FAQ's

I would like to come to your singles events but how do I start?
There are many ways to first connect to the singles at Temple Baptist Church.

1. You can come to any of our activities listed under the "get connected" part of our website. Feel free to call the contact person listed to get more information and to let them know you are new. They will be more than happy to tell you more about the event and even meet you at the door.

2. You can come to church on Sunday morning. Most of our singles sit in a common area. If you are looking at the podium, the singles sit to the right, just on the other side of the sound area. Also, if you want to visit our BFG (Sunday school), we meet at 10:30am. Please stop in a the welcome center in the main foyer of our church for an updated room location list. Our singles ministry is divided by 4 different classes. See "single groups" on our website to see the break down.

3. You can come to church on Wednesday nights. We have a church-wide meal (only $4) before our service at 6pm. You don't need to RSVP..just show up. Several of our singles sit together for the meal as well as in church.

I am separated, can I be apart of your ministry?

We want to welcome you to Temple Singles Ministry. We define a single adult as one who is legally single, rather than one who is currently in the process of divorce or separation.

If you are going through the process of divorce or separation, we want to encourage you and provide you with a roadmap to possible reconciliation. Temple's Hope Network offers pastoral counseling as well as recommendations of other counseling professionals in the area. If you are interested in this, please contact Jackie Puz.

If reconciliation is not possible, we suggest a transitional period of healing during which we strongly recommend attending DivorceCare or an alternative divorce recovery program. For more information about DivorceCare, you may also contact Jackie Puz.

After a transitional period, the Singles Ministry wants to help you get plugged in. To do so, please contact Pastor Allen McClure.

How often do your singles ministry groups meet?

Each one of our singles groups plan their own events. Our event structure is as follows: each BFG has one event per month just for their class, one event that includes all the BFG's/singles of all ages and one event led by each care group (as a minimum).

What are others ways single adults can get involved?

Singles are valued adults to Temple Baptist church as well as the the kingdom of God. Single adults are part of our church in many ways from the choir, to the finance committee, greeting, teachers and prayer, etc...Wednesday nights we have two Kingdom prayer groups (one that is mixed with marrieds and meets in our "green room" and one that is singles only that meets in the conference room near the office). After prayer, the singles usually go out for a late night snack. Come and join us. For a complete list of events for single adults, click here.

Are children welcome at single events?

Children are very important at Temple Baptist Church. Most of our events are kid-friendly, however they may not include childcare. It's always best to contact the leader of each event to ensure it would be suitable for children.

Can I join a BFG class without joining the church?

Yes, in fact we encourage you to do it as soon as possible as it will help you be in the loop for upcoming events, announcements, prayer, etc...We can't include you if we don't know how to contact you. Simply fill out a yellow card (provided in each class/also contact leader of the class). Also, by joining the BFG you will be assigned to a care group. This way, you will be doing more than just joining but instead you will BELONG. You will be cared for.

If I need prayer, what is the best way to get this?

Each BFG has its own prayer list. You may also request prayer using the small membership/visitor's pad located behind each chair in the worship center. If you need someone to visit you in the hospital or other need, contact Pastor Joe Davis with the Hope Network of our church.

What are care groups?
In a world that is so fast paced, we can quickly get lost in the crowd. We know that no one can keep up with 30 or 40 or more people at one time. So we have developed care groups. A care group is a small group (less than six people) that are put together under a care group leader. The goal of each care group is care for each other. Each care group is like a small family. We want to make sure that everyone is connected to someone else and that no one falls through the cracks. Our care groups (due to the personalities of each leader) will vary in activities and ways of communication. Every 4 months our care groups change allowing new relationships to be formed.

What takes place at a BFG?
Each BFG (Bible Fellowship Group) is unique in its teacher, leaders and style. There are some basics such as each class teaches the word of God through the use of the Bible, curriculum, video, special speakers, and class involvement. Depending on your age, we encourage you to try different BFG's (not just ones for single adults) to find the one that best suits you and where you are in your walk with God.

What is the difference between a BFG and Light University?
BFG's are our Sunday school classes that meet on Sunday mornings. Light University is our fall and spring small groups that meet for a few weeks at a time. We also have other small groups that meet year round such as Celebrate Recovery and men's Bible study.

