Singles Ministries Outside USA
Note: This is not a complete list, as there is currently no global database. For the UK, use the Single Friendly Church Network Resource.
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Europe: Austria
• Herzens-An-Gelegenheit (Matters of the Heart) Description: This is a country-wide singles ministry resource, events, and training ministry. Contact: Verena Schnitzhofer, Director Website: https://www.herzens-an-gelegenheit.at Email: [email protected] • Life Church Österreich Description: Young adult events, community groups, camps, and social events. • Vienna Christian Center Description: Multilingual fellowships, small groups, and young adult gatherings • Christian International Church, Vienna Description: Young adults, relationship-focused groups, and general community life ministries United Kingdom: • HTB Church (Holy Trinity Brompton), London Description: Alpha (popular with singles), young professionals, divorce recovery (via courses), small groups. Known for: One of the most influential young adult ministry hubs globally • Hillsong Church London Description: Young adults, single adults, connect groups, relationship course • Citygates Church, London Description: Singles Bible studies and social activities • Cherish Singles Ministry, Cardiff, Wales Description: Nationwide ministry focused on helping churches start and grow singles ministries. • Lighthouse Church, Manchester Description: Ministry to young adults and singles. • New Testament Church of God National Ministry -YouTube -Faith for a Mate Series To view a bigger list of churches in the UK, click here. Germany. • SOLOUNDCO Description: Christian singles network in Germany. Offers events, prayer, listening support, small-group resources, regional networking, “Dinner for One&Co,” and church resources for singles. Includes singles, divorced, widowed, and alone-living adults. • Opportunity Description: Opportunity is a Christian ministry that creates meaningful opportunities for single adults to connect through day events, fellowship, worship, discussions, and personal growth in a Christ-centered environment. • ICF: Berlin Description: Young Adults community, ages 18-24, groups/events, spiritual growth, friendships. • ICF: Munich Description: Small groups and age/interest groups for women, men, couples, families, sports, etc.; young adult groups appear in their group finder. • ICF: Frankfurt Description: English-speaking evangelical church for internationals; offers small groups, women’s, men’s, youth, and youth/young adult socials. • Community Church, Berlin Description: English-speaking Christian church in Berlin; offers small groups and a young adults group. Australia & Oceania
Nigeria
• Christ Haber Ministries, Lira, Uganda: Single parent, divorce recovery, counseling South Africa
Singapore
Philippines
Latin America: Brazil
Colombia
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Reaching Singles in Austria
Reaching Singles in GermanySingles Retreat, Germany: Sept 17-20, 2026
UK: Single Friendly Church Resource
Do you know of a Christian singles ministry/group outside the USA?We'd love to help others connect! If you know of a church, ministry, Facebook group, or other social media community that welcomes single adults from outside its local area and/or offers online opportunities such as Zoom Bible studies, prayer meetings, game nights, fellowship, or other virtual events, please share it in the comments below.
Please include:
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Opportunity: Connecting Christian Singles Across Germany
By Daniela Ehrig
Where Can Christian Singles Meet in Germany?
For many Christian singles in Germany, finding opportunities to meet other believers can be challenging. One ministry has been helping bridge that gap for nearly two decades.
Opportunity is a volunteer-led ministry that hosts Christian Singles Days, weekend events, and online gatherings, and provides a wide variety of resources and links for Christian singles on its website.
The ministry's vision is simple: create welcoming environments where Christian singles can build friendships, strengthen their faith, and, for some, discover a future spouse.
What Is an Opportunity Singles Day?
The ministry's signature event is the Opportunity Singles Day, a one-day gathering designed to help Christian singles connect in meaningful ways.
The day begins with a relaxed brunch, followed by a keynote message and a variety of small-group activities. Participants may enjoy speed dating, discussion groups, quiz games, and other interactive experiences designed to encourage conversation. Throughout the day, there are plenty of breaks for informal fellowship.
After a time of worship and dinner together, the event concludes with a warm, relaxed atmosphere.
The greatest value of the day is not simply meeting potential spouses, but spending quality time with other Christian singles while building authentic relationships.
Participants connect on many different levels:
The events are open to Christian men and women, generally ages 30 to 55. Most gatherings include approximately 25 men and 25 women and are hosted by local churches throughout Germany.
Since the first Singles Day in 2006, more than 25 events have been held.
Special Events and New Opportunities
Opportunity has continued to expand beyond its original one-day format.
In 2019, participants themselves initiated and organized a weekend retreat in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, demonstrating the growing sense of community that has developed through the ministry.
