Building your Singles Ministry/Personal Growth by Other Authors

Where Do Singles Fit In the Church Family By Rick Huges

Stress Single Mom
Is there a black sheep in the church family? To many, the ideal family consists of a mom, dad and 2.5 children. However, today’s political and social movements have led to cultural shifts that challenge the traditional definition of family.

In their blog “The Church’s View of Singleness,” Keith Clement and Laura McGee note, “As evangelicals have become more politically involved, there has been the rallying cry for ‘family values.’” So how does the concept of family affect Sunday School and small group ministry?

One retired widow compares her small group to an “island of misfits,” because single women of diverse ages and contexts do not fit any traditional mold created by the church. We have groups for wives, mothers, husbands, children, married couples and families, but where do single people fit into our church family?

Singles ministries used to be for college students and young professionals — people under 25 who have never married. Now we have single people of all ages who have never been married, whose spouses have died or who are divorced. As we create groups to connect people in our church families, have we neglected some? Read More

I'm am Fine by Holly Crain

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On auto-pilot, we respond to the every-day question of 'how we are' in the same way... "I'm fine." Over and over throughout the day, we respond the same way even though we know that we have deep pain welling up inside. We wear the masks, we mutter the words and then feel the pain of depression, abandonment or rejection even deeper. The best of friends will ask about 10 sentences before the real question..."But, how are you?" That is usually when the real feelings come pouring out. We need someone to care enough to ask those questions.

Meet Hezekiah. This guy had gotten some really horrible news that he was going to die; he poured out his heart and even wept bitterly before the Lord in prayer (2 Kings 20:1-5). Then listen to the message of God sent Hezekiah, "I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you." Gut-wrenching honest moments before the Lord, even if that means weeping bitterly, are critical in our faith journey. It deepens our faith and brings healing. Our God has shown Himself faithful over ALL the generations. He will be faithful in ours.

If we have not met, I want you to know that I walked into this church 25 years ago with a 5 year old daughter and a 2 month old son in tow. This church embraced me but bigger than that the gospel and what God did in my life changed this ordinary girl forever! And I know He will do the same for you! He will! Enjoy church, the SPF ministry and this SPF newsletter. Allow yourself to get excited about what God has in store for you and your children.
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Holly Crain, Single Parent Family Ministry Associate
Single Parent Family Ministry, Houston’s First Baptist Church — The Loop
Holly.Crain@HoustonsFirst.org, O: 713.957.7674, C: 832-247-4787
HoustonsFirst.org ​

Leadership, General

Single Parenting

Personal Growth