Not an Option

TFO - Table for One Ministries- Ministry for Singles and Leaders to Singles - Blog - Not an Option

When is the last time you made something “Not an Option”? Truly, 100% said to yourself that under no circumstances will I ever ____. Everyone has things that are not options in their lives, such as the clothes worn to work or the food we choose to eat that may cause allergic reactions. Everyone makes choices everyday that make things “Not an Option” in their life.  Yet, somehow, we are still tripped by the same sins.

Jesus, at the Sermon on the Mount, told people to be radical in their actions in order stop from sinning. Though He was being figurative, He suggested it is better to lose a hand than to keep it and continue a life of sin (Matthew 5:29-30). It is better to not have a hand and live for God than to have two hands and not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

Single adults have a lot of time alone and, in those alone times, it is easy to slip into temptations. For any of us to be obedient to the Word of God and follow Him, we have to make certain things in our lives “Not an Option.” Doing so will glorify the One who sent His only Son to die on a cross for our sins and allow us to live a life honoring to Him.

What things in your life do you need to make “Not an Option”? Addictions? Gossip with friends? Temptations? Some may think you can’t change or overcome the struggle. That is not the case!

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

1 Corinthians 10:13

God is on your side and will not let you be tempted, tested, or go through trials that you cannot have victory over! He loves you so much that He always gives an alternative for you to choose and make something “Not an Option.”

NYE Countdown!

TFO - Table for One Ministries- Ministry for Singles and Leaders to Singles - Blog - NYE Countdown

3….2….1…. Happy New Year!

Another year has gone and another one begins. Many singles in your ministry may not want to be alone come the drop of the ball. Starting the year off with friends and fellowship  is a great way to look forward to a brighter new year. What can your ministry do to help singles welcome in the New Year? Here are a few tips.

  1. Have a Party! No booze.
    Get some music, a DJ, an iPod and break out all the dance steps you can stand! Have lots of snacks and start around 8 pm to give plenty of time to bust a move. Don’t, however, have any alcohol or allow anyone to bring any. The idea that alcohol is needed to have a good time cannot be encouraged. If a single adult shows up inebriated to the event, be a bold leader and ask them to leave. Others will benefit from your no-tolerance stance. You may think this will be an issue in your group. Trust us, it can be. Be prepared to respond.
  2. Countdown to the New Year!
    Make sure when midnight comes you can count down together and share in the moment. It’s a great time to be loud and have fun.
  3. Make it a Formal Party.
    Lets face it, after high school the opportunities to dress for a nice party become fewer. Make your party a formal and encourage people to dress up. To share the memories, capture their photos as they enter the room. This is the perfect event for any of your dating singles to have a chance to dance with their partner and for those looking to steal a dance with someone they have interest in.
  4. Plan Early! Like, really early. You need to start telling your group 6 months ahead of time you are having a party. Most people make New Year’s Eve plans early and you want your group to know where and what you are doing so they can invite others. Starting the New Year with old friends and new is a good way to expand the group in a welcoming atmosphere.

About 15 minutes after the ball drops, have a leader say a word of prayer. Share about your ministry and opportunities for new people to get plugged in. Make sure to end your event 45 minutes to an hour after midnight. You want people to get home safely and the earlier the better for New Year’s Day. Have fun and welcome in another year with your singles group!

Halloween NOT Harvest

TFO - Table for One Ministries- Ministry for Singles and Leaders to Singles - Blog - Halloween NOT Harvest

Singles ministry leaders, listen up. We are going to share one of the best-kept secrets in singles ministry for FREE. Here it is. Do events that singles want to do, but in a controlled Christ-honoring environment where the love of God is shown. Yes, it is that simple. When it comes to Halloween however, many churches run as far away as possible to be associated with celebrating its existence. But, singles want to gather and be around others at celebrations, holidays, and any occasion that couples or families may choose to gather.

So, here are some tips to help you make Halloween NOT just a Harvest party!

  1. Dress up!
    1. Nothing is wrong with costumes that are tasteful and creative. It also does not have to be expensive, the best costumes are often home made and funny.
  2. Carve Pumpkins!
    1. It’s a fruit! Nothing makes carving fruit evil or satanic, yet many people have never carved a pumpkin in their lives. Buy a bunch of pumpkins and watch your single group laugh, engage one another, and have fun.
  3. Play Halloween Music
    1. Yes, we mean Thriller. Michael Jackson left us one of the best songs to dance to at Halloween and you can have so much fun getting your group to dance. Teach the moves and have a few “ringers” to help everyone learn.
  4. Have Contests with Rewards
    1. Have a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards for costumes, dance moves, and pumpkin carvings. Gift cards work best and set-up the categories prior to the event so people can choose which prize to go for. Let everyone vote and have fun.
  5. Christ Honoring Environment at Halloween
    1. Keep your costumes modest and focus on creativity not shock factor.
    2. Make decorations more fall and pumpkin themed.
    3. Make a category for the pumpkin carving contest “Christian” themed, you will be surprised at how creative people can be.
    4. Be bold in why your event is different than other Halloween parties. Explain the Christian themed pumpkins and share the Gospel doing so!

Halloween is also a great time for singles to serve with their local church or community on Halloween night. You can get involved with a church sponsored Trunk or Treat or whatever event your church does to connect with the community on Halloween night. So be sure to plan your halloween party a weekend before October 31st. Your singles will be talking about this event for years to come and telling their coworkers and friends about how much fun they had at the event.
Also be sure to take a moment and let your group know during the event you are with ___ church and invite them to a specific small group time where they can get connected to your ministry. Many singles will bring guests to this type of event because they are single too and are looking for somewhere to share in on the ghoulish fun. This event is a win for reaching new singles, a win for your ministry, and a win for the church getting involved in the community.