Department of Justice

Singles Class 101

What a blessed weekend! The Soul Purpose retreat was a resounding success. I didn’t kill anyone while driving a big (for me) mini-bus out and back. We all enjoyed each other’s company and our whitewater adventure on the New River. The trip was led by Appalachian Bible College’s Alpine Ministries branch.  There was a spiritual emphasis all throughout the trip that was refreshing for this type of activity. I would highly recommend them if you’re thinking about going to WV for adventure activities. I was able to swim through a couple rapids, jump off a 20 foot rock and be a part of a complete raft flipping while trying to “surf” the rapids. Tons of fun. We also sang and sang and sang. Probably half the trip out to WV was singing. We had a 2.5 hour group session on Saturday night dominated by singing. We were singing in the dorms, singing on the river, singing at meals, singing before meals, singing everywhere. It is a blessing to be a part of such a great group of Christian brothers and sisters who love the Lord and truly desire to worship him not just with their mouths, but with their lives.

Over the last year or two our singles group has undergone significant change. We went from 3 regulars to around 20 now. We’ve expanded into other ministries. More people are jumping in to help organize events, teach, etc. I think we’ve seen real spiritual growth especially with how we care for each other and how we have emphasized going deeper/becoming more intentional about the things we do as a class. Members are sharing the gospel. We’ve reached outside of our church to cultivate relationships with other churches. We minister to each other throughout the week, not just on Sunday. We are far from perfect, but the Lord has really blessed our efforts.

Now, the group appears to be approaching a new challenge. Everyone seems to be getting into a dating/courting relationship! I’m not positive on the exact timing, but within the last month or two, in our group of ~20, we’ve had two engagements and 5 start dating someone. That’s nearly half the class! On the outside this is very good. However, these things, as has been observed, tend to happen in waves. I’m trying to figure out why. Are guys just now getting up the guts to ask? Are the women feeling pressured to say yes? Is that what happens in the summer?

I’m trying to figure out how this is affecting those who aren’t in a relationship….and what I should do about it. When you see all the relationship action occurring it’s easy to fall into self pity or to lower your own dating standards. A singles class is so difficult. In general I do not like the concept because being in a singles class can very easily lead to a mindset that breeds temporary relationships. People get married and move on. It’s also tough to maintain a vibrant ministry when typically your core people, your best and brightest are the one’s getting into relationships. As a “shepherd” for the class, it’s hard for me to know what to do other than to keep pressing forward with what we’re doing. I feel like we need a constant amidst the chaos. So far, I suppose, I try to fill that role. What happens, if I, gasp, ever start dating? In the mean time, can I (and others) pick up the slack until more people come in?

Any thoughts?

Freedom

Coming back from the national parks I've visited, it is very sobering to see where our country came from. I just came back from Booker T Washington's birthplace. How he was born into slavery. How he lived in poverty. How he did anything he could to learn. His determination was unstoppable. I came back from Appomattox Court House where countrymen who were fighting each other started the process of reconciliation. Our history is replete with great men and women whose courage, honor and selflessness defined who they were. Today we live in a different era, but the same qualities that sustained our nation these last 250 years will be what's needed in the future. Don't forget the lessons that history has taught us. My prayer is that we all have something in our lives that the Lord has given us a passion for that we can do for him, that we can do for our country, that we can do for those around the world. Cherish your freedom. Rejoice in the Lord. Go get something done!

Interview

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