Too many people have not prepared written instructions in case of a serious accident or illness.

They have never created medical directives to spell out their wishes if they no longer can speak for themselves.

They have not designated a power of attorney to handle their financial affairs or to make medical decisions if they are unable to do so.

Ivan K. Tolbert wants to change that.

The community relations specialist for Senior Connections is recruiting African-American churches in the Richmond area to help spread information on advance care planning.

“Our communities of faith need to take the lead to educate, counsel and encourage people to use their legal right to document their decisions,” Mr. Tolbert said.

So far, he said, three churches — Second Baptist in the city’s Randolph area, Gravel Hill Baptist in Varina and Union Baptist in Hopewell — have signed a memorandum of understanding to get involved in breaking what he calls the “silence about preparing for health incapacity and the end of life.”

Mr. Tolbert’s goal is to get at least nine more churches involved in counseling, educating and encouraging congregants and community members to “use their legal right to make and document their decisions while they are still able to speak for themselves.”

He said he is enlisting churches “because they are the most credible institutions we have” on these kinds of issues.

“Death is a taboo subject in our community,” he said, fueled by spiritual beliefs, distrust and fear.

He said families need assistance to start talking about what they would do if one or more adult family members were hospitalized and unable to make decisions. Ministers and church members involved with counseling and visitations to the ill can play a big role in getting the discussions started, he added.

“My message is that someone is going to be making the decisions when the time comes,” Mr. Tolbert said. “It can be yourself. It can be someone you love or someone you trust. Or it can be a complete stranger in a hospital.”

Most people imagine dying a “good” death, he said, one where there is no pain and they are surrounded by loved ones. But people who fail to prepare can end up in a situation where they are isolated and among strangers, he said.

Examples are legions of people who were kept hooked up to machines after suffering an irreversible coma, even if they would not have wished it.

During the coming weeks and months, Mr. Tolbert said, participating churches will hold information sessions with members and others who are interested to help them understand and create the needed paperwork for end-of-life planning.

Mr. Tolbert said he understands the general reluctance to deal with such issues.

“I can empathize,” Mr. Tolbert said. “I never did anything until I got my current job more than two years ago. Now I understand how important it is, and I’ve taken care of it.”

But other people need to put their wishes on paper as well.

“For too long, African-Americans have lacked access to the knowledge and resources required to have family discussions about medical treatment decisions, legal concerns and end-of-life issues.”

“We have the information. Now we have to share it,” he said. “Creating advance medical directives and having discussions with family members and doctors about necessary life planning matters — as well as preparing wills and other documents — is something everyone needs to do.”