Why are single Christian women finding it hard to stay in their churches?

The next time you’re at church, take a moment and look around. Who’s seated in the seat next to you? Let’s evaluate the congregation. Do you see a family? Yes, you see several. A couple? Oh, a bunch of those. A single man? There are a few. What about a single woman? Maybe one or two. What about a young, single woman? It’s hard to tell. 

Single Christian women are leaving the church as a whole. Specifically, women who fall into the Gen Z or millennial age groups. Some news articles have called the pace in which women are vacating the church a mass exodus. Why? Because the church has failed to make them feel at home, loved and worthy. And that needs to change. 

Where do single women fit in?

The church, generally speaking, doesn’t cater to single, Christian women. Maybe your church has a singles group, but are they active? Are they older? Is it for adults fresh out of college? There’s a gap in ministry for single women. Single women have needs, and frankly, they’re different needs than those of a woman who is married or who has children. 

Single women often get lumped into a women’s ministry — and there’s a lot of knowledge to glean from women in all stations of life. However, take a glance at when most of those women’s groups meet. Oh, the group meets at 10 a.m. on a Tuesday. That’s not very inclusive.

But the issue goes far beyond the time frame for prayer groups. It gets into the nitty-gritty relationships of the church. Single women often feel like they don’t belong in church for a few reasons. Some of them include being told that they’re too ambitious or that their lives aren’t complete without a husband and babies. 

A husband doesn’t complete a woman

If we’re looking to attract single, career-driven women to the church (and we should be hoping to do this), we need to ask, “Where’s the singles ministry for young entrepreneurs or career-focused women?” 

Many counter that thought with something along the lines of “The Bible calls women to prioritize her family,” citing Proverbs 31. Yes, that’s true — a wife should prioritize her husband and children. The passage of Scripture goes on to actually praise a woman for doing everything she can to care for her family. 

Others comment that women should focus on marriage. But truthfully, that’s not necessarily biblical either. The Bible doesn’t require women to be married. It doesn’t make a woman more complete to be married. Jesus, as the perfect Bridegroom, is the only person who can complete anyone’s life. 

There’s a lack of connection for single Christian women

All of this leads to another challenge: forming genuine connections and long-lasting relationships with others. Women tend to crave connection — and even more so if they’re single. Oftentimes, it’s challenging for single women to find connection within the church because many activities and teachings revolve around the family unit. But how can you expect single women to form genuine connections if the church isn’t providing the opportunity? It’s time to create space for single women. 

You can help. Go to your church leadership and ask to help start some singles-focused groups and outreach programs. If you are a single, Christian woman — use your ambition to help make a change. Have honest conversations with your church’s leadership team to learn how you can partner together to create a space for single women. After all, who better than a single, Christian woman to run point on developing a program specific to single, Christian women?

Centerpoint Church is ready to walk with you on your faith journey

At Centerpoint, our community believes in purpose and passion, and we would love to walk with you on your journey in finding yours. Do you want to grow in your faith, or are you simply curious about who this Jesus guy is? You’re not alone. We encourage you to listen to our series online and welcome you to come to one of our Sunday morning services in Valrico, Florida.