{Editor’s Note: This is the second in a 4-part series designed to share where Christian singles are finding community in the church. Our hope is that it will encourage those who have yet to find their place to not give up.}
If you drop the term “singles group” in conversation, a lot of people—even the ones who are involved in them—will roll their eyes. Many don’t like being labeled by their lack of marriage; others complain that singles groups are less about growing in community and more about finding a date.
The reality is there are many people in smaller towns or churches who would love the opportunity to be a part of the community that exists in a thriving singles group like the ones mentioned last week.
And then there are those who, even if presented with the option of a solid singles ministry, would still choose a men’s or women’s group over a larger, co-ed one. The reasons are endless, but as you’ll see below, they can be equally as rewarding.
For me, being a part of a women’s small group has really been an avenue for me to connect on a deeper level with some very special ladies. There are weeks where we will dig into the word and other times where we just sit and talk about happenings of the week, as we munch on chips and salsa. This group formed because one of the women had shifted from working for a Christian organization and became a public high school teacher. She was missing the daily Christ-centered conversations and longed for that deep community. Now there are six of us that gather together.Our group is comprised of both single and married females, and I love this dynamic.
We’ve shared both triumphs and heartaches. We’ve rejoiced over the adoption of a child with one of the women and cried with another as she’s shared her struggles with infertility. And because a few of us are single, you better believe the topic of boys comes up every now and then! There’s just something about the bond that women have with each other. Even though all of us aren’t in the same exact phase of life, and we’re not all the same age, we can just relate. I love and appreciate these friendships and know that these amazing women truly care! {Stacy Colvin}
I sorta fell into my Monday night ladies bible study group because I was living in the host home. I attend a smaller church, as far as Bible Belt churches go, and a singles ministry does not exist. My group is made up of a core group of women of all ages—single, married, and divorced. I love that being with them also gives me an opportunity to encourage the younger girls who are walking paths that God has already brought me through. We don’t all go to the same church or even come from the same denomination, so I am able to get different perspectives based on both their different stages of life and their spiritual walks. We are all transparent and honest, we pray for each other during the week, and we look forward to meeting back each Monday to see how God answered our prayers. He always does. These women are prayer warriors and encouragers. They don’t focus on my singleness or try to fix said singleness by marrying me off to their son, nephew, or next-door neighbor.
We simply focus on the Word and growing “in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Anytime I have a need, whether it is prayer or otherwise, I know I can count on these ladies to lift me up or be Jesus with skin on. {The Other Stacy}
I’ve been a part of all sorts of Bible studies, life groups, and home groups. The brothers and sisters in Christ I’ve gotten to know through all of them have truly been a blessing. Sometimes, it’s critically important to have people from all walks of life and perspectives from both men and women. For the time being, however, I’m involved specifically in a small men’s group rather than a co-ed Bible study.Where I am in life, the accountability and honesty from a men’s group has been invaluable.
No masks, nothing to hide. And the smaller group allows for deeper study than sometimes is possible with more people in the room. I’m certain that there will be a time when I’m called back to a larger, more diverse study. But for now, the men’s group is exactly where I need to be. {John}
Are you involved in a men’s or women’s small group? Share what you love about it in the comments below!
*Photo credit: anil bhatt