To celebrate its 25th event, participants enjoyed a special boat cruise on beautiful Lake Constance.
During the COVID lockdowns, the ministry hosted online gatherings featuring discussions on single life and creative Bible art journaling.
As an alternative to the day-long events of each Singles Day, we offered an afternoon session called "Use Your Opportunity." Following coffee, participants rotate through small-group activities designed to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to meet and talk with one another.
The evening often continues informally as participants organize their own dinners or outings at nearby restaurants.
What Participants Are Saying
Over the years, participants have shared countless encouraging comments about their experiences:
One volunteer summed it up this way:
Real Stories of Couples Who Met
One of the questions Christian singles ask most often is, "How do Christian couples actually meet?"
Through Opportunity and other Christian ministries, Daniela Ehrig has met many couples with remarkable stories.
In 2017, these testimonies were published in the book ME and YOU – a WE (mediaKern). The book contains 25 real-life stories from Christian singles and married couples who share both the challenges of waiting and the joy of discovering God's timing in relationships.
Building a National Network for Christian Singles
Opportunity has also played an important role in connecting ministries and churches that care about Christian singles.
Some highlights include:
The Opportunity website contains a growing collection of resources for Christian singles, including ministry links, recommended organizations, and practical tools.
During the COVID pandemic, Daniela also developed a course called Opportunity for Changes, available as a free PDF download. Designed for both individuals and small groups, the course encourages thoughtful self-reflection and asks an important question: How can we live our lives more intentionally and mindfully? Although created during the lockdowns, the material remains valuable for anyone seeking personal and spiritual growth, regardless of marital status.
How It All Began
The original vision began in 2006 when Renate Feigenspan (née Schröder) organized the first Christian singles gathering in Regensburg under the theme "It Is Possible."
Her hope was simple:
"May gatherings like these become increasingly common, creating natural places where Christian singles can meet one another without pressure or unrealistic expectations. Whether through singles parties, fellowship events, or other creative gatherings, the more opportunities people have to meet naturally, the healthier and more relaxed those relationships become."
Inspired by that vision, Daniela Ehrig has continued developing the ministry as a volunteer since 2006 under the name Opportunity.
Today, the ministry continues to encourage Christian singles throughout Germany by creating spaces where faith, friendship, and genuine relationships can flourish.
For more information:
Website: http://opportunity-singletag.de/
E-Mail: [email protected]
Instagram: @opportunity_singletag
For many Christian singles in Germany, finding opportunities to meet other believers can be challenging. One ministry has been helping bridge that gap for nearly two decades.
Opportunity is a volunteer-led ministry that hosts Christian Singles Days, weekend events, and online gatherings, and provides a wide variety of resources and links for Christian singles on its website.
The ministry's vision is simple: create welcoming environments where Christian singles can build friendships, strengthen their faith, and, for some, discover a future spouse.
What Is an Opportunity Singles Day?
The ministry's signature event is the Opportunity Singles Day, a one-day gathering designed to help Christian singles connect in meaningful ways.
The day begins with a relaxed brunch, followed by a keynote message and a variety of small-group activities. Participants may enjoy speed dating, discussion groups, quiz games, and other interactive experiences designed to encourage conversation. Throughout the day, there are plenty of breaks for informal fellowship.
After a time of worship and dinner together, the event concludes with a warm, relaxed atmosphere.
The greatest value of the day is not simply meeting potential spouses, but spending quality time with other Christian singles while building authentic relationships.
Participants connect on many different levels:
- Over meals during brunch, coffee breaks, and dinner
- Through meaningful conversations
- During interactive group activities
- Through worship and music
- By growing spiritually together and encountering God
The events are open to Christian men and women, generally ages 30 to 55. Most gatherings include approximately 25 men and 25 women and are hosted by local churches throughout Germany.
Since the first Singles Day in 2006, more than 25 events have been held.
Special Events and New Opportunities
Opportunity has continued to expand beyond its original one-day format.
In 2019, participants themselves initiated and organized a weekend retreat in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, demonstrating the growing sense of community that has developed through the ministry.
To celebrate its 25th event, participants enjoyed a special boat cruise on beautiful Lake Constance.
During the COVID lockdowns, the ministry hosted online gatherings featuring discussions on single life and creative Bible art journaling.
As an alternative to the day-long events of each Singles Day, we offered an afternoon session called "Use Your Opportunity." Following coffee, participants rotate through small-group activities designed to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to meet and talk with one another.
