A friend and I began planning an event for our church church unmarried men and women could mingle and get to know each other. But I wanted to plan an evening of outright speed dating. They agreed.
Fair enough. In the end, however, my co-planner began dating a guy, and I lost interest in planning the evening alone. The night of speed dating never happened.
Healthy Dating Leads to Healthy Marriages If churches value healthy marriages, they also should value the process that leads to it; namely, dating. For example, if a dating couple communicates and solves conflict well, their church of continuing this in marriage are higher.
The converse is also dating. Addictions, unaddressed trauma, and unhealthy patterns that fester in the dating of dating couples will carry over and hurt a marriage. If churches can help unmarried men and women heal and learn to communicate clearly in dating, police dating website will undoubtedly help mitigate some future issues in marriage.
Pre-marital programs are essential. Where do Christian singles learn how to date? Through friends? Their parents? These are valid resources, save the last one.
The Secret to Dating at Church
Singles need pastors, leaders, and mentors to teach them biblical principles on how to date well. More than that, singles need to rub shoulders and interact with mature married couples. The model of a healthy marriage is invaluable. They also need one-on-one mentoring—someone to walk alongside them as they search for dating spouse.
Why should churches care about mental health?
Mentors can listen, guide, and church a shoulder to cry on when dating relationships get tough. The Church is a Great Place for Singles to Meet The church building itself and its programs for singles are an ideal place where they can meet, mingle, date, and get married. The sanctuary better than flirting at sports bars?
No pastor I know would disagree.
Where Else Will They Learn to Date?
At the same time, unmarried men and women need to explicitly hear from the pulpit that the church is a safe place where singles can meet and interact.
One way pastors can do this is by preaching pro-dating sermons. Let singles know that if they want to marry, you are rallying for them to find a spouse and are here to help. Create a welcoming church environment for singles, letting them know that you value them, whether they get married or not. Talking About Dating Benefits Everyone Healthy dating not dating leads muslim dating sites healthy marriages, but also healthy churches.
Sometimes teaching about dating and helping singles meet gets messy, and dating itself can be confusing.
Healthy Dating Leads to Healthy Marriages
He is a relationship and conflict resolution specialist with advanced studies in church, peacemaking and negotiation. First Name. Facebook X Instagram. Join Our Newsletter. First Name Email Subscribe. View Cart Checkout Continue Shopping.