Christian Online Dating - Is there room for online dating in the church?

You probably know someone who has met their significant other online. Are you curious to know how online dating? Understand the world of online dating and discover how the internet can help someone meet their soulmate.

Meeting your match online

The steam from the coffee struggled to rise in the air between us because the atmosphere had gotten so tense. It was one of those girlfriend get-togethers of ours where we would discuss the new things in our lives. On that particular day the topic was her new and absolutely amazing potential boyfriend. I listened, smiled and nodded.

She was glowing like a child on Christmas morning. As the words spewed out of her mouth, not even bothering to stop to take a breath between the sentences, I marvelled at her. This was the happiest I’d seen her in a long time. When she finally paused I took the opportunity and asked the most basic question. She took a deep breath and just stared at me. It was as though she was giving me a moment to get a handle on my judgmental eyes. It was at that moment I realised that her rumblings were actually to keep from asking that question.

I let out a scoff and gave her an encouraging look. Since when had the question; “So, how did you guys meet?” become such a mine field to answer? She swallowed hard and smiled at me. Casually (almost a little too casually) she scratched her forehead and answered; “Online,” she let out a giggle, “We met online.”

Very few things in a person’s life can be worse than not being married to the most amazing person in the world. The stares you occasionally generate from your happily married friends and family can be heart-breaking. The simple events like coming from a successful business trip and getting to the airport to witness your colleague receive a hero’s welcome from his adoring child and a kiss from his wife are enough to dampen any mood. The room you used to enjoy having all to yourself suddenly feels too big, and even with all the treasure you’ve gathered, it starts to feel empty.

It is not surprising that you do not want to share your life with just any one. Your eyes have learnt to wander automatically in church – the most ideal place to meet a like-minded person when it comes to the most important aspect of your life. Occasionally, they land on the most gorgeous eyes and for a second it feels as though you have found that missing half...but then they receive a kiss on their temple and the hand resting comfortably around them tells you they are taken - as all the good ones are. Even worse, every time someone pays you attention it ends the same way; they want something selfish and short-term and often times they leave you drained and disappointed.

“And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him.”

Genesis 2: 18

When worry settles, doubt and fear are not so far behind. My intention is not to discourage you from longing, because to be honest that is a part of life we cannot switch off at will. On the contrary I want to encourage you. I know what damage longing can do to the soul but I also know what restoration and power that support in Faith can give. Finding someone who shares your ideals might have you travelling further outside your immediate community. Consider trying new things by expanding your border while staying in the comfort of your physical borders.

The ways to mix, mingle and make real connections have diversified over the years. Instead of having to pick out that killer outfit and keeping your smile in check, the internet has provided a way for people to meet in a relaxed setting. You can finally meet people without the help of your well-meaning friend who sets you up with someone they know who ‘you must absolutely meet’ but it turns out after an awkward date she had not meant it as a joke.

“then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind... not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others”

Philippians 2: 2&4

So you turn to online dating. However, online dating can be a little daunting. Many people are engaged in this way of meeting other like-minded people but very few of these people have a clue to what they are setting themselves up for. Anything that involves the uploading of personal information onto the World Wide Web, even if it is a frivolous as online dating, is something you want to be fully educated about.

Can you find love online?

If you are already part of this growing and exciting community and you were not fully aware of what you signed up for or are just finding it hard to optimize your chances of finding the best partner for you, do not sweat it. By the end of this series you will know exactly how to manage your profile in a fruitful manner. And if you are interested in knowing more about online dating for Christians, male and female alike, you are in the right hands. After this journey, all your online questions will be answered. And I will even give you answers to questions did not know you should have been asking.

As you explore the vast means by which you can meet that person whom you can share the rest of your life with, may the words in this series be a guiding light for you. Most importantly have fun within the constraints of knowledge and understanding. Learn new ways of fun by realising that not all fun is owed to you but the best fun is a result of joy shared. Christian Online Dating = Christian Online Fellowship. I have found so much unexpected things as I got lost in fellowship. If you find love as you fellowship online I bet it wouldn’t be the first time the Lord has blessed you when you least expected it as you were rightfully positioned in Him.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways."

Isaiah 55: 8&9

If you enjoyed this introduction to my upcoming series on Christian Online dating or online dating in general, make sure you leave a comment and let me know what you're lookinf forward to learning. Have already succeeded in your online dating, share your experiences below!