1 Corinthians 7:7

For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that (KJV)

Then: Obviously, the Lord does not give the same gifts to everyone. Some, like Paul, are given a gift of celibacy, but others are given the gift of marriage (Hays, p 117). Paul later explains that his gift allows greater focus and dedication to serving Christ. It is probably the reason he wishes all men "were even as I myself."

Now: Singles groups are popular in many churches. Some join in order to search for a marriage partner. Others join because they expect to find fellowship with others who intend to dedicate their lives to serving Christ in a state of singleness. The groups provide a place for many who have felt isolated in churches concentrating on family activities.

Extra source: First Corinthians by Richard B. Hayes (John Knox Press, 1997) on line at http://books.google.com/books?id=M_PC0PAs3VYC&dq=1+Corinthians+and+Richard+B.+Hays&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=2oPcStDCIIvf8Aaq0Ki3BQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=11&ved=0CCMQ6AEwCg#v=onepage&q=1%20Corinthians%20and%20Richard%20B.%20Hays&f=false