Product Description
If you are married but attend church without your spouse, you fall into the category that I refer to as "Going Solo'. There are a variety of reasons why you may be going solo. It could be an unbelieving spouse - a split faith marriage (this is my story). It could be a spouse who is a believer with a priority issue. Or it could be a scheduling or lifestyle issue - perhaps your spouse works weekends. Regardless of the reason, there is one common factor - the struggle. In this book, we will look at some of the struggles and some of the solutions.If you are married but attend church alone, this puts you in a very strange situation. You don't fit into any of the sanctioned groups within the church. You don't fit in with the singles group. Even though on Sundays your situation is similar to someone who is single, you don't fit in because although there alone, you aren't technically single. You don't fit in with the couples either. Although you are part of a couple, you are only one half and the other half isn't there. This disqualifies you from the traditional "church couple" status, as you are sitting alone. You don't fit in with the widows, because although you are alone, it is only for the duration of the service. You are "Going Solo." Alone. No support. The thing about church is that it is based on God and God is completely relational. Relationships are key with God. Having a relationship split down the middle by the line of faith, or prioritizing it, is a problem for a churchgoer. It creates a division, not only between you and your spouse, but also between you and your fellow church members. Church is about family, about couples, about relationships. For some strange reason, when you are going solo you end up feeling responsible for the fact that your spouse isn't there. You cannot force your spouse to accept God and attend church, yet you feel shame over your spouse's decision, as if it is somehow your fault.In this book, we will explore the uniqueness of a married person attending church alone - the challenges, the trials, the heartbreaks, the frustration, and last but not least, the hope. For there is always hope.If you are a Christian who is married and attends church alone, then this book was written for you. This isn't a flowery, uber-happy book where I call you beloved and tell you all is well. "Going Solo" will take an honest look at the situation and be willing to admit that sometimes life just stinks and it's really "just not fair." This book will not solve all of your problems, but you will know that you are not alone. It will offer some practical advice for surviving "Going Solo" as well as pitfalls to avoid. And you will know that God is with you, He is for you and that there is hope. At the end of the day, that's the best we can wish for after all.
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