The evening often continues informally as participants organize their own dinners or outings at nearby restaurants.
What Participants Are Saying
Over the years, participants have shared countless encouraging comments about their experiences:
- "Thank you so much for the wonderful encounters with great people!"
- "I've attended before and absolutely loved it!"
- "Thank you for organizing such a well-planned day."
- "Everything was organized beautifully, and I had so much fun."
- "Please continue these events. Even if you don't meet the perfect partner, you always leave with meaningful conversations and wonderful new friendships."
- "We learned from one another in such a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere."
- "Everything was prepared so well that it made approaching people much easier."
- "Excellent organization! I received all the information I needed beforehand, and the day flowed perfectly."
- "I was thrilled with Opportunity Day yesterday. You did an amazing job. I'm already looking forward to the next one!"
One volunteer summed it up this way:
- "If I weren't married, I'd come to these events myself!"
Real Stories of Couples Who Met
One of the questions Christian singles ask most often is, "How do Christian couples actually meet?"
Through Opportunity and other Christian ministries, Daniela Ehrig has met many couples with remarkable stories.
In 2017, these testimonies were published in the book ME and YOU – a WE (mediaKern). The book contains 25 real-life stories from Christian singles and married couples who share both the challenges of waiting and the joy of discovering God's timing in relationships.
Building a National Network for Christian Singles
Opportunity has also played an important role in connecting ministries and churches that care about Christian singles.
Some highlights include:
- 2012: Participated in ERF Christian Radio's first networking conference, Perspectives and Priorities of Christian Ministry for Singles in Germany. Daniela later hosted the final episode of ERF's Forum Single radio program in 2015.
- 2014: Led a speed-dating workshop at the Liebenzeller Singles Congress.
- 2016: Helped lead the Forum Single special interest group during the annual SPRING Conference, attended by approximately 3,000 Christians. Opportunity's speed-dating workshop was also featured in ideaSpektrum, Germany's leading Christian weekly magazine.
- 2017: Participated in research discussions with the Empirica Institute for Youth Culture and Religion at CVJM University in Kassel, contributing to research on Christian singles.
- 2018: Joined other ministries in presenting the "Christian Singles Initiatives" exhibit at the MEHR Conference hosted by the Augsburg House of Prayer.
- 2020: The study Christian Singles: How They Live, Believe, and Love was published by SCM.
- 2022: The practical ministry guide Date Your Singles! How Churches and Singles Finally Find Each Other was released by SCM.
- 2026: Participated in an international networking gathering in Salzburg, Austria, bringing together leaders from Christian singles ministries across several countries, including participants from the Herzensangelegenheiten initiative.
The Opportunity website contains a growing collection of resources for Christian singles, including ministry links, recommended organizations, and practical tools.
During the COVID pandemic, Daniela also developed a course called Opportunity for Changes, available as a free PDF download. Designed for both individuals and small groups, the course encourages thoughtful self-reflection and asks an important question: How can we live our lives more intentionally and mindfully? Although created during the lockdowns, the material remains valuable for anyone seeking personal and spiritual growth, regardless of marital status.
How It All Began
The original vision began in 2006 when Renate Feigenspan (née Schröder) organized the first Christian singles gathering in Regensburg under the theme "It Is Possible."
Her hope was simple:
"May gatherings like these become increasingly common, creating natural places where Christian singles can meet one another without pressure or unrealistic expectations. Whether through singles parties, fellowship events, or other creative gatherings, the more opportunities people have to meet naturally, the healthier and more relaxed those relationships become."
Inspired by that vision, Daniela Ehrig has continued developing the ministry as a volunteer since 2006 under the name Opportunity.
Today, the ministry continues to encourage Christian singles throughout Germany by creating spaces where faith, friendship, and genuine relationships can flourish.
For more information:
Website: http://opportunity-singletag.de/
E-Mail: [email protected]
Instagram: @opportunity_singletag
Seen, Not Forgotten: A Christian Perspective on Singleness
by Verena Schnitzhofer, Director, Matter's of the Heart, Austria
A Topic Rarely Addressed
Who has ever heard a sermon specifically about singleness?
It’s a surprisingly simple question—but one that reveals something deeper. In many churches, topics like marriage and family are discussed frequently. There are children’s programs, marriage seminars, and family retreats. But how often are singles explicitly invited, addressed, or even considered?
Rarely.
