“If you want to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 7:32)

by Obadiah Lee

As new academic term begins with College Life returning to the daily grind of lectures, books, and late nights studying; career/postgraduates also begin a new term in the ministry of Single Life. Over that past year we studied through the book of Colossians, diving deep into chapter 3 we examined the love and dependence we must have in our perfect Savior. We were challenged to survey our lives before the perfection and holiness of the Scriptures and to practically love and live for Christ as career/postgraduate Christians. As single men and women, we fall into an interesting demographic when it comes to Christians among the Church population. When I have had the opportunity to speak with other brothers and sisters from other churches, the majority of the career adult ministries are female dominated (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing), non-existent or struggle to stay afloat. Lighthouse Bible Church has been extremely blessed with a committed pastor who preaches the Word through thorough exegesis and clear exposition. There is truly a uniqueness to the ministry of Single Life, as single men and women many of us have great opportunities to serve the church with our time unlike any other affinity group. We typically have more flexibility in our resources and time.

1 Corinthians 7:32-35 provides for us a clear and biblical explanation for those of us in the single stage of life. As many of us desire to be married if God wills, Scripture tells us that our interests will be divided between the worries of the world (our spouse) and how to please the Lord. Now let me acknowledge and make clear that being married does not diminish our desire or ability to please the Lord, but we must understand Paul’s desire for us to recognize the gift of being content in singleness (vv.6-7). As single adults we have a gift before us to use our singleness to the glory of God. Marriage is a beautiful thing and Scripture reveals the profound beauty that is the picture of Christ and the Church. As God provides and wills for each of us to be wed, we as singles have a weighty responsibility to steward God’s provision over us for His glory and to serve the church.

As the new term begins there are numerous things to look forward to; ministries, retreats, fellowship, and many other things. As an individual who attends Single Life, we meet on Wednesday nights at church at 6:30 with dinner served, here are three major highlights of the year that I look forward to.

1. Each year there are new faces that come to the Singles Life ministry, some have heard about Lighthouse from friends or siblings, others found us online. Whatever the means in which they find Lighthouse, I look forward to meeting people who come not knowing Christ as their Savior but desiring to know more and those seeking a community that loves God’s and the Word.
2. I eagerly anticipate the Bible teaching that will be preached each week. Pastor Patrick is our gifted pastor who loves God’s Word and desires the transforming power of the Word through the lives of the men and women in Single Life. During the course of the year we also have many events that our “Fun Staff” plans and organizes. Our very own Minister of Music, Eugene Park is the fearless leader of the “Fun Staff”. There are plenty of exciting events coming up so if you’re in the singles demographic, you definitely do not want to miss out.
3. Lastly, I look forward to small groups. As someone who has the privilege to lead small groups, I am often and regularly humbled by those I find accountability. As a single guy, I have a special opportunity to minister and use my time to serve, encourage, and challenge brothers in the capacity God allows me. In small groups I’ll have the year to meet with other men and share my life with them. As the year progresses, I hope that the bond would grow and these would be men that God has taught me much from. I look forward to the accountability, fellowship, and brotherhood that can be found in small groups. (The women also have small groups as well.)

The gift of being a single adult in the life of the church is an immense blessing. As we read in God’s word, we know that singleness frees us from anxieties and allows us to serve and please the Lord with a unique capacity. As singles our interests can remain focused on the work of the Lord, my hope for the Single Life ministry is that we can seek the Lord for wisdom, as marriage is not the only distraction that we may have. Many other things hinder our devotion to God and we need to be seeking the things of Lord so that we can be on guard and examine our hearts regularly. If you’re in the single stage of life and looking for a church or community, Lighthouse Bible Church would welcome and love for you join us!