Author	Thread: Random Question
Admin	Random Question Posted : 27 Aug, 2010 11:54 AM Do any of you have a single's ministry in your church that you are a part of? What are some of the things that you all do? Post Reply
Tulip89 View Profile History	Random Question Posted : 27 Aug, 2010 12:23 PM Our church tried it, but it didn't really work out. Community groups are working a lot better. That's just us though. Post Reply
View Profile History	Random Question Posted : 27 Aug, 2010 03:18 PM You know, we had one about a year ago that didn't work out either. Everyone was so busy trying to connect and get married, few were content in their singleness. Few wanted to celebrate our state and I had the feeling many were almost ashamed of it. I wonder what can be done to change that mindset. I'm looking for brainstorming or successful events/activities for revival of our single's ministry. I want to write up a proposal for my Pastor. I appreciate any ideas. Post Reply
View Profile History	Random Question Posted : 27 Aug, 2010 04:13 PM I will be thinking on it, babygirl, and hopefully will have some creative ideas to post =) I proposed a singles group (which was really just going to be an in-home Bible study with refreshments) to my former pastor and he refused to allow the church to have a singles ministry. One of the reasons I left that church! Although, now they have a new pastor and I'm back (though possibly only temporarily). Once I figure out whether or not to stay or go, I might give the singles group thing another go. I went a couple of times to a singles group at another church. It ws once a week. They started off with a potluck. Then they things like worship (music) and an icebreaker game, and then some teaching time, and then we broke into little groups for discussion and prayer. It was okay... My friend goes to this church that has a young adult group once a month that is mix of singles and married people and I went once to that and actually really, really liked it. They had food and an icebreaker and this table game thing and we watched this comedy video and a missionary spoke. It was nice to be in a mixed group like that because it seemed less like a "meat market" and just more fellowship-based. But I'll be thinking more about the singles group thing and will let you know if I come up w/ any good ideas =) Post Reply
View Profile History	Random Question Posted : 27 Aug, 2010 07:15 PM Good question. Years ago I was part of a thriving singles group. It was terrific! Bible study every Sunday, lots of different activities during the month and throughout the year. Lots of people -- some good strong Christians, some not. Not everyone was intent only on hooking up with another person. It was a wonderful, blessed period in my life. The reason I stopped going, and that eventually the group fell apart, was 1) The church did not support it enough and 2) they started to let "anyone" be a leader, instead of someone known by the Pastors of the church and who had proven themselves to be a good solid Christian. Good singles groups are possible. But in my opinion (and experience) it takes church backing and good, consistent leadership. Couples leading the singles group are very effective. I've been in mixed singles/couples groups before and always, always, without fail felt pushed to the side and ostrasized because of my singleness. I'm glad you had a good experience, Pixy, but mine have not been. I tried with multiple churches, and multiple groups. Each and every time the experience was the same, so I'll never do it again. Post Reply
View Profile History	Random Question Posted : 27 Aug, 2010 08:37 PM Thanks Pixy. I'm thinking part teaching, about real issues we deal with as a single Christian, like loneliness, how to keep yourself sexually celibate, how to let God make you whole, how to enjoy this time instead of being desperate to be married, etc... Any and all principles and the scriptural text to back it up. Something real and practical that we can utilize to make this time and season of our lives rich and joyful. Then the fellowship & fun part. Maybe a formal with fellow churches once a year or something like that. Post Reply
View Profile History	Random Question Posted : 27 Aug, 2010 08:48 PM Good wisdom, Lamb. From the successful group you were a part of, what were some of the monthly activities you spoke of? Post Reply
Tulip89 View Profile History	Random Question Posted : 27 Aug, 2010 08:48 PM One thing I do suggest is a singles mailing list. People plan whatever they want, and then email the group. "Hey, Tom and I are going to Fox & Hounds tomorrow night. Y'all should come too," or, "Katie and I want to have a game night at my apartment on Wednesday. Who's interested?" Since it's things people are already doing or already want to do, it takes a lot of responsibility off one person. Also, hanging out outside of church is a great way to build community. Post Reply
View Profile History	Random Question Posted : 28 Aug, 2010 06:42 AM Thanks Tulip! Believe me when I say that I will using all nuggets of wisdom that yall post. if you can think of anything else, plese post. I'll credit yall in the footnotes of my proposal! :applause: Post Reply
View Profile History	Random Question Posted : 28 Aug, 2010 10:23 AM Sheesh - that was a long time ago, BG! lol We did a few potlucks. We would have praise and prayer at a couple's house. We would gather and sing, fellowship, enjoy some light snacks, and pray. It was an easy, non-threatening teaching time (if you brought non-Christian friends, or were a new Christian) and also a great fellowship time. We did a couple big overnight trips a year - a popular one (that actually produced at least one marriage each year) was a 2-day camping/river rafting trip. We went to cabins in the woods and camped at the beach and camped out at someone's house who had acerage (sp?) and lots of room. Outings to things like museums or art galleries. The regular times (once or twice a month) of prayer and praise at someone's house were some of my best memomries. Progressive dinners are always fun too. That's all I can remember right now. Post Reply
View Profile History	Random Question Posted : 4 Sep, 2010 04:08 AM Tulip's idea for a mailing list is a good one. And maybe a Facebook group? I used to connect quite a bit w/ people through FB groups. What I've been thinking is that it would great if singles groups had seminars... You know how there are always so many conferences for married people... There just don't seem to be things like that for single people. There are retreats, but from the info. I've seen, they seem to be primarily recreational. Something like a weekend long seminar that talked about things like being content w/ being single and preparing for marriage... InHisHonor and I listened to parts 1 and 2 of this program from Dr. Dobson's Family Talk this week that talked about merging your expectations and it was REALLY enlightening. It made me wonder why I was just now hearing some of this stuff, though. It seems like there are some things related to preparing oneself for being married down the road that should be addressed in church and aren't. Another thought for an activity would be to have an event where the guys teach the gals how to do a man job (like play w/ power tools or something) and the girls teach the guys something characteristically feminine. It could be set up in booths and people could rotate through the booths and get to know one another. Hope that makes sense. It's super crazy late and I need to go to bed... lol If you need clarification, lemme know =) Post Reply

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