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When I first met my husband, we weren’t friends. We met online, and as we got to know each other and realised we liked each other, we decided to start dating. This meant that, effectively, we were dating whilst we were still strangers. But we wanted friendship to be the foundation of our relationship, so we started building our friendship foundation whilst dating. We’ve been married 8 years now and we’re still working on that friendship - it’s a journey.
"Rob and Andrea had on-off been part of Christian Connection for a number of years, both with a conviction to meet a faithful Christian partner, but in April 2023 Andrea had re-signed up to give online dating "one final go". She had met a few people in the past but they hadn't worked out, but this time Andrea spotted a guy hosting regular online meetups of Zoom Karaoke and, having looked on his profile, gave him a "wave"...
Here are some clues that Valentine’s Day is around the corner once again: there are hearts and flowers wherever you look, email inboxes are filling up with suggestions of everything from chocolates to kitchen appliances as perfect gift ideas, and people both single and coupled up are starting to wonder what to do for the day. There can be a lot of pressure to make the best of this one romantic day, and it’s very easy to feel overwhelmed, or left out if you don’t have anything planned. Here on Christian Connection we know romance can’t be rushed, so this Valentine’s Day why not take the romantic pressure off and focus on ways to share the love with others.
“If music be the food of love, play on.” wrote William Shakespeare. Music has the power to be inspiring, emotive, and moving, as well as fun and cheering. Whether you’re looking for a first date with a fun soundtrack or a special outing to make memories, there are lots of enjoyable musical date ideas that can help you be in tune with each other. Music can set a scene and create memories. Music is so linked to love, the great romantics among us have even been known to serenade their potential mates! It’s a feast for the senses; listening to it can be intimate and mood changing, as well as joyful and releasing.
Have you ever tried watching a movie without the score playing? It’s empty, dry and just not the same. The sweeping violins, gentle flute and tinkling piano of a romantic film all help to create an atmosphere and take you on a journey. Music is a language in itself. It’s personal, inspiring and sentimental. It’s a wonderful time traveller, creating and sparking memories. Most importantly in dating, it’s something to bond over: music and dating go together! My husband is a musician and a talented composer - funnily enough, I fell in love with his music before I even met him on Christian Connection. He even composed a theme for me that we walked down the aisle to at our wedding. Music can add so much to your dating life!
New year is a time when most people will be thinking about resolutions and making a fresh start: taking on new skills, exploring new habits and kicking out bad habits. When it comes to dating, the new year is also a great time to think about meeting new people and finding that Mr or Mrs Right. For some people, this can come with some trepidation. Fear of rejection, feeling overwhelmed, or not knowing where to start could make one give up before one even starts. I get it; I’ve been there myself. But the truth is, if you're serious about meeting someone, you need to be brave. Here are 5 ways to do that this New Year, starting now!
As a new year dawns, we are gifted a fresh opportunity to build the life and the relationship that we desire and deserve. So, how do we make the most of this opportunity? How can you let love into your life? I believe we do this by giving to ourselves, to our lives and to others the love we hope to receive.
As we step into the new year, 2025 marks not only a fresh beginning but also a meaningful milestone: the 25th anniversary of Christian Connection! Since the year 2000, Christian Connection has been dedicated to bringing singles together in a supportive, values-based environment, and fostering long-lasting love rooted in faith – with thousands and thousands of wonderful love stories begun. Whether you’ve been part of Christian Connection for a while or are just starting out on your online dating journey, there’s no better time to start exploring all that Christian Connection has to offer.
Every year more and more couples share the wonderful stories of how they met on Christian Connection and what has happened since. We make sure to ask them what advice they have for single Christians based on their own experiences, and their answers never disappoint. Read their thoughtful and wise suggestions and be encouraged.
This season is an exciting one but it can also be lonely. It doesn’t have to be this way. Admittedly, for single people, this can be a time when the reality of being single hits a bit harder, but this time of year can also be a great time to make connections that matter. So, how can you make the most of this season? What kind of connections might you want to consider?
From fun ideas for original first dates to encouraging stories from couples who met on Christian Connection, the CC blog contains a wealth of inspiration and practical advice for single Christians. Drawing together dating and relationship experts and wisdom from real life stories, these are the posts that have resonated with you this year.
Have you heard of ‘What 3 words’? It’s a system that can identify any location on Earth with a resolution of about three metres and encode it into three permanently fixed dictionary words. For example, the ‘3 words’ for 10 Downing street, London are ‘slurs.this.shark’, and the ‘3 words’ for the Eiffel tower are ‘prices.slippery.traps’. As we enter Advent, it made me think about the past year of my life and what ‘3 words’ I would use to describe it.
"No-one can know the ending without turning each page," wrote Matthew, when he got in touch to share the story of meeting Marissa on Christian Connection. For every couple who first connects through CC there's a journey of discovery - from first spotting a well-crafted profile, to saying hello to someone new through a wave or message, to starting that first conversation. When two people realise they've found something they want to explore in person and that something might lead to lasting love, we're thrilled we could help! Each #MetOnCC story is a testimony to their willingness to step out in faith.
