IF SOMETHING HAPPENED TO YOU TOMORROW, who would have the keys to your digital life—and would they know how to use them? What if your spouse passed away? Would anyone be able to access your computer or iPhone? Who will know the passwords for your email, online accounts, and digital folders holding your financial data, sentimental writings, and treasured photos? As technology continues to reshape nearly every part of our lives, many believers now manage bank accounts, family photos, private records, and even investments through digital platforms. Increasingly, Christians hold cryptocurrency—assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and digital tokens that exist solely online. Yet despite the rapid rise of digital property, many estate plans fail to address these assets when the Lord calls us home. Scripture teaches that “the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1), reminding us that our role as stewards extends to every resource entrusted to us—including the digital ones. Faithful stewardship today requires more than managing physical property; it involves preparing for the responsible transfer of online accounts and digital assets so that they may bless our families, ministries, and the Kingdom, even after we are gone

WHY DIGITAL ASSETS MATTER IN ESTATE PLANNING
Digital assets are often overlooked because they are intangible, shrouded in privacy, and perhaps misunderstood. But they often hold real financial and sentimental value. They can
include:
• Cryptocurrencies and digital wallets;
• Online banking and investment accounts;
• Password-protected files, cloud storage, and email accounts;
• Social media profiles and digital photo libraries;
• Reward points, subscription services, and online marketplaces. Without clear legal instructions, many of these assets become inaccessible—even if your loved ones know they exist. Most digital platforms are governed by strict privacy laws, and companies are often prohibited from granting access to anyone other than the account holder unless proper authority is documented. In the case of cryptocurrency, failing to provide the key or seed phrase can result in permanent loss of the asset. A well-designed Christian estate plan ensures that your trustee and executor have the legal authority and technical access needed to carry out your wishes. This typically requires:

1. Specific Digital Asset Provisions
in your will or trust, granting your executor authority under state and federal laws such as the Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (RUFADAA).

2. A Secure Inventory
listing the digital assets you own, where they are held, and how they can be accessed.

3. Clear Instructions
defining how you desire these assets to be managed, transferred, donated, or closed.

4. Safe Storage of Passwords and Private Keys
often through encrypted vaults, a password manager, or a hard-copy letter stored with your estate documents. Including these elements prevents confusion, protects your legacy, and ensures your digital property blesses the people and ministries you care about.

USING DIGITAL ASSETS TO ADVANCE KINGDOM IMPACT

Christians have a unique opportunity to channel digital wealth toward Gospel purposes.Some believers choose to designate cryptocurrency or online investment accounts for charitable gifts, missions support, church ministries, or donor-advised funds. Others wish to preserve digital photos, journals, and online memories as a keepsake to pass down to future generations. Thoughtful planning turns digital assets from potential headaches into meaningful tools for Christian legacy. Preparing today ensures that your blessings—both tangible and digital—continue to honor Christ long after your transition to glory.

HOW THE BAPTIST FOUNDATION OF CALIFORNIA CAN HELP

The Baptist Foundation of California is committed to helping Southern Baptists honor Christ through wise stewardship—both in life and in legacy. As digital assets become more common, BFC offers guidance and tools that help Christians integrate these modern resources into a God-honoring estate plan.

BFC can assist you by:

• Arranging for Christ-centered estate planning consultations with a licensed attorney to ensure your digital assets, online accounts, and cryptocurrency holdings are addressed in your overall legacy plan.

• Offering charitable solutions—such as donor-advised funds, charitable trusts, bequests, and legacy gifts—that allow you to give digital assets or their proceeds to the ministries and churches you love.

• Helping you document your wishes clearly, including guidance on how to structure digital-asset instructions, inventories, and secure access provisions.

• Coordinating with your advisors (attorneys, financial planners, tax professionals) to ensure your estate plan is comprehensive, legally sound, and aligned with your faith.

• Assisting your family or executor after your passing in carrying out your charitable intentions with integrity, transparency, and biblical stewardship.

By intentionally organizing your online accounts, documenting your instructions, and partnering with trusted stewards like The Baptist Foundation of California, you can turn what could be a digital headache into a lasting, Christ-honoring legacy. At BFC, we want to ensure that your digital assets are considered, together with your other assets, as a vehicle to point others to Jesus long after you’ve logged off this side of eternity.

Courtney M. Coates, Esq. is BFCal’s Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer. If you would like to contact him about legacy giving, you can reach him at