You meet people you would never otherwise meet
You will see Christian singles who worship somewhere else, people you might never meet at your own church, your home group or a friend's wedding.
Online dating as a Christian
How Christians Find Love Online, Step by Step
Your faith comes with you. Here is how to date online and keep it at the centre.
Is online dating OK for Christians?
Yes. A Christian can date online with a clear conscience. A dating site is simply a way to meet people you would never otherwise cross paths with, and a Christian site is made for people who share your faith. What matters is what you bring to it: honesty, patience, prayer and the same values you hold on a Sunday.
Some Christians still wonder whether it is right. Creating a profile by ticking boxes, adding pictures instead of meeting face to face, sending a first hello with the press of a button: is this really a truthful and pure way to meet a person of faith?
The answer is yes, absolutely. Many churches now stream their services and run home groups and prayer meetings online, and the worship is no less real. Connecting by computer, for worship, friendship or love, is part of modern life, and used wisely and respectfully it can enrich our lives. Your online grocery shop starts at the keyboard, but that doesn't mean fake food ends up on your plate.
Why it helps
Christian singles beyond your own church
Dating online isn't so different from dating in person. In some ways it's easier.
It builds your confidence
If you have been out of dating for a while, getting back into it can feel overwhelming. Chatting first lets you get to know someone before you meet, so you arrive with things to talk about and fewer awkward silences.
A site made for Christian singles
A Christian dating site gives you the chance to meet people who share your beliefs, which brings confidence and comfort from the first message. And you never have to meet anyone until you feel you truly connect.
Keeping your Christian values online
Many Christian singles are marriage-minded and committed to a long-term relationship. Whether we are dating in person or online, those values still count.
Get to know the other person, and remember there is no such thing as too slow. If the person you are talking to has let God into their life, they will understand that growth takes time, and that supporting each other only lets the roots grow deeper and stronger. Encouraging one another in faith can be one of the most exciting parts of a new relationship, because it shows you the side of a person that goes far beyond looks.
A few habits help:
- Be the same person online as at church. Honest photos, an honest age, honest answers.
- Never feel rushed. Quick relationships rarely last. Value yourself and your faith first and foremost.
- Keep your boundaries in messages too. If a conversation pushes where you would not go in person, you can end it.
- Pray as you go. Bring each new conversation to God, not just the big decisions.
Our guide to Christian dating rules covers boundaries in more depth.
From profile to first date, one step at a time
- Write an honest profile. Say what your faith means to you, what your church life looks like and what you hope for. Our Christian dating profile tips show you how.
- Get verified. A free identity check puts a verified badge on your profile, so others know you are real.
- Look at your daily matches. They take age, location, the relationship you want and your religious beliefs into account.
- Send a warm first message. Pick up on something they wrote, not just their photo.
- Take your time. Message for a week or two, and notice how they treat you.
- Have a video call. A short call shows you the person is who they say they are.
- Meet in public. Somewhere busy and easy, with a friend who knows where you are.
Why a video call before you meet is wise
A ten-minute video call does a great deal. You hear their voice, see their face and get a feel for how easily you talk. It is also a gentle safety check: someone who always has a reason not to show their face, or who wants to move the conversation somewhere private very quickly, deserves caution. Read the signs to watch out for before you share a number, and see how we look after members on our safety page.
When the call goes well, suggest a first date. Our tips for your first Christian date will help you plan it.
Bring your church family along with you
Meeting online does not mean dating alone. Tell a trusted friend, your home group or your minister that you have joined, and ask them to pray for you. As Proverbs 15:22 says, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed" (NIV).
When things become serious, introduce the person to the people who know you best. Friends from church will often notice what you are too smitten to see, and a relationship that can stand in front of your church family is usually one built on good ground.
Finding someone takes love, hard work and dedication. The One is not a click away. A true and lasting relationship builds from the first look, the first conversation and then the first date. So does it matter that something deep and loving begins with pressing a few buttons? It shouldn't. Welcome to modern love.
Questions Christians ask about dating online
Is online dating a sin for Christians?
No. The Bible sets no rule for how two people first meet. It speaks about how we treat each other: honestly, kindly and with purity. Those apply online exactly as they do at church.
Can a Christian use a dating app?
Yes. A Christian dating site or app is simply one made for people who share your faith. See how the Christian Love dating app works on your phone.
How long should I chat online before meeting?
There is no fixed rule. Many people message for a week or two and have a video call first. Meet when you both feel ready, never because you feel pushed.
Should I tell my church I am dating online?
It helps to tell a few people you trust. They can pray for you, give honest counsel and, in time, meet the person you are seeing.