Temple Baptist Church
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Discovering the Kingdom NOW
Temple Baptist Church

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 "Stay 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 check out Collision a ministry designed with you in mind. Collision meets on Thursday evenings at 7pm in the Living Room adjacent to the Kingdom Cafe.
3. You can come to church on Wednesday nights. We have a church-wide meal (only $5) 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 Rob Pate at 633-3330 ext. 237 or by email at rpate@templeonline.net.

 

 

How often do your singles ministry groups meet?
Collision meets weekly at 7pm and serves as the meeting place and launching pad for all of our Collision groups. Collision groups are gender based small groups that meet weekly for ongoing discipleship, care, fellowship, outreach, and activities.
 
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 Collision Group 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 sign in form and request information about singles or Life Groups and our Life Group Pastor will give you a call and assist you with getting connected. 
 
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.
 
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 Rob Pate at 633-3330 ext. 237 or by email at rpate@templeonline.net. 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 Rob Pate, core leadership team and our Collision group leaders.  
 
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?
Come as you are. Your relationship with Christ nor your righteousness in Christ depend on your dress. So, don't sweat it come on and join us.

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.
 
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 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 monthly, usually on the second Sunday immediately following our second morning service. We meet in the Living Room adjacent to the Kingdom Cafe. 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. Childcare is provided. For more information, contact Pastor Darryl Radford.