Life is unpredictable. Even for pastors, who spend their days shepherding others and walking in faith, the future often holds uncertainties we cannot foresee. Yet Scripture reminds us that while God is sovereign—knowing all things and orchestrating His purposes—we are called to act faithfully within our responsibilities. One area where faithful action often gets overlooked is financial planning, particularly planning for the care of our families in the event of death or incapacity.
A Sobering Reminder: The Passing of Voddie Baucham
The recent and sudden death of Dr. Voddie Baucham Jr. serves as a poignant reminder of life’s unpredictability. On September 25, 2025, Dr. Baucham passed away after suffering an emergency medical incident. Known for his strong emphasis on loving and leading one’s family, his sudden passing left his wife and nine children facing significant challenges. Founders Ministries, led by Dr. Tom Ascol, initiated a fundraising campaign to support the Baucham family, with a goal of raising $2 million.
The Biblical Mandate: Providing for One’s Household
Scripture is clear about the responsibility of providing for one’s family. In 1 Timothy 5:8, Paul writes, “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” This passage underscores that providing for one’s household is both a spiritual and practical responsibility.
We want to be clear: we are not saying that Dr. Baucham is “worse than an unbeliever.” Rather, his situation illustrates the reality that even pastors who faithfully teach biblical family leadership may not always plan practically for the unexpected. It is a cautionary lesson for all of us to combine faith with foresight.
Proverbs 27:12 also reminds us, “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.”Faithful planning is not a lack of trust in God; it is an act of wisdom and prudence.
Life Insurance: A Tool for Faithful Stewardship
Proverbs 13:22 says, “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children.” Life insurance is a practical tool that allows pastors to fulfill this biblical mandate, ensuring that loved ones are cared for financially if tragedy strikes. It is an act of love, stewardship, and foresight—a way to act responsibly within God’s providence.
Long-Term Care Insurance and Family Responsibility
Scripture also makes clear that families are the first line of care for widows. 1 Timothy 5:16 states, “If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows.” This principle provides a case for long-term care insurance: it allows a family to provide for aging or incapacitated relatives without placing the financial burden on the church. Planning for long-term care is not a lack of faith; it is a way to honor God, care for your family, and enable the church to fulfill its biblical role as a secondary line of support.
Financial Planning as a Reflection of God’s Sovereignty
Acknowledging God’s sovereignty does not remove the need for prudence. Proverbs 21:5 says, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” By planning ahead, pastors demonstrate trust in God’s provision while exercising the wisdom and diligence Scripture commends.
The Church’s Role: Supporting, Not Replacing, the Family
Acts 6 provides a biblical example of the church organizing care for widows: the apostles appointed seven men to ensure widows were provided for. The principle is clear—the church has a responsibility to care for those in need. But notice Paul’s instruction in 1 Timothy 5:16: the church steps in only when families are unable to provide. Families are the first line of defense, and only those who are truly widows should be placed on the church’s care list.
This doesn’t minimize the church’s role; it frames it correctly. One of the most impactful ways deacons and church leaders can care for the congregation today is by helping members understand the importance of careful planning and provision. Encouraging life insurance, long-term care planning, and biblical financial stewardship equips families to fulfill their responsibilities and ensures the church can serve those in genuine need.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The sudden passing of Dr. Voddie Baucham serves as a sobering reminder that life is unpredictable. Planning for the unplanned—through life insurance, long-term care coverage, and prudent financial stewardship—is not a lack of faith but an act of obedience to Scripture. Pastors are called to love, lead, and provide for their families, ensuring that in times of crisis, their loved ones are protected and the church is not unduly burdened.
By acting wisely today, pastors honor God, care faithfully for their households, and model stewardship and foresight to their congregations. Deacons and church leaders can further this mission by equipping members to plan, leaving the church free to care for those truly in need.
Doctrine and Mission 
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