And yet, statistically speaking, about one-third of people in many communities are single (this stat is for Austria, in the UK 27%, and the USA 54%). That’s not a small minority—it’s a significant part of the church that cannot simply be overlooked. The real question is not whether singles exist in the church, but how they are integrated into the life of the community.
The Reality of Being Single
Singleness today is complex and often misunderstood. Some people are single by choice, embracing independence and freedom. Others long deeply for a relationship and experience their situation as painful or frustrating.
The reality lies somewhere in between—between joy and longing, freedom and aloneness.
Practically speaking, single life can be challenging:
“You’ll meet someone when you least expect it.”
“You’re such a great person—someone will come along.”
These statements, though kind in intention, can reinforce the feeling that something is missing—or even wrong.
Are Singles Truly Alone?
One common assumption is that being single means being without a relationship. But that’s not entirely true.
Friendship, community, and spiritual connection are deeply meaningful forms of relationship. In fact, the value of friendship is often underestimated, even though it plays a vital role in emotional and spiritual well-being.
Singleness does not mean relational emptiness—it simply means a different kind of relational life.
A Biblical Perspective: Old Testament Foundations
Looking at the Bible, the topic of relationships begins early.
In the creation story, humanity is commanded to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). Shortly after, God declares, “It is not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). This leads to the creation of woman and the establishment of marriage as a foundational institution.
From this, many conclude that completeness is found in partnership—that a person is only “whole” when united with another.
But is that really the full picture?
Marriage is indeed presented as a good gift. Yet it is described as something given for the benefit of humanity, not as a requirement for human completeness or worth.
This raises an important question:
Are unmarried people missing part of God’s purpose for their lives?
A New Perspective in the New Testament
With the arrival of Jesus, something shifts.
Jesus Himself lived as a single man. In a culture where marriage was expected—especially for religious teachers—this was unusual. Yet His life demonstrates that singleness is not a limitation, but a fully valid way of living.
More than that, Jesus introduces a new understanding of “family.”
Through Him, people become children of God—not by physical lineage but by spiritual rebirth (John 1:12–13). The mission is no longer primarily biological multiplication, but spiritual multiplication: making disciples and building a spiritual family.
The Apostle Paul reinforces this idea, pointing to Christ as the true “offspring” through whom God’s promises are fulfilled (Galatians 3:16).
This means that identity, belonging, and purpose are no longer tied to marital status. Whether single or married, every believer is part of God’s family.
Jesus and Being Alone
It’s also important to remember: Jesus experienced being alone.
He was misunderstood, rejected, and even abandoned by those closest to Him. In His darkest moment, He cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
This means that being alone is not a sign of failure or lack of faith—it is a deeply human experience, one that even Christ Himself shared.
Cultural Responses to Being Alone
Modern society recognizes the growing problem of being alone. In countries like the UK, even a “Ministry of Loneliness” has been established to address the problem.
At the same time, the culture offers countless substitutes for connection:
Historically, relationships were often arranged within families, with a strong communal interest in their success. Today, individuals carry that responsibility alone—often leading to uncertainty and pressure.
Between Hope and Reality
For many singles, one pressing question remains:
“Is there even a potential partner for me within my community?”
The answer is not always clear. Statistics can feel discouraging—especially when the number of single women significantly exceeds that of single men in Christian contexts.
But the deeper issue is not numbers—it’s perspective.
Singleness should not be viewed as a problem to solve, but as a stage (or state) of life that holds its own value, challenges, and opportunities.
Conclusion: A Call to the Church
The church is called to be a family—not just for couples and children, but for everyone.
This means:
Single or married, every person is:
About Verena: She was single until she was 30, had a brief relationship that ended, and later met her husband, Fritz. Her story reflects both the pain and the growth that can come with waiting—and the reality that life does not follow a fixed timeline. Some people marry early. Others later. Some remain single. Each path is different, and none is inherently more valuable than another. Verena leads the largest singles ministry/resource in Austria. To learn more, email her at: [email protected] and/or go to her website: https://www.herzens-an-gelegenheit.at
Who has ever heard a sermon specifically about singleness?
It’s a surprisingly simple question—but one that reveals something deeper. In many churches, topics like marriage and family are discussed frequently. There are children’s programs, marriage seminars, and family retreats. But how often are singles explicitly invited, addressed, or even considered?
Rarely.
And yet, statistically speaking, about one-third of people in many communities are single (this stat is for Austria, in the UK 27%, and the USA 54%). That’s not a small minority—it’s a significant part of the church that cannot simply be overlooked. The real question is not whether singles exist in the church, but how they are integrated into the life of the community.
