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Exploring Single Adult Ministry for Today and Tomorrow

This resource delves into the dynamics of single adult ministry, focusing on the needs and experiences of single parents, seniors, military spouses, divorced individuals, and more. With insights from George Barna's study, it provides valuable information on the challenges and goals of different single adult groups, offering guidance for church leaders on how to effectively support and minister to them. Topics covered include income levels, self-descriptors, stress factors, and the role of the church in providing support and resources. The text emphasizes the importance of clear communication, intentional planning, and genuine concern in reaching out to single adults and building meaningful relationships within the church community.

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Exploring Single Adult Ministry for Today and Tomorrow

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  1. Super Saturdays 2002 Do you KNOW what you NEED to know Exploring Single Adult Ministry for Today and Tomorrow Family MinistryDepartment Valerie Vincent, Consultant

  2. Super Saturdays 2002 Exploring Single Adult Ministry for Today and Tomorrow Family MinistryDepartment Valerie Vincent, Consultant

  3. Resource Single Adultsby George Barna2002 Study Guide also available from George Barna www.barna.org

  4. What do we need to know? In the beginning… Church Leaders Ask these questions What do we need to do?

  5. Single Parents Seniors Builders Military Spouses Need to Know Never Been Married Divorced Widowed Barna identifies Three Primary Groupsfor single adults Separated

  6. 35 and up Under 25 25-34 Never Been Married 48 Million(18 and older) Top Five Goals Experience good physical health Get and stay married to same partner for life Have close personal friendships Live with a high degree of integrity Have a comfortable lifestyle Barna, p. 67

  7. Divorced Average age of person’s first marriage “The percentage of divorced is higher for females than for males primarily because divorced men are more likely to remarry than divorced women.” p. 21, The State of Our Unions 2002, The National Marriage Project 26 Average age of person’s first divorce 34

  8. Of the fathers 35% were not married to the mothers 40% of mothers were not married to the fathers 84% are Mothers Single Parents 12 Million What ideas does your church have for Single Parent Family Ministry?

  9. Widowed

  10. Economics of Single Adults Single Adults Married Adults • Higher income • Lower income levels • Less likely to own home • Own Home • Lower level of educational achievement • Higher education • Extremely satisfied or very satisfied with life (85%) • Lower level of life satisfaction (64%)

  11. Never Married Single Women Single Parent Men Income Levels Among Single Adults Chart is not to scale but representative

  12. Self-Descriptors of Single Adults Feel Misunderstood Avoid Conflict Seek Handful “We’d be better off understanding who they think they are, helping them to clarify and evaluate that self-image, and then working with them within the boundaries of that perception.” Barna, p. 35 Feel lonely and disconnected Like Control without Conflict Highly Relational Friendships of Reliable

  13. Never Been Married Divorced Widowed Highest Stress LevelDebtCareer-FocusedFew Good FriendsLike to try New Experiences DebtWant ControlAddiction More Common Better Financial StateAvoid ConflictHighest Level of Life Satisfaction

  14. Never Been Marrieds Need What might a ministry with Never Been Marrieds look like? • Satisfying Relationships • Group Activities • Interesting Adventures • Authenticity How would you design a Sunday School class that would attract and keep this group? • Efforts that Build or Reinforce their Self-Esteem • Opportunities to Succeed

  15. Widowed Adults Need • Want to enjoy a peaceful existence What roles might the church live out in the lives of widowed adults? • Do not want more responsibility, control or conflict • Happy to help a ministry, not be responsible for it • Predictable routines • Social opportunities without pressure to participate What community support and resource agencies are active and available in your church community? • Want to be known and cared for but not relied upon for production • To be kept a watch on their health care and housing situation

  16. Divorced Adults Need • Maximum space and understanding • Want control • Want to make their faith real and central to their lives • Want to be coached into a slowly growing commitment to God

  17. Need to Do Church Needs to • Be Confident • Be Clear • Be Intentional • Plan … Have a Clear, Overarching Plan • Pray • Be Creative • Be Purposeful

  18. Church Needs to • Provide easily understood version of scripture • Provide personal and meaningful biblical applications What do you have to offer single adults? If you don’t know the answer to this, don’t start reaching out. Need to be confident, clear, intentional, and plan! Barna, p. 146 • Communicate clearly and unmistakeably God’sgrand design, greater purpose, and truth • Establish credibility through relationship and genuine bonds • Show genuine concern • Make sincere effort • Do the time for friendship

  19. Super Saturdays 2002 Family MinistryDepartment Valerie Vincent, Consultant Thank you for striving to be informed leaders

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