The Healing Wallet

A weekly blog focusing on financial guidance to help you manage wealth, advance your career, and integrate your faith. 

Presented by Integritas Wealth Strategies 

By Daniel Heidel 

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Issue No. 9 

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Godly Guardianship: A Financial Guide to Choosing Christian Leaders for Your Children

Who will raise your children in faith if you can’t?

As Christian parents, we carry the profound responsibility outlined in Deuteronomy 6:6-7: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” But what happens to this sacred duty when we’re no longer here to fulfill it?

The intersection of faith and finance becomes most critical when choosing guardians for our children. This decision impacts not only their spiritual development but also their financial future, creating a legacy that extends far beyond material wealth.

Understanding the Two Types of Guardianship

Many Christian families don’t realize there are two distinct types of guardianship, each with unique financial implications:

Personal Guardianship involves the day-to-day care, education, and spiritual guidance of your children. This guardian makes decisions about where your children live, what schools they attend, and how they’re raised in faith.

Financial Guardianship (or conservatorship) manages your children’s inheritance, investments, and financial assets until they reach adulthood. This guardian makes investment decisions, manages trust funds, and ensures financial resources are used appropriately for your children’s needs.

The financial wisdom here is crucial: you don’t have to choose the same person for both roles. Your sister might be perfect for nurturing your children’s faith and daily care, while your financially savvy brother-in-law might be better suited to manage their inheritance.

The Biblical Foundation for Financial Stewardship

Proverbs 13:22 reminds us that “a good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children.” This isn’t just about money—it’s about creating a foundation that supports both spiritual and financial growth. When selecting guardians, consider these biblical principles:

Integrity in Financial Matters: Look for potential guardians who demonstrate honesty in their own financial dealings. Do they tithe regularly? Do they avoid debt and live within their means? These character traits will influence how they handle your children’s inheritance.

Wisdom in Decision-Making: Proverbs 27:14 teaches us about prudent planning. Your chosen guardians should demonstrate sound judgment in their own financial decisions and be teachable when it comes to managing larger sums.

Generosity and Stewardship: Consider how potential guardians view money and possessions. Are they generous with their resources? Do they understand that everything belongs to God and we’re merely stewards?

Essential Questions for Potential Guardians

When discussing guardianship with family members or close friends, ask these faith-focused financial questions:

• How do you currently manage your own finances, and what role does faith play in your financial decisions?
• Are you comfortable managing a trust or inheritance on behalf of our children?
• How would you balance providing for our children’s needs while teaching them biblical principles about money?
• What is your understanding of Christian stewardship, and how would you instill these values in our children?
• Are you willing to work with our financial advisor to ensure continuity in our children’s financial planning?

Legal Documentation That Protects Your Values

Your estate planning documents should clearly outline your expectations for your children’s religious upbringing and financial management. Consider including:

A Faith Legacy Letter: This detailed document explains your family’s spiritual values, financial philosophy, and specific instructions for raising your children in faith. While not legally binding, it provides crucial guidance for guardians.

Trust Provisions: Structure your trusts to encourage biblical values. For example, you might include provisions for tithing, Christian education expenses, or mission trip funding.

Religious Instruction Clauses: Many states allow you to include specific religious instruction requirements in your will, though enforceability varies by location.

Creating Financial Security Within Faith

The goal isn’t just to leave money—it’s to create a financial foundation that supports your children’s spiritual development. Consider these strategies:

Education Funding: Ensure your estate plan includes provisions for Christian education, whether private school, homeschooling resources, or Christian college tuition.

Ministry Support: Consider structuring part of your children’s inheritance to support their future involvement in ministry or missions work.

Gradual Distribution: Rather than giving everything at 18, consider graduated distributions that allow for spiritual and financial maturity to develop together.

The Conversation That Changes Everything

Don’t wait for the “perfect” time to discuss guardianship with your chosen candidates. Start with prayer, then have honest conversations about expectations, responsibilities, and your family’s unique financial situation.

Remember, choosing Christian guardians isn’t just about finding people who will take your children to church—it’s about selecting individuals who will steward both their spiritual and financial inheritance with wisdom, integrity, and faith.

Your children’s future depends on decisions you make today. By thoughtfully combining biblical principles with sound financial planning, you can create a legacy that honors God while providing security for the next generation.

Ready to protect your family’s faith and financial future? Schedule a consultation