Whether the weather is making you wish for a date that doesn’t go outside or you’re looking for something that doesn’t involve a lot of travel, you might be wondering whether to choose an indoor location for your next date - and one that isn’t just your local coffee shop. While we’ve got plenty of date ideas for those who like to escape into the great outdoors, here are some suggestions for those who like their dates to be more hygge than a hike!
Dating can be enjoyable and exciting but there are also potential pitfalls, like the risk of rejection, trying to decide whom to date, or how to discern between red flags and green ones. We can make it easier on ourselves by building an inner and outer dating support system, so that we are strong emotionally and we have people around us to cheer us on and offer sound advice.
Most people have specifications for the type of person they would like to date or marry, but I think it is even more important to make sure that you’re the kind of person someone would like to date or marry! To do this, you need to work on yourself. The truth is, we sometimes spend so much time noticing the shortcomings in potential partners’ characters and behaviours that we fail to notice that we also have shortcomings that could do with some work. Start to prepare for dating and marriage now to go into the future feeling confident and ready.
When Amy and Ian first met on Christian Connection they were living hundreds of miles apart. Using the distance to have deep conversations before they met in person, they built a relationship that has since involved a relocation, a beautiful surprise proposal, a game-filled wedding in a historic church and a new addition to their family. "One of the best things is that this always feels like it's meant to be," says Ian. "It feels like we have always known each other."
When was the last time you looked at your Christian Connection profile as others see it? However long you’ve been a member, it’s easy to forget the importance of first impressions. Your profile is your introduction to who you are and it’s worth taking the time to make sure it shows off all that is great about you! Thankfully it’s easy to boost your dating profile with a few quick changes – which can also boost your confidence about making new connections.
"I have now been happily married for 10 years with the first man I met on Christian Connection. It was obviously meant to be," wrote Roz, as she shared the story of how she met her husband Kelvin and their life together since they first connected. We know that single Christians who join CC are looking for someone who shares their faith and values, that will give them a strong foundation to build a lasting relationship. Their stories and experiences are full of tried and tested guidance for making connections that go the distance - each one starting with being brave and becoming a member!
No matter the season, one thing can always be relied upon to interrupt of even the best-laid dating plans: unpredictable weather! But don’t worry if your picnic in the park has been subjected to a rain delay, the sun has sent you running for shade, or your planned romantic walk has been blown off track by blustery gales, it’s still possible to spend some quality time getting to know each other. Here are 6 great weatherproof date ideas that can go ahead no matter what the forecast predicts.
“I’ll start dating when I’m the perfect weight or shape, or when I’ve landed my ideal job, or when I’m perfectly healed emotionally.” If this sounds familiar and you’re delaying dating until you’re in a ‘perfect’ space, it might be time to let go of the fantasy of perfection and embrace progress instead. If you need some encouragement to get started, here’s a checklist that will give you the confidence and the motivation to let go of the ideal and embrace imperfect dating.
Staying spiritually full can be challenging when you’re single. Dating itself can be full on, and whilst you’re busy planning dates and organising meet ups, it can be difficult sometimes to stay on track with your spiritual walk. Seeing friends and others couple up and get married can stir up unwanted feelings and emotions which if dwelled upon, can impact one’s spiritual life negatively. So, what can you do?
Every Christian Connection meeting story is unique. For Ian and Karen, their connection meant a major life change: "I’d never had a boyfriend before meeting him, and thought all hope was lost. I still can’t believe it finally happened," says Karen. They got in touch to share their encouraging story - and some beautiful wedding photos!
If we’ve been away from the dating scene for months or even years, it can be a challenge to start again. Maybe online dating feels like a minefield that we’re not equipped to navigate. Perhaps the process feels alien to us. Maybe we’re impatient to find love or doubtful that it’ll work out. Dating after a break can feel like a big step but there are many things we can do to make it easier.
“I actually wasn't even going to give him a look. I was living in Melbourne, and Jamie was in Adelaide…” When Angelique and Jamie first connected on Christian Connection they lived 12 hours apart. Find out how their relationship developed from a wave to a New Year proposal, to a life-changing relocation and a beautiful Italian-style wedding…
Perhaps you’ve been on the dating journey for a while and you’re thinking, “What has dating ever done for me?” Don’t give up just yet! You may not have found ‘the one’ so far, but did you know that there are many skills you can develop during the dating process? You may not have thought about it like that, but even if your journey hasn’t connected you with the perfect person just yet, you are developing life skills that will benefit you, both inside and outside of the dating world.
Every year many of us pick up a tent, pack a backpack, and head out into the great outdoors for a weekend of music, mildly questionable food choices and (sometimes) mud at our favourite festivals. But whether you’re a regular attendee or a nervous newcomer, heading to a Christian festival can be a wonderful, welcoming place to meet like-minded people. It could even be the perfect spot for a first date! With so much to do at a festival, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. But if you’re prepared, you’ll be able to tailor the experience to one that’s perfect for you. Here are our suggestions for making the best of your time.
