Gina Dalfonzo - One by One: Welcoming the Singles in Your Church

Heres a book on singleness that wont tell you how to score a spouse nor condemn a growing generation of unmarried Christians. Instead, Gina Dalfonzo shares her own story along with many others, enriching our understanding of the stereotypes they face and the faith they live by.

Kate Shellnutt, Christianity Today

Many of our churches continue to focus their outreach and programming toward families, often (unintentionally) leaving Christian singles feeling as though theyre on the outside looking in. Gina Dalfonzo offers an insight-filled and gracious look at the ways in which both individual congregations and Christian subculture havent been especially hospitable to singles. In addition, she offers readers thoughtful ways in which they can include, enfold, and honor the experiences of singles in their churches. One by One is full of practical wisdom that a congregation of any size can use to create a culture of welcome for every member of the body of Christ.

Michelle Van Loon, author of Moments & Days: How Our Holy Celebrations Shape Our Faith

Without preaching or shaming, Gina Dalfonzo tells the church what we need to know: that is, the experience of the singles in our midst (or, perhaps of the singles who cant stand to be in it!). With sometimes hilarious and always warm and wise insights from her life, as well as the lives of other single people, Dalfonzo shows us ways to fully love and welcome our single brothers and sisters.

Caryn Rivadeneira, author of Known and Loved: 52 Devotions from the Psalms

One by One is a desperately needed book just now for churches serious about honoring the inherent dignity of all who enter their doors. In this very practical book, Gina identifies how the church underserves singles even while the larger culture leaves them looking for connection and truth. I hope it gets the wide reading it deserves.

John Stonestreet, president, the Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview

One by One is an immensely insightful encouragement to every churchgoer. The book is beautifully written and brimming with stories and hard-won wisdom. Gina Dalfonzo encourages us to not only love the singles in our midst but to also empower them, tapping into an amazing resource for the kingdom. A thoroughly enjoyable read!

Mary DeMuth, author of Worth Living: How God s Wild Love for You Makes You Worthy

When it comes to singles in the church, this is the book the evangelical church has needed! Dalfonzo makes fair critiques while also expressing gratitude for the church. And then she graciously offers a way forward. This book is smart, persuasive, and convicting. I want to hand a copy to every church leader I know. Dalfonzo is a wise and desperately needed voice in the evangelical church today. Heed her wisdom.

Marlena Graves, author of A Beautiful Disaster

Intimate and excessively readable, Dalfonzo claims a spot for singles in every congregation in a voice at once both erudite and empathetic. Her pragmatic and compassionate tone, integrated with several perspectives from singles across the country, provides an integral space for acceptance and commonality. Essential reading for every member of a church congregation, One by One extends beyond the single experience and speaks to the church community at large.

Rachel McMillan, author of A Lesson in Love and Murder

Gina Dalfonzo has written an important, wise, nuanced, and insightful book on singleness in the church. Weaving literary examples with interviews and Scripture, Gina has something to challenge and encourage all of us, single or married, pastor or layperson. As our cultures sexual ethics continue to move away from biblical standards, we will need voices like Dalfonzos to articulate a virtuous, flourishing vision for singleness.

Alan Noble, PhD, editor-in-chief, Christ and Pop Culture

Dalfonzo seeks to break down some of the stereotypes about Christian singles and change the way the church thinks about and interacts with the singles sitting beside them in the pews. Singles, like married couples and families, need support, sympathy, and celebration for important life events. Church leaders often dont realize thiswhich is why every pastor should have a copy of One by One on his or her desk.

Anne Morse, coauthor of My Final Word with Chuck Colson and Prisoner of Conscience: One Man s Fight for Human and Religious Rights with Frank Wolf