How to Lead Singles Through the Loneliest Season of the Year

The rise of singleness is reshaping ministry, discover the best ways to respond with care and purpose, especially in a season when loneliness peaks.

October 27, 2025

Supporting Singles with Real Community

With the holidays on the horizon and life slowing down, many people, particularly singles, find themselves facing an undercurrent of loneliness.

This season highlights a growing reality: in the U.S., 29% of households are now single-person homes. And among adults aged 25–54, nearly 4 in 10 are unpartnered. For churches, that changes everything about how we think about community.

Stephen McAlpine joins us to unpack what this means for your preaching, pastoral care, and church rhythms. He challenges us to:

- Preach to the actual people in our pews not just idealized family models
- Use hospitality to build bridges, not barriers
- Stop treating singles like projects and start treating them like family

This conversation is full of practical insights and fresh encouragement for every pastor who wants to build a healthier, more connected church. 

In This Episode Your Team Will Learn

-How cultural shifts affect community in your church
-Practical ways to integrate singles through hospitality
-Why normal, everyday connections often have the biggest impact

1) How does your church model hospitality for those who live alone?

2) Are you equipping your teams to include, not just welcome, singles?

3) What assumptions about family life might be shaping your preaching or programs?

You don’t need to overhaul your ministry to reach singles, you just need to soften the edges and make room at the table. Watch the interview with Stephen for ideas you can implement this week.

Let’s lead well,

The Church Staff Huddle Team