Singleness and the Ministry Misconceptions and Biblical perceptions A presentation of the team A group of Solution Ambassadors (Part 2) presented by Sister Ngozi Iheukwumere

Number 1 “Marriage reflects maturity and Godliness ”  Many single believers think that they are often stereotyped as spiritually immature, morally dangerous and unsuitable for leadership in the church simply because they’re single.  Yet marriage is not recorded in the bible as one of the fruits of the spirit (Gal 5:22) neither is it an indication of sexual purity or maturity.  In reality, Christian singles who have distinguished themselves in other aspects of life can contribute to the propagation of the gospel with their talents even though they are unmarried. Source: Cleveland C(2013 ).How Churches can embrace unmarried Adults.

Number 2 “Marriage is God’s plan for everybody”  Marriage was instituted by God himself and is associated with lots of earthly benefits. However, people have different callings and destinies. Biblical insights have shown that marriage is not God’s plan for everyone.  For some people, it might be delay in getting married until the appointed time while for others it may mean never marrying at all.  It is important though, to point out the fact that most people may serve God better if married while others would be more committed to God as widows or widowers. As stated in the scriptures: Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. And if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you. (I Corinthians 7:26 & 27) Source: King James Bible “Authorized Version” Cambridge Edition.

Number 3 “ A blissful marital experience is heaven on earth”  Although the bible acknowledges marriage as a necessity for companionship and procreation. As noted in the book of Genesis: And the LORD God said, it is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. (Gen 2:18).  There is also an acknowledgement of singleness in the bible too. Unfortunately, most churches have not recognized the value of singleness in the Christian ministry. For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that. (1 Corinthians 7:7)  The marital experience has been perceived as “heaven on earth” and single Christians are perceived as “incomplete and “defective” or frustrated and unhappy ministers of the gospel. Source: Stott J (2011). John Stott on Singleness.

However, this perception does not apply to a true celibate minister of the gospel because the joy and peace that accompanies the fulfilment of one’s calling on earth cannot be compared with anything on earth including marriage.  Singleness is a very precious gift preserved for extraordinary Christians and marriage has been overrated in the church for example married believers irrespective of their spiritual maturity are usually accorded more respect than their single zealous and spiritually matured counterparts who are usually relegated to the background.

Number 4 “Marriage cannot be a hindrance to the fulfilment of one’s ministry”  As Christians God expects us to put marriage in its proper perspective. Too much emphasis on marriage rather than the gospel of Jesus is idolatry.  Unfortunately, this has been observed in the present day churches and both the singles and married believers are usually guilty of this attitude unknowingly to them.  This erroneous perception is the cause of low self-esteem amongst the singles in the church while the married ones put their marriages and families ahead of their salvation. Source: Biblical Research Reports.

Number 5 “Marriage should be exalted than singleness in the kingdom business”  Although Genesis 2:18 supports marriage as stated in the scriptures. There is a balance between marriage and singleness. And the LORD God said, it is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. Yet in 1 Corinthians 7:1 & 2 in reaction to the question the Corinthians asked Apostle Paul gave an interesting insight into both marital states: Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me. It is good for a man not to touch a woman(marry). Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.  This passage shows that marriage is an outlet for sexual satisfaction but extremely devoted Christians passionate about the Kingdom of God can choose to remain unmarried as long they maintain their state of purity.

Conclusion There are a lot of blessings for those who are true celibates for the sake of the Kingdom of God.  The blessing of an everlasting name: Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife saith the LORD. (Isaiah 54:1)  God will endow them will more children than those with biological children. For it is written, rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. (Galatians 4:27)

God promises those who have chosen not to be married for the Kingdom sake will have greatly multiplied blessings and not just a substitute for marriage. “And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.” (Matthew 19:29)  The Bible reveals to us that the gift of singleness indicates that each of us is a valuable member of the family of God whether we are single or married.  All singles whether they would be for a season or for their entire lifetime should know they are complete in Christ.