I would really like to get married to a nice Christian, but i don't want a meat market. Can you tell me more about your ministry in relation to this?
Temple Baptist Singles IS a meet market. It's where you MEET Jesus and then friends. We strongly encourage you to first become the right person before you meet the right person. Is church the right place to meet the love of your life, yes but take your time. Build friendships for the purpose of the kingdom and then let God do the rest. Note: We want Temple Baptist Church to be a safe place for you to come. A place where you can make friends and grow in your relationship with Christ. Please let us know if anyone makes you feel uncomfortable.

I want to get more involved..how do i do this?
Just ask one of our leaders. Our first goal is to have you belong to a BFG. Then, let us know the area you interested in helping in such as marketing, greeting, care group leader, host and event, provide rides for people, prayer, subsitute teach, etc... Do you know what you are best suited for? Have you ever taken a gift test? Please contact For more information, contact Pastor Allen McClure.for Temple to take a Spiritual gift test to help place you in our ministry or download one free at www.Thesinglesnetwork.org, click on toos and articles. Next, one of our leaders will meet with you to get to know you better to make sure we use your gifts in the best way possible. But don't' worry, if you start helping in one area and it doesn't fit, we will help you find another area to serve. We also encourage serving in other parts of the church.

How are the decisions made in your singles ministry?
Decisions are made by our staff singles pastor Allen McClure, Kris Swiatocho, Singles Ministry Consultant, core leadership team and our care group leaders. We meet weekly/monthly depending on the need.

When I get to a Worship Service is there a place where the singles sit?
Most of our singles sit on the right side of the pulpit (if you are facing the pulpit) on Sunday mornings, however, feel free to sit wherever you like.

How should I dress?
Sunday mornings range from dressy to casual with some people even wearing dress jeans/shorts in the summer. Wednesday nights as well as our events are a lot more causal depending on the event. We do ask though that you dress modestly to protect others. We always want to edify another brother or sister in Christ.

I am divorced, do you offer any support?
Yes, we offer Divorce care. Divorce Care is a wonderful support Bible study for those separated and divorced. For more information, click here. You may also go to www.divorcecare.org.

I don't drive, can someone pick me?
Yes, we have single adults that are willing to help those who aren't able to drive or have limitations.

Are there any other services that you offer for singles?
We have a wonderful counseling center at Temple Baptist Church. We also have a small singles library with books ranging from leadership to counseling, single parenting and relationships.

I am presently dating someone and would like to get engaged, do you have any ministry geared toward me?
Yes, we presently offer a BFG (Sunday school) class toward those engaged or newly married. It's led by Sally and Tom Gerrald (sgerrald@templebaptistnewbern.net). Sally and Tom are also available for counseling to those working towards marriage or newly married. Note: If you are dating, we encourage you to come and join our singles ministry. Our singles ministry isn't about "dating" but instead about fellowship, friendship and growing in the Lord.

I would love to get married one day, but haven't found the right one. Does your ministry offer help in this area?

While we know that most singles want to be married and even come to Temple with this in mind, we encourage you to come to find a relationship with God first that grows into a relationship with others. It's important that we build same sex and opposite sex friends before we start to build romantic relationships. However, we do encourage that singles date other Christians (be equally yoked) and what better place to meet other Christians than at church. If you are personally led to be married then we offer several resources: Singles library has a ton of books/Bible studies on dating/courtship (located at Kris Swiatocho (directors), office). We also offer in the fall and spring, Bible studies on dating/finding the right one, etc....Also, Bob and Mary Brainard (gulfsailor8@embarqmail.com) have graciously offered their time and energy to help singles prepare themselves personally (prior to dating) to be married. We also have other couples in our church as well as the Hope Network that are available to mentor or counsel those wanting to be married one day. Please call Kris at 252.633.3330, ext 245 for more information.

Are there any other guidelines?
We want our singles ministry to be a place you will feel safe, make new friends, and grow in your relationship with Christ. We ask that you be on time for church and other events. RSVP when applicable. When going out, pick movies that will glorify God. Also be aware of what restaurants you choose as some of our brothers and sisters may be struggling with alcohol. Because as single adults, we come from many different backgrounds and struggles, we ask that you do not ask anyone out the first time you meet them but instead allow enough time to be friends first. You will never regret getting to know someone first as a friend.

I'm new to the church, is there a first time class?
Yes, we offer 101. 101 meets each monthly, on a Sunday from 4-6pm. You will get to meet several of our pastors and support staff, hear about the church, what we believe, how we are structured, etc..You will also have an opportunity to ask questions. A meal is provided. Childcare is provided. For more information, contact Pastor Allen McClure.

Got more questions not answered here?
For more information, contact Pastor Allen McClure.