Month: October 2013

For the last 13 years since we launched Christian Connection, I have hoped that one day a TV programme about Internet dating would come along which is genuinely well informed, probing and helpful. But I ended up watching ‘ITV Tonight: Looking for Love’ with a mixture of frustration and resignation. Apparently the twittersphere agreed with me.

What, as an industry insider, do I feel that a good TV program should do? There are probably about 5 approaches which could …

OK, let’s get to down to business. It’s safe to assume you’re here because you don’t want to fly solo any more. You’re proactive, not just waiting for God to drop the perfect partner into the seat next to you on Sunday.

You’ve prayed (yes of course it’s praying if you say amen after whinging for an hour about still being single… right?), you might have fasted, you may even have enlisted a network of supportive cheerleaders (ideally not sporting …

Over 100 people travelled to Bedford to share their experiences and stories of being single in church and their dreams for the future. The stories varied from the positive, to the heartbreaking and the humorous. But there was an underlying sense of determination that single Christians can be empowered to affect a change in Church culture.

“Thank you to Jacqueline and all the Bedford singles team that organised the day, it really did help me to understand so much more

As part of Radio 2’s Faith in the World Week Hardeep Singh Kohli has been on a journey across the UK where he has been meeting people of faith and asking the question does their religion help or hinder solo living?

Hardeep Singh Kohli interviews Dr David Pullinger about his own experience of being single in the church.

The clip has been edited from the original broadcast, which was first aired on BBC Radio 2 on 22 Oct 2013…

A new survey on loneliness suggests that religious people may be more likely to be lonely than those without a faith. Trevor Barnes considers whether the church’s focus on the family can alienate those who live alone.

Dr David Pullinger was interviewed by Trevor Barnes about his findings.

The clip has been edited from the original broadcast, which was first aired on BBC Radio 4 on 20 Oct 2013…

Christian Connection founder Jackie Elton wrote a guest post for Global Dating Insights on what makes the Christian Dating market different.

“Building trust and community is at the heart of everything we do.”
Jackie Elton

Christian Connection was launched back in 2000 by Jackie Elton. Thirteen years on and we are still going and still independent.

Continue to read the full article……

Here’s how not to do it.

I was a bewildered ex-wife, flung back onto the dating scene after years of marriage. Looking for guidance I latched onto ‘The Rules’ (by Ellen Fein and Sherrie Schneider) and for a while it became my dating bible.

The problem is, following The Rules is even more rigorous than the Ten Commandments. There are thirty-five of them, for a start.

• Woman, thou shalt not meet him halfway.
• Thou shalt not go Dutch on dates.

‘I’m so excited to meet him at last, HopefulGirl. We’ve been chatting online for a while, and he’s such a lovely Christian man! He’s invited me to his place for dinner.’

My blood ran cold at her words, but this lady couldn’t see the problem. She thought this chap could be the answer to her dreams. I was worried he might turn out to be the stuff of nightmares.

Now, I don’t wish to put anyone off internet dating – …

Last month’s blog ‘To pursue or not to pursue’, which argued fear of rejection often stops men from pursuing women generated plenty of discussion.

In the comments a few of you asked if women should pursue men. You’ll be pleased to know you can do whatever you like and don’t need my permission! As for seeking God’s permission, the Bible wasn’t written as a guide to dating, but it’s true Ruth chased Boaz. And God didn’t seem to mind that….or …