The Eberhardt Society
One Gift. Generations of Impact.
In 1887, Pastor Christoph Eberhardt and his wife, Mary, made an extraordinary gift that would shape the future of Michigan Lutheran Seminary for generations to come. They donated the land on which Michigan Lutheran Seminary still stands today. Their generosity was more than a gift of property—it was a gift of vision, faith, and commitment to the Gospel.
Because of the Eberhardts’ foresight, generations of young men and women have been prepared at Michigan Lutheran Seminary to share the saving message of Jesus Christ. Their gift continues to bear fruit even now, as students are formed for lives of Christian service and many go on to serve as pastors, teachers, and leaders in Christ’s Church. The Eberhardts’ legacy is a powerful reminder that faithful stewardship can have an impact far beyond one lifetime.
That same spirit of faithful planning inspired the Michigan Lutheran Seminary Foundation to establish an endowment for the benefit of the school. Endowment support helps strengthen the long-term mission of MLS, providing a foundation for future ministry and helping ensure that the Seminary can continue preparing students for years to come. One of the most meaningful ways an endowment grows is through thoughtful estate planning and legacy gifts.
To encourage and recognize this kind of generosity, the MLS Foundation established the Eberhardt Society. The society honors individuals and families who have included Michigan Lutheran Seminary or the MLS Foundation in their estate plans through a will, trust, beneficiary designation, or other planned gift. These gifts are often among the most significant a donor will ever make, allowing them to support the mission of MLS in a lasting and powerful way.
Membership in the Eberhardt Society is not about the size of a gift, but about a shared commitment to the future of Christian education and gospel ministry. It is a way to recognize those who, like the Eberhardts, desire to bless future generations through wise and faithful stewardship. Their example also serves to inspire others to consider how they might leave a legacy that supports the training of future servants of Christ.
We invite you to prayerfully consider including Michigan Lutheran Seminary or the MLS Foundation in your estate plans. By doing so, you can help continue the work that began with the Eberhardts so many years ago—passing on the treasure of the Gospel to the next generation.
Christian consultation is available through the MLS Foundation or through a WELS Christian Giving Counselor to help you think through options for planned giving in a faith-centered way. Please note that this guidance does not replace the advice of a licensed financial advisor or estate planning professional, whom you should consult before making final decisions regarding your estate plans.
Together, by God’s grace, we can continue building on the foundation the Eberhardts helped lay—supporting Michigan Lutheran Seminary and preparing future generations to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Please contact the MLS Foundation’s Donor Relations Director if you have questions or would like more information about including MLS in your estate plans.
