The Singles Minister

[AMOG]

For those of you familiar with singles ministries in Baptist Churches or similar.... What is your idea of the "ideal" singles minister. What are the important traits he/she has? What differentiates an excellent singles ministry from an average one? And how much of that goes back to the person in charge?

I'd love to hear your opinions on the subject.

Thanks

AMOG

 

[Peacemonger]

Never been to the Singles group at my church. I think I'm under their recommended age. But isn't it just a Bible study for that demographic? Not sure what the leader has anything to do. I just like lots of activities maybe and some volunteer trips and such. And mini-golf/bowling/ice cream/hay ride night.

 

[Laurie919]

Well he/she should not be "shackin".

Seriously I don't think they should be single. Too many people come for the wrong reasons if they are. I think it needs to be a married person.

 

[unkalledfor]

I agree with Laurie... I think the leader should be married.. because what do you think will happen when that single leader is no longer single??

 

[mina]

someone who treats the group like valued people in the church, not problems to be fixed. Someone that helps singles learn more about God and how to be like Him and helps singles find places to serve in the church as part of the body of Christ. Makes participants feel welcome to be there. Helps singles be leaders in their own singles group, builds them up in the Lord, instead of just assuming they are baby Christians. Helps singles feel like they belong in the church and are valuable members of the body of Christ. Someone who recognizes that some struggle with being single and they and their spouse help singles pray for their future spouse if they desire to be married- they don't make singles feel like they are "wrong" for desiring marriage or they are a freak. Treats all in their ministry with respect, love, and compassion.

 

[Laurie919]

I agree with Laurie... I think the leader should be married.. because what do you think will happen when that single leader is no longer single??

Well that and I have seen all the women in a group fall for the single pastor leader and then become back-stabbing bitties.

 

[CoachR64]

I 100% disagree with Laurie.

Yes, a singles group is a bible study, but it should be so much more. It should be a time for a group of people that are facing the same struggles in life based on their singleness to come together to fellowship and minister to each other.

I am tired of singles groups that are led by married adults. Were the singles at some point? Sure. Are they single now? No. They do not face the same issues and struggles on a daily basis that are unique to being single.

Coach

 

[IDDQD]

I 100% disagree with Laurie.

Yes, a singles group is a bible study, but it should be so much more. It should be a time for a group of people that are facing the same struggles in life based on their singleness to come together to fellowship and minister to each other.

I am tired of singles groups that are led by married adults. Were the singles at some point? Sure. Are they single now? No. They do not face the same issues and struggles on a daily basis that are unique to being single.

Coach

A winrar is you.

 

[FlatpickingJD]

I 100% disagree with Laurie.

Yes, a singles group is a bible study, but it should be so much more. It should be a time for a group of people that are facing the same struggles in life based on their singleness to come together to fellowship and minister to each other.

I am tired of singles groups that are led by married adults. Were the singles at some point? Sure. Are they single now? No. They do not face the same issues and struggles on a daily basis that are unique to being single.

Coach

QFT. I'll add that those who join a church singles group because the leader is single and get bitter says more about those who are bitter than the leader. And if the leader is single and leaves because he/she gets married, the group shouldn't fall apart. What happens in the group? Um, maybe the leader trains someone else to take over and/or someone in the group steps into the leadership position.

Those are really non-issues, IMO.

 

[JPPT1974]

someone who treats the group like valued people in the church, not problems to be fixed. Someone that helps singles learn more about God and how to be like Him and helps singles find places to serve in the church as part of the body of Christ. Makes participants feel welcome to be there. Helps singles be leaders in their own singles group, builds them up in the Lord, instead of just assuming they are baby Christians. Helps singles feel like they belong in the church and are valuable members of the body of Christ. Someone who recognizes that some struggle with being single and they and their spouse help singles pray for their future spouse if they desire to be married- they don't make singles feel like they are "wrong" for desiring marriage or they are a freak. Treats all in their ministry with respect, love, and compassion.

I have a church like that and
A class that loves the Lord
Treats others the way that
They like to be treated.
Only we focus on the Lord
Not spouses as that should be
The main focus is the Lord.
You nailed it right on my friend.

 

[CoachR64]

I agree with JD. The leader should constantly be working with other singles that can take over the group, or even fill in on a temporary basis should the need arise.

The last singles group I was a part of, the leader often had to back out of group activities and outings because he was married with a young child. He really only led the group during bible study, but was absent on a lot of group outings.

I loved the guy to death. He was a great man. But he did not understand all of the struggles that come with being single and was struggling with a lot of things being a young married man with child that none of us truly could related to either.

Coach