Ministering to the Young Single Adult - Elmer Towns

Each year Brian faces the possibility of draft. As long as he has the care of hismother perhaps he will not be called.What does the future hold for Brian? Will he be content to take care of his motherand live at the homestead? Will he desire to marry, have a family and make a life forhimself independent of his mother? What is his future?2. Profile of Ann. Ann is thirty-five years of age and feels as though she is on the“shelf” socially. During her college days she was considered fun, bouncy and the life ofthe party. Now after 15 years of teaching in the public school she is a little chubby,bookish and looks middle-aged.Ann feels she is losing her youth and as a result hangs on to her position as youthchaperone in the local church. She attempts to form deep friendships with the high schoolgirls and considers herself an excellent counselor. Some of the girls resent Ann’s pryingand ignore her. These girls drop out of young people’s or else “blow up” and tell her off.In either case the high school girls who show their emotion get the “maternal” attitudefrom Ann. She is willing to forgive if only the high school girl will repent and come backto the Lord.Ann has favorites in the youth group. The young people who laugh at her jokes,seek her spiritual advice and respond to her devotional messages get special treatment.They are invited on special week-end excursions. The “special young people” have foundthat they must continue to compliment and “play the game” to continue to get specialattention.Ann lives with her parents although she is her own boss. When she first came outof college, she left home and went to another city to teach school. Here she broke herparental ties and cut the “apron strings.” When she moved back home, her parents rebuiltthe basement and furnished an apartment for her. Now she has the independence of aprofessional girl, yet the conveniences of home.Ann’s parents charge her a token payment for room and board. Most of hermoney is spent on her car, clothes and supporting the church work. She considers nosacrifice too great for the work of the Lord.Ann has taken two trips abroad. One summer she toured ten European countrieswith a denominationally sponsored youth tour, and another summer she toured the HolyLand through an alumni-sponsored tour by her college. Other than that, each summer isspent at a Christian camp, serving as counselor or sports instructor.Lately Ann has been having doubts. After 15 years of satisfaction in the teachingprofession, she no longer feels a challenge. Physically, she realizes she doesn’t have herformer stamina and durability. Every morning she sees an-other gray hair. A “spare tire”around her waist tells her that middle age is knocking at her door. Earlier in life theproblem of being single didn’t bother her. Now she asks herself the question, “Whydidn’t I get married?” Up until now, Ann has always felt that she could “snare” a man ifshe wanted to. Now she questions her ability.