Statistics About Singles and More About My Survey

You probably know that I’m asking single women to complete a 10-question survey. If you would like to share your voice to that of many other women, please go to Facebook and PM me—my whole name—your e-mail address. I will get it to you right away. It is available in English and Spanish.

One of the ladies who responded sent me some statistics that I’d like to share with you before my survey results. It’s important to understand how many people are single. These are only for the United States: 

• There are 112 million unmarried people over age 18 in the U.S., representing nearly 47% of the adult population. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012)
• 44.9% of the unmarried population aged 18 and older are female. For every 100 unmarried women there are 88 unmarried men. (U.S. Census Bureau, “America’s Families and Living Arrangements: 2010″)
• 39.2% of the unmarried population aged 18 and older were formerly married and 60.8% have always been single. (U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey, 2008)
• 49.9% of the married population is women, compared to 56.4% of unmarried population. (U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey: 2005)

So, we’re talking about almost half of our population being single. Surely, we need to understand this demographic and meet its needs. Single women form the largest part of the singles group.

In Great Britain, there are more single people than married, and I would imagine that is true for much of Europe.

Wherever we live, our churches include singles in many categories—widowed, divorced, students, single parents, and never married.

We may need a “chip change” in our thinking.

• How can we mutually encourage each other—marrieds to singles and singles to married?
• How can we work together in our churches to best serve the Lord we love?
• How can we make sure everyone is included and no one is overburdened—or left out?
• How can we change our small groups to better meet the needs of singles?

I am excited about my survey!

I’ve asked two different groups of singles to respond. Some are full-time missionaries in ministries all over the world. Others are Christian women in everyday life, both English and Spanish speakers. I think you will find their insights inspirational.

Looking forward to compiling all the answers over the next ten days.

Again, if you’d like to participate in my singles survey, please let me know. (See first paragraph above for how to get your questions.)

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit

unto unfeigned love of the brethren, 

see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently (1 Peter 1:22).