April 2013

Minutes away from the main convention hall where hundreds of pastors are attending iAbide, the Columbia Union pastors convention in Baltimore, some 20 women sit down for a simple dinner at a restaurant. A green salad graces their plates, followed by vegetable kabobs set on a bed of quinoa and finished off with a dessert of ice cream, berries or a combination of the two. The women chat and laugh, tease each other and share sage advice. These women are not just pastoral spouses (although some are). They are pastors, pastoral interns, chaplains, conference administrators and Bible workers who minister throughout the Columbia Union.

Most longtime singles have had to endure intrusive but well-meaning inquiries into their marital status, not only from adorable kindergartners but also grandparents, parents and caring church folk. One Adventist single offers her candid opinion about being single in the church today, and what she learned from hosting her first singles event.