This year the Kentucky Baptist Foundation turns 80 years old. The KBF exists to help fund the Great Commission. Since its founding, the Kentucky Baptist Foundation has distributed more than $250 million to support Great Commission causes. It does this by investing dollars in socially screened investments for Kentucky Baptist churches, ministries and individuals and pay out earnings on those investments to fund ministry.
For example, the Kentucky Baptist Convention has an investment with the KBF that funds our Calling Out the Called Scholarship. Through this investment, we were able to award over $400,000 in scholarships to help 178 ministry students at Clear Creek, Boyce and Southern Seminary pay their tuition. Our investment with KBF allows us to invest deeply in those answering the call to ministry for decades to come.
One way the Kentucky Baptist Foundation serves the rank-and-file members of Kentucky Baptist churches is helping with the question of “Do You Have a Will?” If you do not have one, then rest assured that you are not alone. But also be reminded that you probably should.
According to Caring.com, the number of Americans with a will has declined from 33% in 2022 to 25% in 2025. Why does the average Kentucky Baptist family need a will and how can the Kentucky Baptist Foundation help? Here are five reasons we all need a will and one way the KBF can help.
1. So we can care well for our family: Proverbs 13:22 reminds us that, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.” While some people can leave more than others, each of us would love to leave something behind for our children and grandchildren to make their lives a little easier. Having a will is a way of communicating our love to those who we leave behind.
2. So we can fund our priorities: A good friend of mine has included he and his wife’s salvation testimony to be read publicly at the execution of their will. They have also set aside 10 percent of their estate to fund the work of their church after they are gone. In doing so they are communicating to their children and grandchildren that the work of the gospel is one of the top priorities of their life. Having a will allows us to fund gospel work after we are gone.
3. So we can control our wealth: Austin Wilkerson of the Kentucky Baptist Foundation recently reminded us of the importance of having a will. He wrote, “Most of us avoid thinking about wills. It feels morbid, uncomfortable or like something to handle ‘someday.’ But here’s the truth: if you don’t make a will, the government will make one for you. And it won’t reflect your values, your relationships, or your faith.” When you die your wealth, whether it is much or little, will be distributed. The question is whether it will go where you want it to go. Having a will assures that what you leave behind will be turned over to those you wish to have it.
4. So we can live, and die, with peace: The peace that God calls us to enjoy can be easily interrupted with unfinished business. I cannot imagine being near the end of my life and thinking that I have not prepared my will. That would feel like a genuine regret. God told King Hezekiah in Isaiah 38:1b, “Set your affairs in order, for you shall die, you shall not recover.” When the days of our lives end, each of us will want to have our affairs in order.
5. So you can avoid family conflict: One of the best ways to keep family conflict to a minimum after you have passed is to give clear directions, through the writing of a will, for the distribution of your resources. This is one more way we can serve those we love the most.
The Kentucky Baptist Foundation stands ready to help you with a will. On Monday, Aug. 4, the KBF will host a free online seminar to help you get started with your will. If you would like to join and learn more, simply register by clicking below. This may be your easiest opportunity to get started in writing your will.
Sign up today at kybaptistfoundation.org/fpm.
Dr. Todd Gray 