From the Desk of Bruce Sutherland
Will Your Faith Have the Last Word?
Our faith speaks through our lives—and through our giving. Week after week, we bring our offerings to the Lord as acts of worship, trust, and gratitude. Yet even after we enter Heaven, our faith can still speak. The gifts God has entrusted to us can be offered one final time, becoming a final act of worship that continues to support Christ’s church and its mission.
For many faithful Christians, this final offering is often overlooked—not out of a lack of generosity, but simply because no one pauses to think about it. Today, nearly 95% of people in their 60s, 70s, and 80s name their children as beneficiaries on financial accounts. The church is rarely included in these beneficiary designations and is often relegated to a will that is unfunded or not intended for charitable gifts. Quietly and unintentionally, this means the Lord’s work is given little opportunity to share in the blessings God has provided.
The good news is that this can be changed with prayerful intention and great joy. A final offering is not about choosing between family and faith—it is about reflecting the whole story of a life shaped by God’s grace. Even a simple designation can become a final act of worship, a witness to trust, and a gift that strengthens the church’s mission for years to come. In this way, your faith does have the last word—spoken gently, faithfully, and with hope.
To help congregations reflect more deeply on this sacred opportunity, Sharing the Lord’s Harvest with Your Church offers an informative, uplifting, and timely look at what Scripture teaches about our final offering. This engaging workbook and presentation are well suited for Bible study groups, men’s groups, women’s groups, and other congregational gatherings, inviting thoughtful conversation and faithful discernment. To schedule a group presentation and receive complimentary workbooks, simply contact Bruce Sutherland at 716-998-0225 or email brucelcmsed@gmail.com.
Bruce Sutherland serves as Discipleship & Stewardship Resource Manager for the Eastern District of the LCMS.
