Adult Christian Singles - Introduction

INTRODUCTION
Like never before, American churches must face the issue of how to reach and serve single adults. Each congregation must ask itself if it believes singles1 are worth the cost (in time, effort and dollars) of inviting, pursuing and embracing them fully into the body of Christ.
Single adults make up one of the fastest growing populations in the United States, accounting for 45.6% of heads of households (2000 U.S. Census).

Reaching single adults becomes more complicated when the population is broken down; of all single heads of households in the U.S., 59.3% have never been married, 21.2% are divorced, 14.3% are widowed and 5.2% are separated (2000 Census). The Census Bureau’s 2002 American Community Survey indicates that in just two years the number of households headed by single adults had risen to 49.4% (Johnson).

As local congregations respond to this rapidly growing population, single adults respond in kind. When a church ministers to singles in a meaningful and effective way, singles reward the effort (in both attendance and spiritual growth.) When singles perceive indifference, neglect or abuse they leave; and ever growing numbers of singles are quietly leaving their local congregations2 (Duin). As church attendance decreases, the number of singles in the United States is increasing rapidly (Barna Research Group).

The “1992 Synodicial Committee to Study Single Adults” by the Christian Reformed Church (the most recent CRC resource that is available) says:

“Someone may ask why we chose to speak of the church’s ministry to adult singles rather than to adults under age 30, both married and single. The reason is simple. In the great majority of churches, one’s married state, rather than one’s age appears to determine acceptance into the community. Young couples are readily accepted; singles tend to remain on the fringes of the church’s life. Accordingly, it appears to be to adult singles that a special ministry of the church is needed.” (Kamstra, 8:1)

Go on to "HOW THE CHURCH SEES SINGLE ADULTS"