Single Parent Ministry Ideas

Here are ideas to get you started reaching out to single parents:

• Ask single parents what their needs are (time away from the kids, finances) and help meet those needs.
• Form a committee with key single parents. Empower single parents to make the ministry what they need it to be-let them "own" the ministry.
• Pray for single parents -- ask God to give them strength and encouragement.
• Encourage families and couples to welcome single parents into their homes.
• Start a support group.
• Don't overburden singles. They often get too involved without getting their needs met.
• Have a parents night out. (Singles, like married people, need time for themselves.)
• Offer an active singles life separate from the Sunday school class. And when planning social events, don't place the emphasis on couples.
• Provide baby-sitting because finances are tough for most single parents.
• Set up a fund where single parents (and other church members) can get a loan. Help with financial hardships.
• Consider organizing an old-fashioned co-op where single parents (and other church members) can exchange services without money. People with expertise in sewing, bookkeeping, mechanical work, and so on can participate.

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