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Singles at HCC: Vital Members of God’s Family

Updated: Jan 25


At Heritage Covenant Church (HCC), we affirm that God, in His wisdom and grace, places the solitary into families (Psalm 68:6). Singles are a vital part of the body of Christ and are welcomed into the life of the church as full members of our covenant community. We seek to reflect God's design by fostering relationships that include singles into the rhythms of family life, offering fellowship, support, and belonging. Whether through shared meals, mentorship, or intentional discipleship, our aim is to build a community where all can flourish together in the family of God.


Introduction

Reformed Church Spokane Singles at Church

Singleness, whether chosen or circumstantial, is a significant and often misunderstood season of life. Some are single due to the unique gift of singleness, embracing it for the sake of God’s kingdom. Others find themselves single due to challenging circumstances, such as past trauma, abusive relationships, or simply life’s unpredictability. Regardless of the reasons, God calls singles to be fully included in His body—the church—and to live in rich fellowship with His people.


God’s design for His people is communal, as illustrated in the analogy of the church as His body (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). No one part of the body can function in isolation, and no one is meant to walk the Christian life alone. This blog post explores the biblical view of singleness, the unique challenges and opportunities it brings, and how HCC seeks to support singles as vital members of the family of God.


I. Biblical Foundations for Singleness


Singleness: A Gift, Not a Curse

Singleness is often viewed as a waiting period or even a deficiency, but Scripture offers a much richer perspective. The Apostle Paul affirms that singleness can be a gift from God, allowing for undivided devotion to Him.


Key Scriptures:

  • 1 Corinthians 7:7-8

    "I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another. To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single as I am."


  • Matthew 19:12

    "For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth... and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven."


Joel Beeke and Paul Smalley remind us:"

Singleness is not a waiting room for life but a station of grace where God works uniquely in and through His people."

Marshall Segal further encourages:"

Singleness is not about what we lack but about discovering the fullness of joy and purpose in Christ."

God Places the Lonely in Families

Psalm 68:6 declares that God "sets the lonely in families." This powerful truth reminds us that singleness is not synonymous with isolation. Through the church, God provides spiritual family, offering the support, belonging, and encouragement every believer needs.


II. The Church as a Body: A Model for Inclusion


The Apostle Paul’s analogy of the church as a body underscores the importance of every member, including singles, in God’s community.


Key Scripture:

  • 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ."


No part of the body can say to another, "I don’t need you." Singles bring unique gifts, perspectives, and contributions to the church, enriching its life and mission. The inclusion of singles is not an act of charity but a reflection of God’s design for His people.


III. Challenges and Opportunities for Singles


Challenges Faced by Singles

  1. Loneliness: While married couples often find companionship within their families, singles may wrestle with feelings of isolation.


  2. Cultural Stigmas: Society and even church culture can unintentionally marginalize singles by overemphasizing marriage and family as the "ideal" state.


Opportunities for Singles


  1. Undivided Devotion to the Lord: Paul highlights that singleness allows for a unique focus on spiritual growth and ministry


    1. 1 Corinthians 7:32-34; "The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord."


  2. Contentment in Christ: Singleness provides a space to experience the sufficiency of Christ’s grace.


    1. Philippians 4:11-13; "I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content... I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."


IV. How HCC Supports Singles


At HCC, we aim to create a culture of inclusion where singles are valued, supported, and integrated into the life of the church.


1. Inclusion into Church Life

Singles are invited to participate fully in the church’s rhythms, from worship and discipleship to leadership roles. Whether through serving on ministry teams, leading Bible studies, or mentoring others, singles are integral to the mission of HCC.


2. Fostering Family-Like Relationships

God’s design is for His people to live in community. At HCC, we intentionally include singles in family activities, shared meals, and mentorship relationships. Families are encouraged to "adopt" singles into their lives, reflecting the biblical principle that God places the lonely in families.


3. Providing Practical Support

  • For Single Parents: We offer childcare, mentorship, and financial assistance to single parents, helping them balance the demands of parenting and spiritual growth.


  • For Singles with Past Trauma: Through pastoral care and counseling, we provide a safe space for healing and growth, ensuring that no one walks alone.


4. Teaching on Singleness


HCC regularly preaches and teaches on the value of singleness, dismantling harmful stereotypes and affirming the biblical dignity of this calling.


V. Practical Steps for Inclusion


For Families:

  • Invite Singles into Your Lives: Open your home for meals, fellowship, and hospitality.

  • Mentor and Disciple: Build relationships that encourage mutual spiritual growth.


For Singles:

  • Engage in Church Life: Use your gifts to serve and lead in the church.

  • Seek Community: Be proactive in building relationships within the body of Christ.


VI. Closing Encouragement


Singleness is not a lesser calling but a unique and beautiful way to glorify God. As Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 12:9,"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."


At HCC, we are committed to living as one body, honoring and including every member. Whether married or single, we are all part of God’s family, called to love and support one another as we journey together toward Christlikeness.


Reflection Questions:


  1. How does Scripture challenge cultural assumptions about singleness?

  2. What practical steps can you take to foster inclusion for singles at HCC?

  3. How can you use your current life situation to glorify God and serve others?


Practical Exercise: Invite a single member of the church to a meal or fellowship this week. Reflect on how your relationship can encourage and build up one another in Christ.

Let us, as a church, embrace the calling to be a family for all, glorifying God through our love, unity, and mutual support.




STATEMENT ON SINGLENESS

We affirm that God, in His wisdom and grace, places the solitary into families (Psalm 68:6). Singles are a vital part of the body of Christ and are welcomed into the life of the church as full members of our covenant community. We seek to reflect God's design by fostering relationships that include singles into the rhythms of family life, offering fellowship, support, and belonging. Whether through shared meals, mentorship, or intentional discipleship, our aim is to build a community where all can flourish together in the family of God.






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