Single Pastors: Don’t Believe These 3 Lies

Table for One Ministries • June 29, 2022

Being called to bi-vocational or vocational ministry is unique and as rewarding as it is terrifying, especially for single pastors who might be grappling with the lies single pastors believe about their calling. Compound that with being a single adult and the calling to ministry that once felt like a spiritual high now feels like an island of isolation. Carrying the burdens of day-to-day ministry alone will often feel less than whole to the American ideal of a married couple with a family and pet.


Single pastor, you are not alone. Those whispers of loneliness and inadequacy are not founded in Scripture. However, the emotions of feeling that way are seen in several Biblical examples! Here are three things you might be telling yourself as truth when they are not, reflecting the lies single pastors believe.

I need a wife to complete my ministry
• The apostle Paul is walking on the road to Damascus in Acts 9 when God calls him to ministry as a single adult. Scripture is silent on if Paul was married before. Given his past role as a Pharisee, he is likely a widower or a type of single adult at his calling into ministry. God did not require a wife for Paul to be called or be active in ministry. In fact, God used it as an asset in his life in several ways to proclaim the Gospel.

I need a family to have credibility
• Paul writes to the church at Corinth and in several areas of relationships as a single adult. He gives advice on being single, getting married, how to have a great marriage, and defines love. The church heard his message as a single adult. He used his singleness as an advantage.

I need to be married to be taken seriously by others
• Pastor, more than any other lie, this one is far from the Lord. You are complete in Christ. Jesus was single. As a minister of the Gospel, you stand on the promise of Colossians 2:10 and are complete in Christ. Other people will say things, think things, or attack you for not “understanding” where they come from. Remember, Jesus shared examples of Biblical truths, not from his experiences but from the promises of God. You carry that same authority and can humbly communicate Biblical truths in any situation. As for if you will be taken “seriously” or not, that is not under your control. Be faithful to proclaim the Scripture and let the Holy Spirit do the rest.

If these lies single pastors believe are believed, they will handicap your ministry to faithfully carry out the calling in your life. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Be complete in Christ and surround yourself with community.

How Do You Deal With Cohabiting Young Adults in Your Ministry?

June 29, 2025
After mingling and catching up on the past week, your young adult group eases into their time together with announcements. The group is having their annual camping trip this summer, and you slowly pass around a sign-up sheet for those interested. The clipboard makes its lap around the group and into the hands of the co-leader, and their stomach sinks. The young couple, who’ve been coming for months, walk into church holding hands, arrive together, and even volunteer, have different last names on the sign-up sheet. Quickly, you ring check their hands and notice neither has a wedding ring. You assumed they were together and married or at least engaged, and honestly, it never mattered until the overnight camping trip just a few weeks away. They’re likely living together. You know it. They know you know it, or thought you did. And yet, the awkward question hangs in the room: Do we discuss this topic, and can or should they join the overnight camping trip?

3 Ways Your Kids Ministry Could Hinder Your Young Adult Ministry

By Table for One Ministries • June 9, 2025
Simply starting a ministry with a name doesn’t mean you’ll attract young adults. Focus on providing for and meeting needs to bring the gospel message to young adults near your church.

Does Your Church Still Have a Kids’ Table for Singles? It’s Time to Rethink Single Adult Ministry

By Table for One Ministries • May 22, 2025
Many churches unintentionally sideline single adults with outdated ministry models. Discover how your church can move beyond the “kids’ table” mindset and fully embrace singles as vital, disciple-making members of the church.

Best Churches for Singles Near Me: Finding Community When You Least Expect It

By Table for One Ministries • May 3, 2025
Looking for the best churches for singles near you? Discover how 30-somethings can find meaningful community without being defined by their relationship status. Explore how churches can meet you where you are.

Names for a Singles Ministry

By Table for One Ministries • May 1, 2025
Names for a Singles Ministry We recommend that you don’t use fancy names for a single ministry description. Name a group a title that people will put into Google a search for in your community! That name will be the most effective and relational name you can pick. Often the best results are naming a […]

Christian Mingle: Be Complete in Christ

By Table for One Ministries • April 30, 2025
Looking for Christian singles dating or Christian dating sites? Discover how to be complete in Christ before pursuing God-centered relationships. Faith-based dating starts here.

5 Ways to Minister to College Students This Summer

By Table for One Ministries • April 22, 2025
Simply starting a ministry with a name doesn’t mean you’ll attract young adults. Focus on providing for and meeting needs to bring the gospel message to young adults near your church.

Embracing Singles in the Church Community

By Table for One Ministries • March 20, 2025
Single adults don’t just want a handshake; they want to be seen, acknowledged, and integrated into the fabric of the church community.

Learning to Trust Again After Divorce: Finding Hope in Christ

By Table for One Ministries • February 28, 2025
You don’t have to have all the answers today. You don’t have to rush the healing process. But you can take one step at a time, knowing that God is holding your heart and leading you toward restoration. He is faithful. He is good. And He is the One who will teach you how to trust again.

Dating and the Church: How Should the Church Treat Singles?

By Table for One Ministries • February 14, 2025
Simply starting a ministry with a name doesn’t mean you’ll attract young adults. Focus on providing for and meeting needs to bring the gospel message to young adults near your church.