Thread: If yiou were to join a 30+ Singles Group at chruch what would it look like?
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If yiou were to join a 30+ Singles Group at chruch what would it look like?
Posted : 24 Nov, 2011 07:35 PM
Are there singles events at your church? Do they interest you? Does it include men of your age? Women of your age?
So myself and a few girlfriends would like to pray over a singles ministry which is much needed in our area. We have an idea of what would make women comfortable in such events but what is on the guys mind?
Are you comfortable with inter denominational?
What days of the week works best?
What venue would you like to see?
Should there always be social time (like hospitality)?
What forum would attract you? (bulletin ads, Facebook)?
Help me create a terrific ministry~ Help me brainstorm. Any input would mean so much to me. Thank you ladies for your time and thought.
If yiou were to join a 30+ Singles Group at chruch what would it look like?
Posted : 24 Nov, 2011 08:59 PM
Q: Are there singles events at your church? Do they interest you? Does it include men of your age? Women of your age?
A: Yes, yes, yes, and yes.
Q: Are you comfortable with inter denominational?
A: Yes, but there should probably be a statement of faith, or something like that so that people know what sort of teaching to expect. I was part of a Bible study group (it wasn't specifically a singles group, but the majority of the members were single) for a while that was "reformed", and we had Baptist, Presbyterian, and non-denominational people in it. Now, I go to a singles group at my church, and we have Baptist (it's a Southern Baptist church), Methodist, Presbyterian, and non-denominational members...but because the church it is associated with is SB, I know what to expect from the teaching.
Q: What days of the week works best?
A: For me, it's usually either Saturday or Sunday nights. Sunday nights work best if there is no church service, though! Weeknights might work for some people, but it wouldn't be ideal for me.
Q: What venue would you like to see?
A: A church is the "safest" location, I suppose, but I've always enjoyed this sort of thing the most when it is at someone's house. The reformed group I was in rotated between three different people's houses (and we only met twice a month, on Saturday evenings). The group I'm in now meets on Sunday evenings, and we each take turns hosting the group at our homes. For a while, an older couple sort of led the group, and they always just had the group over to their house...but they are getting older now, and can't host us every week.
Q: Should there always be social time (like hospitality)?
A: The reformed group I went to had light snacks provided by a couple girls. Those girls just took it upon themselves to bring food for everyone, and occasionally they would ask for assistance. It was usually something really easy, like a package of cookies, chips 'n dip, and crackers with cheese. The group I'm in now has a full meal every time we meet. We pick a "theme" such as "Italian Night" or "Sandwich and Salads" and sign up to bring different things. It gets burdensome after a while, but I don't mind too much.
Q: What forum would attract you? (bulletin ads, Facebook)?
A: I would be most likely to attend a group if I received a personal invitation from a friend. I would also go if it were associated with a church that I was familiar with. In other words, "word of mouth" and "church bulletin" would be the best way to attract me!
The two different groups that I've been in have had very different ways of communicating with the members. The reformed group had a Facebook group that anyone could join. They created events for each gathering, with info on location, topic, time, date, etc. It worked pretty well.
The group I'm in now at my church has a Google Group that they add people to. It's basically just a list-serve to get info out and share prayer requests, but we also use it to announce the latest Sunday night meeting location. For food sign-ups, we have a Google Doc that everyone in the group can see and use. That way we can see who is bringing what (we don't want to end up with only soft drinks and no food!)
One last note...a good group has a good leader. The reformed group that I was in had three strong leaders who made all the decisions, did the teaching, and kept everyone updated. The current church group I'm in does not have a specific leader, and that causes a lot of confusion at times...who's teaching? who's hosting? are we even meeting this week? Like I said earlier, an older couple use to coordinate this group, but they had to step down because they are getting older and starting to have some health issues. They still keep in touch, but the group hasn't been as good since they turned it over to us younger folks.
If yiou were to join a 30+ Singles Group at chruch what would it look like?
Posted : 24 Nov, 2011 09:10 PM
Thank you so very much for taking the time to share your input. I promise to keep the forum updated on my progress. The Lord has tugged on my heart and I feel that I must see where he is leading me. The doors will open if this will be for His glory and honor. God Bless You. :purpleangel:
