Singles Ministry
 

Hello,

I have been placed in charge of the Singles Ministry at our church. I never thought I would say this, but I am actually excited about doing it. I am in need of ideas and exciting things to do. I want this to be a place that MEN and WOMEN feel comfortable participating in. I don't want it to turn into a SINGLE WOMEN'S fellowship. I have seen it happen more times than I care to admit. What ideas do you have for us to start looking into?

Re: Singles Ministry
 

Any activities suggested would depend largely on the type of church you attend. Example: If someone suggested a sport event, would your church not allow it or are they open to that sort of thing?

Re: Singles Ministry
 

My church isn't burdened by a bunch of rules, do's and don'ts. I hardly think anything you suggest would be considered bad as long as it is not sinful.

Re: Singles Ministry
 

Bowling is a lot of fun and a great ice breaker. It gets people laughing and relaxes them, and the men usually like it because it's a little activity.

Also, I am in an Home Friendship/Fellowship group, and although it isn't a singles group, several of us are. I highly recommend something like that, a monthly gathering in alternate homes with either a potluck or light meal provided by the host home. Include a short Bible study with group interaction and time for sharing and prayer requests. It is a very bonding experiences and helps promote unity.

Game nights are a lot of fun, anything that requires group participation.

Re: Singles Ministry
 

Also depends on the age and situations of your singles. Are they single, never married, no kids? What age? Are they divorcees? With kids? Widowed? For people with kids, do some activities where kids can participate, because otherwise it's hard for some people to get to events. So sometimes go to a park or provide free sitting during the event.

Skating, minigolf, bumper boats, go-carts, hiking trips, skee shoot, paintball... trust me, with most singles things, if you can get the guys there, even if its a "guy" type event for the most part, the ladies will be there. :winkgrin But if you do a "girl" thing, the guys will find something more interesting to do. Try paintball combined with a restaurant... let anyone who doesn't want to do paintball to meet you at a specified time after you finish so that everyone can eat together. That way you can get a feel for what people want to do. Mix it up some, everyone can enjoy the boats or go-carts or a concert, movie, or dinner out. You could do a museum trip, camping, canoeing, horseback riding, hayride, corn maze... try checking www.roadsideamerica.com for some weird things to do locally. Depending on the group, they might also be interested in volunteering for Habitat for Humanity or some other group one day, or helping elderly people in the neighborhood...

Watch the prices, since most singles are a little short of money.

You might also find out if they would be interested in a one night class on balancing church and life, a career seminar, or money management.

The most important things probably involve your interaction with them, more than the activities you do. Respect them as individuals, blessed in a unique way. NOT un-blessed because they are single. Believe me, I will NOT be part of a group that says "oh, honey, don't worry about it. Someday you'll be blessed with a family too, if you just live for God. After all, God will supply all our needs." There is so much wrong with that statement, I won't start. One other thing I would NEVER recommend doing... please don't tell any of them that you just can't relate because you've always been married or got married so young. And try to stay out of the dating thing... singles already have the concept of singles meetings as a cover for matchmaking/dating figured out. Try to break out of that concept and just all have fun.

Re: Singles Ministry
 

Why not have an initial meeting in which you allow them to list or recomend things they'd like to do? Then mix it up with some of your ideas.

Re: Singles Ministry
 

One great suggestion (which usually doesn't go over that well when mentioned): Ballroom dancing! Trust me, men enjoy (often without admitting) it just as much as the women.

Re: Singles Ministry
 

Hmmm.... I'll have to see if there are classes in my area then! :winkgrin