How to Start a Singles Women's Ministry

Women are natural nurturers of others. Often children, parents, family and friends are placed first in a woman's life before she even thinks about herself. Starting a singles women's ministry will help women focus on themselves and give them a forum to share. You can create an atmosphere for single women to voice their issues, concerns and achievements. In return, they will have the support of women who understand what they are feeling. Faith will be a common bond for your singles women's ministry. Begin your ministry by getting the approval of your faith-based leaders.

• 1

  Organize a preliminary meeting. Invite your pastor or church leaders to participate in the first singles women's ministry meeting in order to establish the rules of the meeting area. State your purpose and make sure you are operating in accordance with the faith and beliefs of the religious organization you are associated with. Accept suggestions to create a ministry that supports the needs of all single women.

• 2

  Decide on the leadership format for your singles women's ministry. Select members who can act in leadership roles until your group creates bylaws. Meet with the leadership team to set up a schedule of when to meet and how often. Most ministries meet on the church or organization's grounds. Choose dates and times that are convenient for most of the members of your group.

• 3

  Create a survey to establish topics of discussion for single women. Distribute your survey to the single women in your organization. Develop a need-based goal for your singles ministry based on your survey feedback. According to a recent article in Enrichment Journal, "Single adults continue to be the fastest-growing marital demographic in America."

• 4

  Develop a purpose or mission statement for your group. Plan an event that introduces your group to the congregation and encourages enrollment. For your first meeting, invite all single women to your ministry. Later on, you may find it necessary to meet in groups, such as groups based on age or whether a woman is actively dating or newly divorced. Each group will have different experiences and needs.

• 5

  Provide childcare for your singles women's ministry. Many times women become discouraged from attending if they have no place to leave their children. Single mothers have a difficult role because they need to make sure their children are safe and cared for before they can participate. Providing an area for children to play or enlisting other members to care for the children during your meeting will help grow your ministry. Enlist the help of your children's ministry to help you design a schedule to include activities and childcare services while you meet.

• 6

  Include your faith as a part of your meeting. Start your meeting by having prayer or singing a song. Allow single women to express their needs through prayer. Provide fun events and bonding opportunities. Meeting for lunch or attending a show together is a great way to support and encourage each other in the singles ministry. Start small and meet with other ministries for mentoring and guidance.