NORTHVILLE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — An increasing number of churches in Michigan are reaching out to singles, providing spiritual guidance and a comfortable place to meet.
Ward Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Northville Township has one of the largest singles ministries. About 3,000 participate in the church's three singles groups geared for people from their 20s to those over 50. The church offers separate services for unmarried members and events ranging from softball leagues to movie nights.
"In the past, it was a married world, and that's now changing a lot," said Paul Clough, minister of singles programs at Ward Church.
About once a month, 100 to 125 Jewish singles flock to a bar to socialize in the search for a lifelong partner.
"In reality, there are a lot of single Jews out there who want to meet other Jews," said Jonathan Goldstein, 27, of Birmingham, who connected with his fiancee through a Jewish bar night.
At Trinity Church in Livonia, the Rev. Michael Van Horn has taken a different approach to the large number of college students and young people who attend his church: Integrate, don't separate them from the congregation.
"I think in a healthy church, you have cross-generational relationships," Van Horn said.