Ministering to the Young Single Adult - Elmer Towns

When discussing programs and curriculum, Zeigler, in Christian Education ofAdults, makes the following point: “Programs for young adults’ groups must appeal totheir interest and address their needs . . . programs of study, discussion and activity willhave relevance if they deal with matters that are of vital concern to young adults.” 2Perhaps we should point out that what the young single adult wants is not alwayswhat he needs. And what he needs is not always what he wants. Saffen, in his book,Young Married Couples in the Church, indicates the following (Saffen deals with marriedcouples, whereas this study is investigating single adults. However, method ofdetermining a program is applicable to both age groups):You and your group should know the difference between the needsand wants. What young adults want is not what they need. If they get whatthey want continually they may lose interest for lack of diversity. So stayout of the rut. However, what they need is not always what they want. Ifthey get what they need continuously when they do not want it, they willlose interest because the program is forced on them. The programcommittee should be alert to those activities which reach the needs and theinterests of the most people. 3At this point, the question may be asked, “How can we determine the interests andneeds of the young single adult in the church?” Clemmons, in Young Adults in theChurch, says there are at least three ways of discovering the real interests and needs ofthe young adult: (1) personal interviews; (2) group discussions; (3) an interest indicator. 4The young single adult matures by his own standards. Therefore, treat him as anequal. Give him the right to determine his own program. The executive committee of theyoung single adult group should plan the topics and program to be presented.What about the question of sponsorship? Most young single adults rebel at havinganother adult (older) along to “take care” of them. However, several groups observedwanted someone to chaperone from outside their group. A married couple from thechurch was requested to attend one week-end retreat in a Canadian church.When it comes to program planning, the “chaperone” or “sponsor” should nothave any more voice in the direction of activities than any young single adult. The“chaperone” can do infinitely more through influence than through “veto.” The youngsingle adult will not tolerate an authoritarian attitude from his sponsor. If he does notrebel and “tell him off,” he will lose interest and stop attending the group.2. Suggestions for an actual program (gleaned from travel and observations ofyoung single adult groups). Some of the best points from different churches are suggestedin the following program:I. SUNDAY: