Dating online is challenging for anyone, but Christians often find it even more difficult. This e-book is designed to help active Christians find truly Christian dating sites and be successful at online dating without compromising their beliefs.

Dating has become increasingly complicated in recent years, and for Christians you can multiply all of the confusion and complexity tenfold. Why? Because there are several things to take into consideration that non-Christians don't have to worry about. Christians looking for a partner not only consider compatibility and attraction, but faith issues, beliefs and Christian values. Most Christians also intend to wait until marriage before having sex, which complicates the dating process even more (avoiding temptation is no easy task when you're trying to get to know someone on a deeply personal level).

Some Christians hesitate to use the Internet to find romance because they feel it is questioning God's plan for them. On the contrary, God has never asked us to sit by passively and wait for life to happen to us. We do not sit at home expecting God to deliver groceries, find us the right job or tell us where to move. Instead, we pray earnestly and pursue our goals actively. Dating should be handled the same way. Pray for guidance, then get out there and pursue a relationship!

Dating 24/7

If you're like most people, your life is incredibly busy. Even though you may feel that there's something missing, it certainly isn't responsibilities and or commitments! Between work, church, friends and any activities you are involved in, it can be very difficult to find the time to get to know members of the opposite sex. By joining an online dating service, you are always open to meeting others because your profile is always "on." If you check your mail box several times a week, you will discover that others have been reading your profile and learning about you even while you're at work or were busy with other activities. You can reply when you it's convenient for you, whether it's early in the morning or late at night.

More Options, Better Options

The Internet provides a wonderful way to meet many more Christian singles than you would meet in your daily life. For most Christians, church is the one place where you will meet Christians regularly, but there are few singles in your age group. It is also difficult at times to date within your church family because it is such a small family - it can feel like all eyes are on you every step of the way!

Christian singles sites cast a wide net - you can search for singles based on a number of criteria and make it as broad or as narrow as you like. Within a fifty mile radius there are probably hundreds of Christian singles just like you who are simply looking for someone from another congregation.

Let's face it, dating can be hazardous to your beliefs - many singles try looking for potential partners in bars and nightclubs. Even solid Christians have been tempted to try this route out of desperation because they get tired of being alone every weekend. But think about it - is this the kind of person you want to spend eternity with? If not, why bother? Internet singles sites will introduce you to like-minded believers who will have interests similar to yours.

Quality Conversations

Small talk and getting to know one another is difficult on those first few dates. One of the best things about Internet dating is the chance to pace yourself. Because you begin with emails and work your way up, you get become more comfortable with the other person before that first face-to-face meeting. Have you ever noticed that it's easier to talk about some things in an email than in person? Part of this is because you aren't worrying about things like your appearance, and part of it is because you can organize your thoughts clearly before sending your email. The other person can then take his or her time to formulate a thoughtful reply. No getting tongue-tied or wishing you could take back words spoken in haste!

The next step after emails is usually talking on the phone. Again, you'll discover that long conversations by phone eliminate a lot of the unimportant stuff - like agonizing over how you look, whether he or she is going to kiss you and what the other person is wearing. You are taking the time to connect on an intellectual and spiritual level. Take advantage of this time and tell each other about your beliefs, goals and hopes. Talk about your church families - this can be very revealing. By taking the time now, you'll be more likely to get it right.

Narrowing a Broad Field

We mentioned earlier that one great advantage of Internet dating for Christians is that you have the opportunity to get to know so many singles. On the flip side, this can mean you may become a bit frustrated by how many single Christians are out there. The good news is that the dating sites can help you narrow the field by doing some screening for you. All Christians don't hold to the same beliefs - and that's fine. If, however, you are strongly evangelical, you will probably be less likely to click with a liberal Christian. A good Christian dating website will enable you to indicate where your faith lies along the Christian spectrum. Avoiding Temptation

Temptation is always present, ready to create innumerable problems for Christians. Online dating is one way to remember why you are dating in the first place - and it isn't to get physical as quickly as possible. Corresponding by email and talking on the phone give you the chance to become friends first. You will build a bond built on shared faith, common ideals and long hours of sharing without ever having touched. As Christians, this is essential to a successful partnership. Relationships that start out based on physical attraction seldom last long. Passion will fade, but a healthy emotional and spiritual relationship can last forever.