Pastoral care: What do you say when...
From finding a partner and an affordable home to adopting a child and dealing with illness, single Christians often struggle to cope alone, which is where the advice and support of leaders and the pastoral team can prove invaluable. We don't expect you to be an expert, but the information below will enable you to respond with encouragement and understanding.
'I feel lonely'
Single Christians are generally happy but there are times when they report feeling lonely – some a lot of the time, others at certain points. How can we alleviate loneliness among the church congregation?
'I'll be alone this Christmas'
Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for singles. If they don’t have wider family to spend time with, or they’re unable to get ‘home’ for Christmas, they may face spending the day alone and isolated, during what should be a joyful time.
'I can't face Mothering Sunday'
Many single people (and those married without children) say they find Mothering Sunday services a painful experience. Many have yearned for children for years or decades, but have had to accept the painful truth that they’ll never have a family.
'I don't like attending church'
Many single Christians choose not to attend church. In our survey of 3,000 single Christians (the UK’s biggest ever survey of its kind), many respondents told us they no longer attended church. So we asked what would encourage them to do so.
'I want to visit another church'
Church leaders may be surprised to learn that it’s common for people to attend more than one church. Here's why it may be a good thing – for the individual and for your congregation.
'I want to find a partner'
Many single Christians hope to find love with someone who shares their faith. While church leaders can’t be expected to act as matchmakers, there are practical steps they can take to help singles to widen their Christian social circle.
'I want to adopt a child'
Imbalance in the numbers of men and women in churches means that Christian women struggle to find a partner who shares their faith. Many women long to have a family of their own and adoption or fostering can provide the answer. Active support of their church is invaluable.
'Where are all the men?'
It’s a common complaint, particularly from single Christian women. This three part series examines the facts and stats, reasons for non-attendance and what churches might explore in order to attract and keep men.
'I'm ill and on my own'
When facing serious illness, most people can rely on the support of partners and family, whereas singles often have no back-up. But there are ways the church can help.
'I need help as a single carer'
Being a carer can be an exhausting and lonely experience and more especially for single people. As a church leader there is much that you can do to support single carers in your congregation.
'I'm struggling with money'
Many single people have money worries and get caught in a cycle of financial difficulties. How can leaders support and encourage their church members?
'I can't afford a home'
Our surveys have shown that finding a suitable, affordable, place to live is a major issue for single people. Here we offer some tips to church leaders to help singles in their church to find a home.
'I'm thinking about online dating'
If a member of your congregation came to you for advice about joining a dating website, would you know what to say? In the 21st century, online dating has become one of the most common ways for people to meet a potential partner or spouse.