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Single Adults Speak-up on Single Adult Issues

SUBMITTED BY DR. LINDA HARDIN, COORDINATOR OF SINGLES MINISTRIES A group of Single Adult Ministries (SAM) leaders asked the question, "Do we need Single Adult Ministries"? Realizing they needed to hear...

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Single Adults Speak-up on Single Adult Issues PDF
ImageSUBMITTED BY DR. LINDA HARDIN, COORDINATOR OF SINGLES MINISTRIES

A group of Single Adult Ministries (SAM) leaders asked the question, "Do we need Single Adult Ministries"? Realizing they needed to hear from single adults to properly answer the question, they convened a listening session. Read some of the insights that were gained.

This ecumenical group, used a neutral setting, not connected to any of the participants' churches or denominations. Seated at tables of less than six people, groups were given ten minutes to discuss each of a series of questions. After listening to each group's report, the leaders summarized what they heard. See the findings below:

QUESTION ONE: How has your independence, natural or learned, affected your life?

Single Adult Responses

  • All the blame or glory is on you.
  • Holes in the "safety net" are bigger when it comes to unemployment, disability, financial support, etc.
  • It's hard to ask for help.
  • We tend to over-analyze.
  • We're perceived to be snooty, like we don't need anyone.
  • We're blinded by out self-reliance to changes for others to minister to us.
  • We're flexible open to options and new experiences.

    • Leaders' Analysis

  • Single adults recognize the need for balance.
  • They understand how others can misinterpret their actions.
  • Some have a strong and intimate relationship with God since it's "me and God."
  • Church is often the place where their friendships are formed.
  • Church could do a better job of offering assistance with handyman repairs, auto repairs, financial planning, etc.

    • Image

    QUESTION TWO: When faced with a crisis, where do you go for help?

    Single Adult Responses

  • Friends
  • Family
  • Prayer
  • Keep it to myself
  • Some place safe
  • No one
  • Pastor
  • Accountability partner
    •

    Leaders' Analysis

  • Like married people, they first turn to those with whom they have a relationship.
  • The church was fairly far down on the list of options.
  • We are concerned that some keep it to themselves and turn to no one.
  • Our challenge is to create a "safe" place for everyone.

    • QUESTION THREE: Why do you attend church?

    Single Adult Responses

  • We need the dynamic of corporate worship.
  • To serve.
  • Reminds us that we are not alone.
  • To re-enforce our Christian perspective.
  • For encouragement.
  • It challenges us to live the Christian lifestyle.
  • It's my extended family.
  • To see families and couples who are functioning well.
  • We're stronger as a group than we are individually.

    • Image

    Leaders' Analysis
    We were surprised by the positive comments. We hear so much about how sermons and churches are family-centered. Perhaps we've been more successful than we realized in developing the community concept.

    There is a strong sense of involvement in the local church. There is much more involvement in the Body of Christ than many church leaders realize.

    There is also a strong ministry sense, to find opportunities to use gifts and talents to build God's kingdom.

    Additional questions will be presented in another article. Until then, we want to hear what you think. Send your comments to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

    Click and download a pdf version of this article. It makes a good handout. Single Adults Speak Out!