Little research has been completed to determine the life cycles for single adults and to identify how they differ from married adults. Single in a Married World reports on one study by three counselors. While this book is written from a secular viewpoint and does not always reflect Christian perspectives, the authors' insights make it a book worth reading. For married Single Adult Ministries leaders, it provides an overview of the stages of singleness, the tasks, and issues faced.

North American culture continues to hold marriage as the rite of passage into adulthood. Marriage is the expected progression from dependency to adulthood. When this passage is delayed or not taken, it becomes difficult for portions of society to view these individuals as adults. This emphasis on marriage often makes it difficult, and sometimes uncomfortable, for single adults to make decisions frequently deemed as those made by couples. This includes purchasing a home, beginning a retirement plan, purchasing furniture and other household items, and many others.

This reluctance becomes a major challenge for Single Adult Ministries. We must validate the individuals involved in our ministries as adults. We must applaud their decisions to move on with their lives and affirm the adulthood of the more reluctant ones. As our single adults understand the task of each life cycle stage and receive encouragement and support, we empower them to forge ahead. Single Adult Ministries may well be the first entity of the church to recognize their adulthood.