"It may be useful to remember that Christian faith is ultimately dependent upon what actually happened rather than upon the views of historians."
- I. Howard Marshall
Thursday, January 19, 2006
. . . but one not without its share of fear and trembling.
In a few weeks Jill and I are going to take over as the shepherding/teaching couple for the "GAP" class at our church. The GAP class is singles from the low twenties to mid thirties.
I have been praying about and looking for a new ministry opportunity ever since ending my time as a volunteer student minister in August. To be honest, I've been going stir-crazy. And it's been a long time since Jill and I have had an opportunity to be a ministry team, and that's something I'm very much looking forward to!
But we never would have chosen singles. Nor thought that we would be so stirred inside as we were after being presented with this opportunity. We are excited! One aspect that's interesting about all this is the conversation that occurred in this thread recently. It's almost as if I was being prepared, because there was so much insight given me regarding singles in that conversation.
We will be looking for a curriculum. We're not really looking for a "singles curriculum"; we really just want to teach the Bible and a good, solid curriculum for that would be very helpful. Any ideas? Other thoughts? Let me know. You can leave a comment or email me at bill AT billjill DOT org.
Our good friend Mrs. Beau has already graciously sent me a lot of material. Thanks Jen!
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Comments on "A New Ministry Opportunity":
3. Thor
- 01/19/2006 7:19 am CST
De,
Why not just teach verse-by-verse through books of the Bible, expositionally? I don't know about your situation, by where I am, the Bible usually plays second fiddle to the latest trends in topical book-based curriculums.
4. jen
- 01/19/2006 7:23 am CST
Ditto what Thor said. I'm not a huge fan of topical studies.
And you're very welcome. 
5. De
- 01/19/2006 7:25 am CST
Thor,
That's a possibility. I'm not sure about doing entire books, but my pref is expository. Of course, I am deferring to my leadership, as I believe they want some kind of curriculum. But our teaching pastor (who is the head of the adult discipleship) is very big on us teaching the Bible straight up.
Sometimes a good curriculum keeps me more honest, rather than just teaching the parts I like. But we haven't decided anything yet.
I'm with you vis-a-vis the second fiddle aspect of some studies, and plan on avoiding that.
6. De
- 01/19/2006 7:28 am CST
"is very big on us teaching the Bible straight up."
To clarify - I don't mean to imply he's against curriculum. I believe he'd like me to find one. But expository's his style.
7. Clay
- 01/19/2006 8:57 am CST
I hope it's OK to comment here as a Thinkling outsider. I've really enjoyed the recent series of posts. I just wanted to encourage you and your wife in your new ministry to single adults.
I was in single adult ministry for over 15 years: as a single (married at 31), as a lay leader, in a European missionary setting (really), and as pastoral staff. So many stay single much longer now, or become single again earlier, and the ranks of single adults are always swelling. And yet, churches still aren't quite sure what to do with them. As a result, they are often unintentionally marginalized as a group. All it takes to prevent that, though, is someone with a heart to minister to them.
You will get to help men and women find God's direction and will for their lives at a time when they are open and seeking, whether they are never-married, single again, single moms, or whatever. You will become a part of their major life decisions about jobs, ministry, marriage, and everything in between. It is a strategic ministry!
As far as teaching, what will really matter is that you are there with and for them, opening the Word together, and applying it to their lives. Sometimes that may be with a good Bible book study (the pastoral epistles are great); sometimes it may be a relevant topical study; sometimes it may be "where the Spirit leads" Bible-centered discussion. God's Word works however you deliver it to them.
I hope you will share your experiences in ministry to single adults along the way. I'm sure many of us would love to hear your thoughts and insights.
8. jb
- 01/19/2006 9:33 am CST
The new ANISTON-PITT-JOLIE single's manual for healthy living has just been published. I believe it's put out by Nelson/Erday and promises to earnestly exposit the secrets that lead to a fulfilled and joyful life as a soon-to-be-single.
I believe Chapter One is entitled; "GODLY HAIR"
I think Chapter Two is: "MAKE SILICON YOUR BEST FRIEND"
How can it miss?
9. De
- 01/19/2006 9:54 am CST
jb - heh
Clay - thanks. That's extremely encouraging, and we hope that we can indeed help the Word come alive and apply to all aspects of their, and our, lives.
And you aren't an outsider. Your comments are always welcome.
11. Glenn
- 01/20/2006 2:41 am CST
You could do a series of lessons on "God's Road Signs for the Single-Minded". :-)
Clay, good idea. Some road signs for single that come to mind for De to expound upon:
U Turn
Dead End
Caution: Children At Play
Lane Narrows
Winding Road (symbol)
Falling Rocks
Steep Decline
12. Clay
- 01/20/2006 9:04 am CST
I like it! How about:
STOP (sinning)
Yield (to the Holy Spirit)
Exit Now (when sexually tempted)
No U-Turn (on the path of life)
Road Narrows (when Jesus takes the wheel)
Dead End (if you don't know Jesus)
No Passing (of biblical responsibility)
Keep Right (and obey the Lord's commands)
Slow Down (and know that He is God)
Slippery When Wet (Satan, when splashed with the Word)
Sounds like a great series of lessons with built-in visual aids. I know, I know, it's not really expository material, but it sure would be fun. Might make a good book, too.
13. Ellen
- 01/20/2006 11:22 am CST
Depending on the group you get (it seems that you're going to be working mostly with "younger" folks) you might be seeing some "battle wounds" inflicted by churches. This thread (it just happened about a week ago) shows some of the attitudes in churches.
There are a lot of good topical studies right out of the Bible. A word study in the Bible about service, ministry, hope, the purpose of pain - all of these can come straight from the Bible.
One of the best challenges I had was the challenge to do a word study and find out how God feels about widows.
;-)
14. De
- 01/21/2006 3:15 am CST
Wow, Clay and Glenn! I guess I should expect your "Signposts To Singleness" in Lifeway soon? :-)
Heh, and of course, following your study, I'd be teaching on sex by the third lesson. Greeeeeaaaaaaatttt :-)
J/k - that was very imaginative!
Ellen - I read the thread. Jill and I hope to be advocates for our class. What was hilarious, when we first were talking to our teaching pastor about this, is that the Singles class just got "moved". They were moved out of their classroom and into the library to make room for FatherWise/MotherWise classes.
I was thinking "Ok, Ellen. Would. Freak!." But it's not as it appears, really. I talked to their current teacher and evidently they want the library, as they were constantly being interrupted in their previous space by people in the next hour's class (seniors) coming in early, re-arranging the room, etc, while they were still having their class.
We'll try to make things better.
15. Ellen
- 01/21/2006 4:03 am CST
I was thinking "Ok, Ellen. Would. Freak!." But it's not as it appears, really. I talked to their current teacher and evidently they want the library,
OHHHH!!!!!
(lol)
The library is a good place. We met there for a couple of weeks and we saw it as a resource.
All churches have groups meet where they fit...it's the attitude, not the place (it's not the broom closet, right?)
16. strategic and tactical planning
- 02/11/2006 9:23 am CST
I was searching the web and found your entry. I really like your site and found it worth while reading through the posts. I am looking to publish a comprehensive site reviewing many different articles and blogg. Please feel free to take a look at my blog at strategic and tactical planning and add anything your want.
VERY cool, Bill. Praise the Lord!
(Does the email address work? I've never received a reply from that address at all.)