The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce
Since divorce has become more socially accepted in our culture, many Christians fail to acknowledge the consequences of divorce upon families, especially the children. Some think there is no longer a need...
Interview with Ronda Williams
Servant Leadership Award Recipient During the 2009 Sunday School and Discipleship International (SDMI) Convention, Adult Ministries International recognized outstanding leaders. Ronda Williams received...
Going Back Home?
Are you a college graduate “going back home” to live for a time? Have you wondered how your growing independence will mesh with the established family routine? Here are some tips that will help you...
New Name, New Emphasis
New furniture, new paint, new carpet, new dishes, and new decorations are some changes we make to give familiar surroundings a new look. With this issue, Solo Perspective becomes Single Purpose.
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...
| Interview with Ronda Williams |
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During the 2009 Sunday School and Discipleship International (SDMI) Convention, Adult Ministries International recognized outstanding leaders. Ronda Williams received the Servant Leadership Award for Single Adult Ministries. Read the interview with Ronda. How did you become involved with Single Adult Ministries? How did this involvement affect you and your ministry? After my divorce, my mother invited me to attend a SoloCon retreat. She had attended the year before, found it to be a great ministry to single adults, and thought I would enjoy it as well. She was so right. Afterwards I began to heal from my divorce. Later I joined the leadership team and begin to help plan retreats and activities. As a result I found being a single could be rewarding and fun! I hope I can give back some of what I’ve learned. Many Nazarene churches do not have an organized Single Adult Ministries. What advice would you give to churches as they minister to single adults? Living on a district that has small churches has helped me to see the importance of my role as the district SAM director. I plan a monthly activity, which is open to all single adults. I offer to visit churches and talk to their singles or to assist in starting a ministry. I find it helps to plan a get-together with the help of the pastor and adult ministries director so needs can be identified and met. Many districts do not have a Single Adult director and that is sad. We need ministry as much as families, teens, children or senior adults. We also desperately need ministry to single adults. What challenges do you think Single Adult Ministries faces at this time? First, is staying connected. When SoloCon South was disbanded, we experienced a big loss. We felt like we had lost our family members. Even though we have started our own retreat, Imago Dei, we have still lost (contact with) some of our family members and that is sad. We need connection and family ties. For some, singles is all the family they have. Second, is the economy. A regional retreat or weekend activity may be too costly for some singles. I have found this to be true even district events. Attendance is down even though many want to join us. This is where a local ministry is very important, a way to develop community. And third, is support. Support from General Headquarters, districts, and local churches. Single adults need to know we are supported by church leaders. We need materials or resources, guidance, and love. Help SAM leaders to help other singles. What would you like for churches and leaders to know about single adults? For Single Adult Ministries resources, click here. |
Servant Leadership Award Recipient