Being Single in the Church Today: Insights from History and Personal Stories

It is predicted that by 2010 some 40% of British homes will be single households, comprising those who have never had any relationships as well as those who have had very many relationships. In this original and challenging book, Philip Wilson examines the phenomenon of singleness in contemporary society and its implications for ministry.

He begins by examining the history of the family, from pre-modern and modern lifestyles to the point where singleness has become a desirable postmodern choice for many people. The history of the church's views on sexuality and marriage is also considered (with special emphases on Celtic Christianity, Monasticism and the Reformation). In the second part of the book, Wilson interviews church-goers of all ages and types from across the UK.

The results of his research are disquieting, revealing that many feel isolated and yet frequently over-used in church life. Many speak of the church as the worst place of all for a single person to be. This book goes beyond offering self-help therapy for Christian single people. Rather, it is for anyone who wants to know how the contemporary church can offer a relevant community for the spiritual and practical needs of today and for the future.

Philip B Wilson is a minister of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, currently based in Belfast.