Singleness in Christ Part 3

Why is it that there is the expectation that every single person wants to be married?

Whilst we know marriage is in God’s heart, many unmarried do want to be married but there are also those, especially having gone through relationship hurt or widowhood, that do not want to be. They just want to spend the rest of their days serving the LORD. The bible teaches us that true fulfilment in life comes not through marriage, but from knowing and doing God's will.

Spiritual Gifts

The bible tells us that everyone has been given spiritual gifts (Eph 4:7). How can the church nurture spiritual gifts of unmarried matured adult and help them to fulfil their redemptive purpose? Do the church structure celebrate both the married and unmarried? Are the latter also included in leadership positions in the church or treated as if there is a spiritual defect in them because of their marital status. Sometimes, I feel we forget the greatest single adult that ever lived was Jesus and likewise Apostle Paul.

Vulnerability

Unmarried adult that have experienced relationships in the past are more vulnerable to the lust of the flesh and are thus opened to back-sliding. A support network of people going through same or have battled successfully would provide much needed mentoring for their specific circumstance.

Loneliness

Many unmarried matured singles are lonely. Many without children look to the Church and activities to fill their time. They are usually the first in Church, last to leave, available for all activities needed. The proportion of the workforce in many Churches is proportionately skewed to unmarried people. It is one thing to have an available workforce but not acknowledging that they might have needs like you would address young singles, married couples is a de-service to them

Conclusion

The church needs to complement its spiritual activities by providing forum and structure for unmarried matured adult in its congregation; to provide an environment to share their challenges, learn from each other’s experiences and testimonies, and pray together. The intention is not to segment or put a label, rather to ensure the need of unmarried matured adults are included in church activities and programmes, and provide a foundation for spiritual maturity and service.

The benefits of having this forum for the targeted group are immeasurable. They include:

• Church is meeting the need of a part of its body and thus being relevant.
• Meeting a need through provision of a safe place to share with those who have gone or going through similar challenges; to help to unburden the heart and start the healing process.
• Increased soul winning: As people are transformed, they bring others who are going through the same challenges to church. It could be the link to a segment of un-reached souls in the community who are keeping out of church for fear of stigmatisation.
• Improved prayer life: People are motivated reason for attending prayer meeting because it is targeted at their direct need.

If you would like to know more about the Singleness in Christ fellowship, contact me through this blog comment box.