The Reality of Being Single
Singleness today is complex and often misunderstood. Some people are single by choice, embracing independence and freedom. Others long deeply for a relationship and experience their situation as painful or frustrating.
The reality lies somewhere in between—between joy and longing, freedom and aloneness.
Practically speaking, single life can be challenging:
- Managing all financial responsibilities alone
- Higher living costs (rent, travel, household expenses)
- Social situations that emphasize couples and families
- Emotional strain, especially when surrounded by weddings and relationships
- “Has God forgotten me?”
- “Why is there no one for me?”
- “How long do I have to wait?”
“You’ll meet someone when you least expect it.”
“You’re such a great person—someone will come along.”
These statements, though kind in intention, can reinforce the feeling that something is missing—or even wrong.
Are Singles Truly Alone?
One common assumption is that being single means being without a relationship. But that’s not entirely true.
Friendship, community, and spiritual connection are deeply meaningful forms of relationship. In fact, the value of friendship is often underestimated, even though it plays a vital role in emotional and spiritual well-being.
Singleness does not mean relational emptiness—it simply means a different kind of relational life.
A Biblical Perspective: Old Testament Foundations
Looking at the Bible, the topic of relationships begins early.
In the creation story, humanity is commanded to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). Shortly after, God declares, “It is not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). This leads to the creation of woman and the establishment of marriage as a foundational institution.
From this, many conclude that completeness is found in partnership—that a person is only “whole” when united with another.
But is that really the full picture?
Marriage is indeed presented as a good gift. Yet it is described as something given for the benefit of humanity, not as a requirement for human completeness or worth.
This raises an important question:
Are unmarried people missing part of God’s purpose for their lives?
A New Perspective in the New Testament
With the arrival of Jesus, something shifts.
Jesus Himself lived as a single man. In a culture where marriage was expected—especially for religious teachers—this was unusual. Yet His life demonstrates that singleness is not a limitation, but a fully valid way of living.
More than that, Jesus introduces a new understanding of “family.”
Through Him, people become children of God—not by physical lineage but by spiritual rebirth (John 1:12–13). The mission is no longer primarily biological multiplication, but spiritual multiplication: making disciples and building a spiritual family.
The Apostle Paul reinforces this idea, pointing to Christ as the true “offspring” through whom God’s promises are fulfilled (Galatians 3:16).
This means that identity, belonging, and purpose are no longer tied to marital status. Whether single or married, every believer is part of God’s family.
Jesus and Being Alone
It’s also important to remember: Jesus experienced being alone.
He was misunderstood, rejected, and even abandoned by those closest to Him. In His darkest moment, He cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
This means that being alone is not a sign of failure or lack of faith—it is a deeply human experience, one that even Christ Himself shared.
Cultural Responses to Being Alone
Modern society recognizes the growing problem of being alone. In countries like the UK, even a “Ministry of Loneliness” has been established to address the problem.
At the same time, the culture offers countless substitutes for connection:
- Dating apps and casual relationships
- Paid companionship or intimacy
- Self-optimization strategies for attraction
Historically, relationships were often arranged within families, with a strong communal interest in their success. Today, individuals carry that responsibility alone—often leading to uncertainty and pressure.
Between Hope and Reality
For many singles, one pressing question remains:
“Is there even a potential partner for me within my community?”
The answer is not always clear. Statistics can feel discouraging—especially when the number of single women significantly exceeds that of single men in Christian contexts.
But the deeper issue is not numbers—it’s perspective.
Singleness should not be viewed as a problem to solve, but as a stage (or state) of life that holds its own value, challenges, and opportunities.
Conclusion: A Call to the Church
The church is called to be a family—not just for couples and children, but for everyone.
This means:
- Recognizing singles as a vital part of the community
- Creating spaces where they are seen and included
- Avoiding assumptions or stigmatizing language
- Embracing diverse life paths as equally meaningful
Single or married, every person is:
- Known
- Called
- Loved
- And part of a greater family
About Verena: She was single until she was 30, had a brief relationship that ended, and later met her husband, Fritz. Her story reflects both the pain and the growth that can come with waiting—and the reality that life does not follow a fixed timeline. Some people marry early. Others later. Some remain single. Each path is different, and none is inherently more valuable than another. Verena leads the largest singles ministry/resource in Austria. To learn more, email her at: [email protected] and/or go to her website: https://www.herzens-an-gelegenheit.at
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