“Am I Ready to Lead Single & Parenting?”

Not sure if you're ready to lead? This video helps you decide.

Some of the best Single & Parenting leaders will be single parents themselves. It’s a way to share the help and comfort you’ve received from God with others who are facing struggles like those you’ve dealt with (see 2 Corinthians 1:3–4). But passion for single-parent ministry isn’t the only sign that you’re ready to lead.

Here are some of the best indicators that you are ready to lead a Single & Parenting group:

• You have a desire to help single parents by connecting them with the resources God offers.
• You regularly attend church and participate in church ministries.
• You exhibit spiritual growth that comes from regular Bible study and prayer.
• If you have been widowed, you should be at least two to three years beyond the date of your loved one’s death. You’ve healed from your grief, and have little need to talk about the events surrounding the death and your personal grief process. You’ve forgiven anyone who hurt you in your grief process, and you’ve asked for forgiveness for any hurt you’ve caused others.
• If you are divorced, you should be a minimum of two to three years beyond the date your divorce became final. You’ve healed from the divorce, and have little need to talk about the events surrounding the divorce. You’ve forgiven your ex-spouse for anything he or she did to hurt you, and you’ve asked for forgiveness for any hurt you’ve caused others through the process of your divorce.

Don’t decide alone

Involve others in your decision process. Ask a leader in your church if he or she thinks you demonstrate the above characteristics. Ultimately, it’s up to your church leadership to make that determination.

What if you’re not ready?

Don’t worry. It’s still possible for you to have a Single & Parenting ministry at your church. Here are two suggestions:

1. Ask someone else to start the ministry. There are likely other people in your church who’d love to lead a Single & Parenting ministry. You can serve as a participant, and possibly help with more behind-the-scenes responsibilities, until you’re ready to lead.
2. Wait until you’re ready. Now this may be hard, especially when you think about those who’d benefit from Single & Parenting. But if you lead when you’re not ready, you’ll do more harm than good. So, wait. In the meantime, try to find a Single & Parenting group you can attend. If you can’t, give us a call at 800-395-5755. We’ll give you other ideas.

What if you’re ready?

If you’re ready to start Single & Parenting at your church, visit our order page.