With the growth of the Internet and the online dating industry, free Christian dating sites are becoming more ever more popular with people of the Christian faith. A quick search on google displays links and information to more than 20 dating sites that are catered to Christian single men and women.

What's common among these sites are the ability to create and edit profiles, send messages and search or be matched with other potential mates via the respective technologies. Some sites even offer instant messaging and video chat. Most sites typically require applicants to be at least 18 years old.

While these sites market themselves as Christian sites, there is no guarantee that any one person you meet will be a Christian or conduct their lives according to the Christian faith. As in traditional forms of dating, good judgement and time will be required to find someone that is compatible with you. For Christians, to have one partner in a relationship that is not "Equally Yoked" or growing in the Christian faith is potentially devastating to the relationship. Issues relating to communication, money management, child rearing and others become more difficult to reconcile.

Some Christian singles who have not tried online dating services may be apprehensive at first about becoming a member of any online dating site. There is nothing wrong with becoming a member of these sites as long as the member understands that there is an expectation from the service that members will conduct themselves according to Christian principles. As in most dating sites, Christian dating sites are opportunities for members to find new people to meet, discover interests, organize dates and enjoy the company of a person of the opposite sex. An added benefit to joining these sites is that people that don't fit the profile of a potential mate can turn out instead to be a great member of your bible study group or small group. And unlike other websites where individuals are not bound by the Christian tradition of sex within the confines of marriage, Christian dating sites attract people who understand that the person they meet will likely know and abide by their Christian beliefs towards sex.

Some Christian dating sites allow a potential member to "test drive" their site before requiring that visitor to pay subscription fees. Use this trial period to get familiar with the different functions. Read carefully the terms of the promotional period and make a note of when it expires so you don't run the risk of getting billed for something you are not ready to use. Take advantage of the trial period to see who the members are and whether there are any matches for you that you can follow up on. Here are some tips to get you started.

A Few Tips to Get You Started

- Don't let fear, doubt or other people's opinions get in your way of finding true love and happiness

- Don't assume anything about your potential date. Ask lots of questions, then trust your instincts about whether to proceed to the next stage of communication

- Bring a positive expectation and confidence that you will meet a compatible mate for life

- Expect to meet people that are not compatible for you. Use these opportunities to make a new friend. They could very likely be the connection that brings you to your future life partner

- Register for at least three sites to expand your list of possible matches and make the effort to arrange a date at least once a week.

- Have Fun!

Some of the most popular free Christian dating sites are eHarmony (Best for adults 35+), Christian Cafe, Christian Mingle and Christian Perfect Match.