Sekou Browne on Gender Imbalance in the Church, Bad Advice for Singles, and Why We Need More Spiritual Mothers
What is the church missing when it comes to singleness, and what would it actually look like to get it right? In this episode of the Jesus Over Everything podcast, Lisa Whittle sits down with storyteller, singles ministry advocate, and author Sekou Browne for one of the most honest and needed conversations about dating and singleness in the church. Sekou unpacks why physical and relational chemistry is not unspiritual, what the gender imbalance in the church is doing to single men and women, why telling singles to “just stop looking” is bad theology, and what the church could learn from Ruth and Naomi about showing up for the people who want to be married. Whether you are single, married with single friends, or a church leader trying to figure out how to serve your congregation well, this conversation will both challenge and encourage you.
Listen in to learn more:
(01:41) Why married people are more out of touch with dating in 2026 than they realize
(04:42) Why chemistry (physical and relational) is not unspiritual and why it matters for a lasting marriage
(11:25) The things we say to single people: well-meaning, but are they helpful or harmful?
(15:22) What singles actually need and why presence matters more than answers
(18:00) How social media has fundamentally changed how we date and how we see ourselves
(21:50) FOMO and the lie that unlimited options are actually out there
(22:37) Why single women are quietly leaving the church (and what’s driving it)
(26:10) Does celebrating marriage have to mean neglecting singles? How to hold both well
(29:46) What the story of Ruth and Naomi teaches us about building a connection culture in the church
(36:31) Why singles are going to therapists and coaches instead of the church
(38:10) What church leaders need to understand about long-term singleness
(40:29) Sekou’s last word on Jesus
Mentioned in the Episode:
Novel — Coming Up Short by Sekou Browne: https://www.sekoubrowne.com/books
One-on-One Coaching with Lisa: https://www.lisawhittle.com/coaching-with-lisa
Invite Lisa to Speak: https://www.lisawhittle.com/speaking
Connect with Sekou Browne:
Website: https://www.sekoubrowne.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koubrowne/?hl=en
Substack: https://yokednewsletter.substack.com/
Join the Coming Up Short Early Reader Team: https://www.sekoubrowne.com/coming-up-short-reader-team
Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.lisawhittle.com
Substack: https://letsbeclear.substack.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lisawhittleofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisawhittle