Church’s single’s ministry preaches abstinence until marriage
By Timothy Ramsey The Chronicle Being single and a Christian in today's society can be somewhat difficult. With the sexually suggestive images plastered across television and movies and a culture of sexual freedom, abstaining from intercourse may be an arduous task for some. The R.I.C.H. CDC and the Holy Trinity Full Gospel Fellowship Center held its Singles & Single Parent Fellowship on Saturday, May 28. The ministry has been around for over 20 years and was created to allow singles in the church to congregate as they navigate their path though the single life. “We want people to know its OK to live a single life that includes abstinence,” said ministry leader Aquilla Miller. “We just believe what the Bible says about no sex before marriage, and if you are going to do what the Bible says, you have to stand according to the Word. It’s good for the body and a good representation of Christ.” Miller’s father, Pastor Richard C. Miller Sr., is lead pastor of Holy Trinity. According to ministry leader Sebrina Jordan, events like this are important because there are many members of the church and the community that need support and feel like it’s not available. She stated that they want to keep people encouraged and let them know that they are not alone while dealing with the stresses of the single life. Each year the ministry has a different theme or outing, from movie nights to scavenger hunts. Saturday’s gathering was a potluck dinner in which each person was to bring a food item that best represents them. Doughnuts, a salad and smoothies were some of the items served. Jackie Alexander brought “Nutty Bars” because she said it was a reminder for her to not go to bars and clubs and to stay true to her responsibilities with the church ministry. A game of “Singo,” which is a singles-themed version of the classic Bingo game, was played following the meal. “I feel like it’s important because it keeps us uplifted with everything that we do,” said Nya Hymes. Hymes was the youngest member in attendance and felt as though it was good for the youth to be involved with ministries such as this to keep them from negative influences. Jordan stated they want to reach out to the community and have the participation of a lot people. “With the society as it is today, many believe it’s impossible to live a life of abstinence before marriage,” Jordan said. “We have people here in our church who have testimonies of celibacy, those who have been married and are transitioning into the single life, and those who have never been married and are virgins to attest that God will keep you. It is possible, and you can do what the world says is impossible if you have strong faith.”
Being single and a Christian in today’s society can be somewhat difficult. With the sexually suggestive images plastered across television and movies and a culture of sexual freedom, abstaining from intercourse may be an arduous task for some.
The R.I.C.H. CDC and the Holy Trinity Full Gospel Fellowship Center held its Singles & Single Parent Fellowship on Saturday, May 28. The ministry has been around for over 20 years and was created to allow singles in the church to congregate as they navigate their path though the single life.
“We want people to know its OK to live a single life that includes abstinence,” said ministry leader Aquilla Miller. “We just believe what the Bible says about no sex before marriage, and if you are going to do what the Bible says, you have to stand according to the Word. It’s good for the body and a good representation of Christ.”
Miller’s father, Pastor Richard C. Miller Sr., is lead pastor of Holy Trinity.
According to ministry leader Sebrina Jordan, events like this are important because there are many members of the church and the community that need support and feel like it’s not available. She stated that they want to keep people encouraged and let them know that they are not alone while dealing with the stresses of the single life.
Each year the ministry has a different theme or outing, from movie nights to scavenger hunts. Saturday’s gathering was a potluck dinner in which each person was to bring a food item that best represents them. Doughnuts, a salad and smoothies were some of the items served. Jackie Alexander brought “Nutty Bars” because she said it was a reminder for her to not go to bars and clubs and to stay true to her responsibilities with the church ministry.
A game of “Singo,” which is a singles-themed version of the classic Bingo game, was played following the meal.
“I feel like it’s important because it keeps us uplifted with everything that we do,” said Nya Hymes. Hymes was the youngest member in attendance and felt as though it was good for the youth to be involved with ministries such as this to keep them from negative influences.
Jordan stated they want to reach out to the community and have the participation of a lot people.
“With the society as it is today, many believe it’s impossible to live a life of abstinence before marriage,” Jordan said. “We have people here in our church who have testimonies of celibacy, those who have been married and are transitioning into the single life, and those who have never been married and are virgins to attest that God will keep you. It is possible, and you can do what the world says is impossible if you have strong faith.”
