Lewie Clark on singleness, suffering, and belonging.

Can't find community? Create it. This week's guest reminds us that the Apostle Paul belonged to the communities he created.

We are taking a break from Christmas episodes this week. In this critical episode of Mercycast, my good friend Lewie Clark joins me as we dive into an often-overlooked topic: singles' unique and vital role in ministry and church leadership. In the church, there's often an implicit assumption that marriage is the "default" position for leadership, but we believe that single people have a crucial and powerful kingdom purpose.

Lewie and I unpack the biases singles face within the church—sometimes unspoken but often profoundly felt. We also explore how these biases distort our thinking about discipleship, community, and belonging. We share the importance of embracing suffering in our walk with Jesus and how it can deepen our relationships and sense of calling.

The conversation doesn't shy away from loneliness, whether in marriage or singleness. We talk about how both states can lead to feelings of isolation and how these experiences, while painful, can be transformative when we allow God to enter them. Through love, hospitality, friendship, and invitation, discipleship becomes a space where we welcome each other's humanity, including the genuine longing for connection.

Whether single or married, join us for a robust conversation on the intersections of singleness, ministry, and discipleship and how we can better love one another amid our joys and sufferings.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Singles often face biases in church leadership roles.
• Singles primarily wrote the New Testament.
• Community is essential for both single and married individuals.
• Discipleship is rooted in love and friendship.
• Suffering can be a powerful tool for growth in discipleship.
• Church planting does not guarantee disciple-making.
• Discipleship requires laying down one's life for others.
• Singles should be recognized as valuable members of the church community.
• Hospitality is crucial for creating a sense of belonging.
• Belonging is rooted in sacrificial love and community.
• Healthy relationships require limits and intentionality.
• Everyone, regardless of marital status, longs for deep connections.

You can find Lewie's first book, Imitating Jesus, here! Here is the link for his new book, Single-Minded Service, where he unpacks the ideas discussed in this episode.

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Email us at [email protected]. For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

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