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Resource Materials | Singles Coordinator Duties | Singles Events
Singles Adult Ministries
Adventist Single Adult Ministries (ASAM) formed:
In October 2003, the newly formed North American Division Single Adult Ministries Committee met for the first time. ASAM is organized as a function of the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church under Family Ministries. It was voted to hold an annual ASAM leadership training conference following the annual nondenominational Single Adult Ministries (SAM) Convention. This year’s conference featured ASAM leaders from across North America and keynote speakers José Rojas and Willie Oliver from the North American Division. The SAM Convention is the largest convention held in North America for SAM leaders. Both pastors and lay leaders are encouraged to attend SAM and ASAM to learn how to minister to the FASTEST growing population in the church today. The NAD Single Adult Ministries Committee was officially voted by the North American Division Committee on Administration on December 3, 2003 as a standing committee of the North American Division, thus acknowledging the official existence of ASAM. A dedicated ASAM website is in the works and will be unveiled soon.
Duties Of The Single Adult Ministries Coordinator
Since the time when Adam realized he was without a mate, thereby experiencing loneliness, many persons have found themselves in a similar state. A careful examination of Scripture reveals a deep concern for the "widows and fatherless," individuals who, in their singleness, might be struggling. Not all singles in our society today are struggling-any more than married people struggle-but all these people have special family needs.
Paul visualized the church as an oasis where all gifts were valuable, a home where all could find fellowship and support. All who belong to Christ, are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:29) The fellowship of believers in Christ transcends sexual, racial, economic, marital, or social distinctions.
The duties of a person when he or she becomes a coordinator of singles ministries in the church will include the following duties.
1. Form a Committee. Find responsible people who will help plan and develop activities and programs. Keep in mind when choosing committee members that the adult singles need to "own" their ministry in order for it to be relevant to their needs. Other important aspects of your ministry will be to brainstorm, develop friendship in the committees, and delegate responsibilities in a way that involves as many individuals as possible in the program.
2. Bible Study. A ministry to single adults must include Bible teaching which may take place in a large or small group situation, or maybe both. Small group Bible studies can meet during Sabbath School and be recognized as a Sabbath School class, or meet as a Home Bible Fellowship, or a midweek meeting at the church. Large group activities might take the form of a monthly Singles Fellowship where Bible study would not be the only item on the agenda.
3. Involve Singles in the Worship Service. Look for ways to help the singles in the church to become part of the worship services and contribute to a spirit of commitment among the members of the church.
4. Plan Entry Events. You will need to help the church plan entry events and build pathways that will attract new members, specifically single members, and nurture their growing faith. A divorce recovery seminar, a single parent workshop, and other seminar packages are available (see resources).
5. Attitudes. Help the congregation and its leaders develop a non-judgmental, open and accepting attitude. Focus on how to minister to singles in the situations in which they are found. The question is "What can be done now?" Rather than, "What happened?" or "Why did you do what you did to get yourself into this?"
Resource Materials
A free Family Ministries Resources Catalog is available from Advent Source, 1-800-328-0525. Resources include a divorce recovery seminar, and single parent workshop.
Strategic Adult Ministries Resources
Several Excellent Books by David C. Cook Publishing
Growing Your Single Adult Ministry, compiled by Jerry Jones, editor of Single Adult Ministries Journal (1993, David C. Cook Publishing Co.)
Starting A Single Adult Ministry, Sue Nilson & Andy Morgan (1994, David C. Cook Publishing Co.)
The Idea Catalog for Single Adult Ministry, compiled by Jerry Jones (1993, David C. Cook Publishing Co.)
Creative Weekends; 23˝ Ready-to-Use Events for Single Adult Ministry, compiled by Paul Petersen (1995, David C. Cook Publishing Co.)
Developing a Divorce Recovery Ministry, Bill Flanagan (1996, David C. Cook Publishing Co.)
Giving the Ministry Away; Empowering Single Adults for Effective Leadership, T. Hershey, K. Butler & R. Hurst (1993, David C. Cook Publishing Co.)
Building Your Leadership Team; 200 Practical Ideas for Single Adult Ministry, E. Weising & W. Fassett (1995, David C. Cook Publishing Co.)
Information about additional resources and answers to your questions can be obtained through the denomination's "help desk" by calling (800) SDA-PLUS. A number of helpful fact sheets can also be obtained on the Adventist Forum on CompuServe or through the Fax Plus automated fax-back system. Dial (800) 474-4SDA.
Single Adult Ministries Calendar of Events
If your conference has an upcoming event that you would like to publicize here, contact us with the date, location, description of the activities and contact information and we will include it here in the Singles Adult Ministries calendar of events.
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