Single Parents Pursuing Christ — Ministry Program Process

1. Church Partnership/Individuals Interest - Ministry Introduction

• Introduce Single Parents Pursuing Christ to local churches and ministry leaders.

• Explain the mission, vision, and Christ-centered approach of the program.

• Meet with church leadership or individuals to determine whether the program is a good fit for them.

• For congregations, identify a Church Liaison who will serve as the connection between the church, ministry, mentors, and single-parent families.

​

2. Identifying Single-Parent Families

• Work with the partnering church and community to identify single-parent families who may benefit from support.

• Provide an opportunity for single parents to learn about the program without pressure or judgment.

• Explain what the mentoring relationship involves and what families can expect.

• Complete a Single-Parent Family Application/Intake Process.

• Identify the family's needs, strengths, goals, interests, and areas where additional support may be helpful.

• Obtain appropriate consent and releases and provide training before participation.

​

3. Family Assessment; Matching

• Review the family's application and needs.

• Identify appropriate mentor resources within the partnering church and community.

• Consider compatibility, family needs, geographic location, schedules, interests, and available resources.

• Establish clear expectations and boundaries before the relationship begins.

• Introduce the families in a safe, structured setting.

​

4. Mentor Training

• Provide required training before mentors begin serving.

• Covers:

  • The mission and purpose of Single Parents Pursuing Christ

  • Understanding the unique challenges facing single-parent families

  • Building healthy relationships

  •  Listening and communicating effectively

  • Encouragement rather than judgment

  • Maintaining appropriate boundaries

  • Confidentiality

  • Recognizing situations that require additional help

  • Child and family safety

  • Safe-interaction guidelines

  • Appropriate communication through phones, texting, and social media

  • When and how to contact SPPC staff

  • How to pray with and encourage families appropriately

  • Provide mentors with a handbook and ongoing resources.

​

5. Family-Mentor Introduction

• Staff will assist to arrange an initial meeting to introduce the mentor family and single-parent family.

• Allow both families to ask questions and establish expectations.

​

6. Establishing the Mentoring Relationship

• Mentor families commit to walking alongside the single-parent family.

• Meet or connect regularly according to encourage healthy family experiences and connections.

• Helping parents build a stronger support network.

• The goal is not to “fix” the family, but to walk beside them.

​

7. Spiritual Support; Discipleship

• Encourage the parent and children to grow in their relationship with Jesus.

• Share biblical encouragement and Scripture appropriately.

• Pray for and with families when welcomed.

• Encourage participation in church worship and Bible studies.

​

8. Program Oversight

• Check in regularly with both the mentor and single-parent family.

• Monitor the health of the mentoring relationship.

• Address concerns or challenges early.

• Help resolve misunderstandings.

• Connect families with additional resources when needs go beyond the mentor's role.

​

The Simple Journey
Church Partnership/Individual Interest → Family Identification → Application →
Assessment → Mentor Recruitment → Background Check → Mentor Training →
Family/Mentor Matching → Relationship Building → Practical & Spiritual Support →
Ongoing Oversight → Growth & Empowerment → Evaluation → Continued Connection