The lives of Tom and Brenda Sloan truly embody what it means to be world changers for Christ. Together they devoted 77 years of service to Indiana Wesleyan University, formerly Marion College. Each joined the staff shortly after graduating: Tom rose from admissions counselor to director and later associate director of admissions, while Brenda began as a nursing instructor, earned a master’s degree, and became an assistant professor of nursing.
During the course of their time at IWU, the Sloans had three children, all of whom attended the university, building on the four-generation legacy of Sloans at the school. Throughout the decades, the Sloans have witnessed many changes in leadership, the campus’ buildings, faculty, curriculum, technology, and more.
“There have been financial highs and lows throughout the decades as well,” Brenda said. “The one constant was its goal of academic excellence and serving God, even though everything else seems to have changed.”
When the Sloans started thinking about financial generosity, they studied both where and how to give. That search led them to an IRA charitable rollover — also known as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD).
Anyone age 70 ½ or older may direct funds straight from a traditional IRA to a public charity. This money never passes through the donor’s hands, so the transfer isn’t counted as taxable income. Beginning in 2025, the annual QCD limit is $108,000. Donors cannot receive goods or services in return and need written acknowledgement from each recipient organization. At age 72, the IRS demands that account holders withdraw a minimum amount each year. Using a QCD to satisfy that requirement keeps the full amount in ministry rather than the tax column.
“We’ve always wanted to share what God has blessed us with,” Brenda said. “Now that we’re in retirement it’s a little easier in some ways because finances are different than they were, but it’s important to share what God has given us and we feel like He’s blessed us abundantly.”
As for the heart behind their giving, the Sloans look to scripture as a guide.
“The Bible says to give 10 percent, but really 100 percent belongs to the Lord — we’re just stewards,” Brenda said. “Scripture mentions money more than 2,300 times. If God talks about it that much, we need to listen.”
For the Sloans, giving of finances is a directive from scripture, a way to be faithful in their devotion to the Lord, and a means of ministry with a Kingdom impact. They also believe it’s a good habit to develop early in a believer’s life, so that the habit can develop and grow over time rather than being a sudden decision when facing retirement.
“There’s a lot you have to think about when you want to determine what to support, and my husband’s very good at researching that sort of thing,” Brenda said. “We give to our church, the university, missions our family is involved in, and other ministries we feel very strongly about — there’s no end to the financial need.”
The Sloans also believe it allows them to engage in ministry. While they can’t go to Haiti, they’re able to financially support a friend’s ministry there, creating an international impact. Locally, they give toward the 529 Plan to assist their grandchildren and their future education as well as to IWU’s Church Matching Scholarship program. The Sloans have been contributing to the Church Matching Scholarship for 37 years.
“There are a lot of things we can’t do, but if our gift can help others, then we think it’s a worthwhile thing to do,” Brenda said. “As we planned our estate several years before retirement, we looked to where the Lord was directing us — what nonprofits, organizations, and ministries to give to. It’s important to pray and seek His direction on it. Everybody wants your money, but it’s essential to use discernment in deciding what to pursue.”
A resource that shaped their approach is the Ron Blue Institute book Free to Follow, which frames generosity through a biblical lens. Their advice: research, pray, and start early so giving becomes a lifelong rhythm rather than a last-minute decision at retirement.
“Earlier in our marriage, we got so involved with things — careers, church and school activities — that it was hard to sit down and prioritize giving,” Brenda said. “Some of the time it was like checking a box and moving on. But it is so much bigger than that. It’s a conscious act of obedience to God, and it’s something we’re all called to; even the widow had two mites to give. If we’re not consciously acting in obedience to God, then we’re not being stewards of what He’s entrusted to us.”
Tom and Brenda’s story reminds us that stewardship is a lifelong calling—one shaped by prayer, wisdom, and trust in God’s provision. If you’re considering how your resources can make a lasting Kingdom impact, IWU offers meaningful ways to invest in future world changers.
