It is estimated that 67% of single parents in the United States do not actively attend church anywhere. In my latest book, The Church and the Single Mom, we take a look at why many single parents do not attend their local church. Here is what we found:
- Many single parents fear they will be judged. Whether unplanned pregnancy or divorce led them to become single parents, there is a fear that they will not be accepted by the congregation.
- Some single moms carry shame from past mistakes that may have resulted in their current situation. They fear they have somehow failed their children and forever scarred them. They cannot forgive themselves.
- They do not feel that they belong. The typical family that we all grew up watching on television consisted of Dad, Mom, white picket fence, and 3 happy children, right? Many churches are made up of similar families. Therefore, single parents do not feel there is a place for them.
- There is no Sunday School Class, Connect Group, Cell Group, (or whatever else your church may call its small group connection) for single moms. As is the case with all of us, we want to be with people who understand our journey. Support groups provide that environment.
- Unplanned pregnancy, oftentimes, is categorized by the church as a more significant sin that perhaps lying, cheating, stealing, or any of the other sins that God detests. This, in turn, leads the church to believe any type of support for the single mother may in some way be promoting a “loose sexual lifestyle.”
Thank God that many of the churches around the country that have recognized the need to reach out to single parents in their communities. Many have understood the importance of the church being “inclusive” not exclusive. Many have seen that Jesus did not come to save just the finely-dressed folks that are perceptionally sin-free (however disillusioned this perception may be), but rather came so that all may have life and have it abundantly. Continue reading »
I tend to share much of my personal journey with you in hopes that you will glean some knowledge from my mistakes, be encouraged when I am victorious, and laugh with me when I trip (repeatedly). It’s just the way I write. I love sharing with my readers as if you were on my couch sipping coffee with me.
Are you overwhelmed? Exhausted? Tired? Do you desire to connect with other single mothers from across the country? Would you love to have a conference for your kids to attend that gets them just as excited as you?
Which one of us hasn’t been there? We have too much on our plate. We are running a household, planning the family budget, playing soccer mom, counselor, and friend. We have laundry to do, dinner to prepare, homework to check, and grocery list to write. And if those kids don’t stop screaming in the back of the house……….well, they just don’t want you to have to go back there! You know the story. 
In light of recent difficult economic times and in remembering those times when I scraped pennies to put gas in my car to get to work, I want to share some simple, but valuable ideas on how to save money in your household.