Every pastor, deacon, and ministry leader knows the moment. A family calls from the hospital. A loved one can’t speak for themselves, and nobody knows what they would have wanted. Or a widow sits in the church office after the funeral, holding a stack of papers, asking, “Where do I even start?”
Churches walk with families through these seasons more than almost anyone. And one of the most caring things a congregation can do is help members prepare before the crisis comes. Here is a simple way to do it.
Why preparation is a ministry
Most families put off planning because it feels heavy, confusing, or expensive. But when there is no plan, the burden falls on the people left behind: adult children arguing in a hospital hallway, or a spouse trying to settle an estate while grieving.
Helping members put their wishes in writing is not about paperwork. It is about peace. It lets parents protect their children from impossible decisions, and it lets families focus on each other when it matters most.
Two hard seasons, two simple tools
Families face two different moments that need two different plans:
- Before a loved one passes: if they become too sick or injured to speak, a living will (advance healthcare directive) tells doctors and family what care they want and who should speak for them.
- After a loved one passes: someone has to settle the estate. An estate administration guide walks the family step by step through what to do, in what order.
Our two plain-language guides, the Living Will Advance Healthcare Directive and the Estate Administration Family Guide, were written for everyday families, not lawyers.
Five easy ways a church can put this to work
- Senior or widow’s ministry: give each member a copy and set aside one meeting to talk through it together.
- Bereavement care: include an Estate Administration Family Guide in the care package you give a grieving family.
- Marriage and family classes: add a session on “getting your house in order” for young couples and new parents.
- Health or wellness Sunday: offer guides at a welcome table alongside blood-pressure checks or flu-shot reminders.
- Pastoral care visits: keep a few copies on hand for hospital and homebound visits, so families have help when the question comes up.
Making it affordable for the whole congregation
We offer bulk packages of 10 to 50+ copies so churches, ministries, and community groups can share the guides widely. Bulk orders ship free, and we welcome purchase orders and invoices from churches and organizations.
- For your church or ministry (10 to 50+ copies): livingwillandestateguide.com/build-your-bulk-order
- For yourself or your family: livingwillandestateguide.com/single-book-orders
- Questions or a custom quote: contact us or call 770-994-4774
Want 10% off your first guide? Join our family list using the sign-up box at the bottom of this page, and we’ll email you a welcome code right away.
Caring for families doesn’t start at the funeral. It starts with helping them prepare.
— Jum and Mae RaOof, Founders, New World Publishing
This article is for general education only and is not legal, tax, or medical advice. Laws about advance directives and probate vary by state. For advice about your situation, talk with an attorney or other qualified professional.