Helping families navigate one of life’s most difficult seasons requires more than compassion; it requires expertise.
That’s why Planned Giving and Trust Services professionals from across North America gathered May 18–21, 2026 in Henderson, Nevada, for the annual Planned Giving and Trust Services Convention.
Hosted each year by either North American Division or a union, the convention provides continuing education and allows Trust Services officers to earn 16 hours of continuing education required for certification.
Because tax laws, financial strategies and estate planning tools and resources continually change, Trust Services professionals must stay current.
This year, North Pacific Union and Pacific Union jointly hosted the event.
“I really tried to put together speakers who are very unique, very talented and very good at what they do,” said Jim Brown, who serves both unions as Planned Giving and Trust Services director.
The convention featured nationally recognized speakers who shared practical insights on a variety of estate planning topics: Shari Fox, a charitable giving expert, and Joe Bull, American Council on Gift Annuities president and attorney.
Participants also took part in interactive sessions, including "Gifts, Money and Taxes: The Game Show," which turned technical estate planning concepts into practical, engaging learning experiences.
While grieving a loved one, organizing financial affairs is the last thing a family wants to do. Planned Giving and Trust Services, a ministry of the Adventist Church, helps families prepare estate plans, wills and trusts so those decisions have already been made before they’re needed.
Its mission is stewardship of the family, ensuring that finances and final wishes are organized in advance. Through estate planning, education and personal guidance, the ministry seeks to provide trust, clarity and peace of mind during life’s most difficult seasons.
Trust Services professionals recognize that their work helps ease unnecessary stress during times of grief, providing insight and relief for families by helping untangle the red tape that accompanies estate planning and ever-changing tax laws.
“What we do is take care of people until we bury them. So how do you relate to the surviving family members? How do you minister to them?” Brown said. “It’s not all about the money; it's about the relationships. We’re the only organization in the church that brings in millions of dollars to the function of the church besides just tithes and offerings, and I need people to be aware that it's not just about money. It's about taking care of families.”
At its heart, Planned Giving and Trust Services seeks to help families prepare ahead of time so that, when loss comes, they can focus less on financial burdens and more on caring for one another.
As Brown put it, “We’re here as a trusted helpmate.”
