Reaching the Large Number of Singles in America

Approximately half of the adult population in the United States today is single. Yet, as we examine the attendance in churches we find that our churches are not reaching that half. How do you minister to singles today?

As I provide training for Singles Ministry, I’ve found that this ministry fits into several obvious demographic categories:

Young singles, just out of college, twenty-somethings:   They are much more secular than older age groups. They have issues they are dealing with as part of being a young adult today and being single that are complicated. Relationships are very important and precious to them and yet sometimes are difficult because of our skeptical society. We must find a way to help these young singles and help them know about Jesus Christ.

Single because of divorce:  The ministry to reach those who have gone through divorce needs to be done in a very caring, recovery type ministry. It can be one of the most productive ministries that a local church can do. Because there are so many people with this need, it can be a significant way that the Church not only ministers to people today but leads them to an active participation in God’s Church. I have found that one of the most productive ways in building new attendance in your local church is Divorce Ministry.

Older singles mostly due to death of a spouse:  Most of these older singles are financially stable with retirement funds and inheritance. However, some who have had some financial struggles in life find those difficulties magnified at their older age and they are stressed intensely.  Most churches have nothing directed toward this single age group such as a Widow and Widower Ministry, Older Divorce Ministry, etc. in which these people could be reached.

In each case, the Church across America is not doing a good job in ministering to and reaching any group of singles. With our attendance waning and our membership declining, Singles Ministry can be one of the most effective evangelism approaches a local church can have. The prospects are unlimited. We need only to be sensitive to their needs and we can reach them for Christ.

Because this is complicated at times, I’m regularly offering training in Singles Ministry. The next Creating and Effective Singles Ministry Training will be done February 21, 2015 in Tulsa Oklahoma at Oklahoma Wesleyan University. Visit online to register or for more information.