I hope this letter finds you well and blessed in your ministry. I have been fortunate to attend churches from Englewood to Marco Island and met amazing people from all denominations. I am reaching out with a heartfelt and urgent message concerning the long-term financial and generational well-being of our beloved SWFL community. As spiritual leaders, your influence goes beyond the pulpit; you shepherd not just the souls but also the lives and livelihoods of your congregants. Today, I am inviting you to partner in an initiative that will empower your members to make wise financial decisions that will benefit their families for generations to come.
Too often, our community is left vulnerable in the face of death, financial hardship, and legal complications due to a lack of proper planning. Many families, in the wake of losing a loved one, are forced to face not only grief but also the stress of unpaid funeral expenses, unprotected assets, and legal battles over estates—problems that could have been prevented with proactive financial planning. Many people don’t like to talk about death, but it is a part of life.
This letter serves as a proposal and a plea to consider hosting educational seminars in your churches to teach the importance of life insurance, final expense planning, and estate protection through trusts and wills. These tools are not just for the wealthy—they are essential instruments that every family, regardless of income, should understand and have access to.
In the SWFL community and many communities like ours, there is a concerning pattern that emerges time and time again as soon as someone dies:
Families launching GoFundMe pages to cover burial and funeral costs.
Homes, vehicles, and other valuable assets lost due to improper titling or lack of a will.
Family disputes leading to expensive probate proceedings and broken relationships.
Generations losing wealth due to failure to properly protect and transfer it.
This cycle continues, not because our people don’t care, but because they often don’t know how or why they should prepare. There’s a glaring educational gap, and the church—an institution trusted, respected, and central to the life of the community—is the perfect place to help fill it.
Every church in SWFL should hold at least one seminar per year on the following:
1. Life Insurance and Final Expense Planning
Life insurance is a foundational tool in financial stewardship. It ensures that in the event of an untimely passing, a family’s financial stability is not jeopardized. Final expense policies, specifically designed to cover funeral costs and immediate bills, relieve families from having to raise thousands of dollars in a moment of crisis. These policies are often affordable, even for seniors or those with health issues.
2. Trusts and Wills to Protect Family Assets
Proper estate planning through legal instruments such as living trusts, wills, and power of attorney can make the difference between a seamless transfer of assets and years of complicated probate litigation. Trusts protect homes from being lost, keep bank accounts accessible, and ensure that the deceased’s wishes are respected without delay or dispute. When families are prepared, they can grieve in peace, not in chaos.
As scripture teaches in Proverbs 13:22, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.” This passage speaks to a legacy mindset—a mindset we must encourage and nurture. Churches are uniquely positioned to reach and teach people of all ages and backgrounds. Your pulpit, Bible studies, and fellowship halls can serve as launching pads for transformation—not just spiritually, but financially and practically.
I propose that we work together to bring free, community-based Life and Legacy Planning Seminars to your congregation. These workshops will:
Break down the myths and fears surrounding life insurance.
Explain, in plain language, the benefits of final expense policies.
Provide step-by-step guidance on how to set up a trust or will.
Offer consultations with licensed professionals and estate planning experts.
Equip families with actionable tools and resources to take immediate steps.
The timing of this initiative is critical. In an uncertain world—rising healthcare costs, unexpected deaths due to illness or accidents, and increasing legal fees—our people cannot afford to be unprepared. Every year that goes by without these conversations is another year families remain at risk. We must act now to educate, equip, and empower.
The SWFL CHRONICLE will partner with you to provide seminars. We would be honored to collaborate with your church to host one or more seminars. These sessions can be tailored to fit your schedule—held during a weekday evening, after a Sunday service, or as part of a special event. We bring all necessary materials and qualified speakers. There is no cost to the church or its members.
All we ask is that you open your doors and help spread the word to your parishioners. Together, we can shift the narrative from crisis and confusion to clarity and confidence.
This is more than just a financial issue—it is a ministry opportunity. Helping families prepare for life’s eventualities is an act of love, stewardship, and wisdom. By taking steps now, we ensure that our elders are honored, our children are protected, and our community continues to thrive in strength and dignity.
I welcome the opportunity to speak with you further and schedule a time to visit your church or meet with your leadership team. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience. You may email the swflchronicle@gmail.com and we will have someone arrange to schedule a FREE SEMINAR to educate and help your parishioners protect their family’s interest.
Thank you for your continued service to the people of SWFL. Together, we can build a legacy that lasts.
With deepest respect and hope,
McKinley G. Williams, Publisher
The SWFL Chronicle
