working with a Christian financial advisor or estate planning attorney who understands your values can simplify the process significantly.

"I'm too young": Life is uncertain. As believers, we should be prepared for eternity while living faithfully today.

Taking Action: Your Next Steps

The biblical mandate for stewardship extends beyond our lifetime, making estate planning not merely a financial decision but a spiritual responsibility. Setting up a will takes care of loved ones financially while saving them considerable emotional stress during an already difficult time.

As Christians who recognize that everything we own comes from the Lord, we bear the responsibility to manage those resources faithfully, even after death. Are you prepared to complete your stewardship journey with the same faithfulness you've shown during your lifetime?

We encourage you to take these immediate steps:

1. Pray: Ask God for wisdom and guidance in your estate planning decisions

2. Assess: List your assets, debts, and beneficiary intentions

3. Consult: Meet with a qualified estate planning professional who understands Christian values

4. Document: Create your will and related estate planning documents

5. Review: Update your plan regularly as circumstances change

   
   

At Matt25 Capital, we understand the intersection of faith and finances. We're here to help you navigate estate planning decisions that honor God, protect your family, and advance His kingdom. Your future generations will thank you for taking this faithful step today.

Disclosure: This material is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Estate planning involves complex legal considerations that vary by state. Please consult with qualified legal and financial professionals before making estate planning decisions. Past performance does not guarantee future results, and all investments carry risk of loss.