One question the Christian Connection team is often asked is: “I’m an older person. Is online dating really for me?” The answer to that is a resounding yes! More and more mature daters are getting online to connect with potential new partners, using technology to make lasting connections. If you’re thinking about trying out online dating at a later stage of your life, you’re not alone, and we’re here to help.
“I was looking for a life partner. And I wanted to find someone who shared my faith and shared my beliefs. I heard about Christian Connection from a friend. I thought, ‘well, it's pretty good way to find someone…’” When Andrew started out on his search he had no idea it would end up in an elegant first dance to his new wife Sharon. Find out how her wave to Andrew on Christian Connection sparked a lasting relationship…
One of the challenges of dating or starting a relationship is knowing how much personal information to disclose and at what point. It can be tempting to over-share or to hold things back. So, how do we strike a healthy balance? How can we avoid under- or oversharing in dating?
In Romans 12 verse 10, the Bible says, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves”. Paul was talking to the church in Rome, but this also applies to us as Christians, and I believe can also be applied to dating relationships. The word ‘honour’ means to hold in high respect, or with great esteem. It might sound like something we reserve only for God (whom we should of course, honour), our parents or spiritual leaders. But we can see from Paul’s letter that it is meant for the rest of us as well. So, how do we show honour in dating?
Trust is a very important issue in all of life, and that’s especially true in the online dating world. We message and arrange dates with people we’ve never met, we show up and spend time with a stranger and have to decide how things will develop from there. We have to be wise, savvy and make sure we are safe, and we need to know if we can or can’t trust someone for the long term. Dating is about opening up, telling people about yourself, being vulnerable - we can only do that if we truly trust someone, otherwise we will be guarded, have a barrier up and the dates will grind to a halt. But we also need to balance our boundaries and sensible self-protection. So how we can take those first impressions of someone new and grow trust while dating?
Before Leesa and Leigh met on Christian Connection they shared similar stories – both had been married before, both had children and both felt prompted by God to join just when they did. Following God’s lead, Leesa joined just in time to meet before Leigh’s subscription ended. That connection led to an unexpected declaration of love in a fast food restaurant, a wedding surrounded by family and friends and exciting plans for the future.
When it comes to romantic attraction and finding our match, we all have our preferences, ranging from height to hair colour, and from career to relationship history. But these dating preferences can shrink our dating pool and they may keep us single. So, could it be time to broaden our dating horizons?
Going from a simple online ‘like’ to a long distance relationship and a marriage is no small feat! When Victoria first noticed James on Christian Connection she knew what she was looking for and what she wanted her dating profile to say about her. Before starting her search, she was certain of one thing: “I decided that I was going to be intentional and join a Christian dating website.” She knew of Christian connection and thought, “let me give it a try. What have I got to lose?” She had picked the perfect moment to connect with James, though she didn’t know that when she joined. James had been a Christian Connection member for some time: “My journey was a bit longer… On and off. In fact, when I was coming towards the end of using it, that's when Victoria and I met...”
If you’ve been single for a while, you’ll have noticed your dating and relationship priorities might have changed. The chances are, what someone is looking for in their early twenties is quite different from what they’re looking for later on, into their late twenties, thirties, forties and beyond. We all change as we get older, and our priorities when it comes to dating and relationships are likely to change too. So, how might what you’re looking for in a life partner change over time? What might you encounter at different dating life stages? And how can you plan for an amazing future no matter what your age?
Holding on to ourselves and being who we truly are in romantic relationships can be a huge challenge, especially if we’ve been waiting a long time to find love. But if we lose our personalities in the process of dating, it can be hard to find ourselves again, leading to unhealthy attachments. Wait a minute, you say. Surely, it’s called ‘falling in love’ for a reason? Isn’t it natural to lose parts of yourself as you look to join your life with another person? Like anything, it’s about balance.
Sometimes when dating, you just know someone isn’t right for you for the long term and letting down gently is the next step. You find your conversations going through the same small talk - again; you seem to be too different in key areas; practically it won’t work; the timing isn’t right, or that all-important growing connection just isn’t there. However, if you decide not to pursue a relationship, it is healthy to give someone closure, to finish well and be honourable in your actions. How can you do that safely and well?
Life happens. This very common saying means that you could be happily going along your day and suddenly, life throws you a curveball – some sort of unexpected problem or event. For most of us, we just deal with it as best as we can and carry on. But what do you do if ‘life happens’ when you’re dating, or getting to know someone for the purpose of a relationship? How do you navigate life changes when someone new is in the picture?
Amid life’s constant hustle and its highs and lows, we invite you to pause and reflect on some enduring truths. ‘Celebrate You’ is our new short film, created to help you reflect through powerful affirmations, highlighting your unique qualities and the infinite value you hold to God. Whether you’re watching on a big screen at a festival or on your phone at home, take a moment to let each word sink in and affirm God’s love for you and your worth in God's eyes. Watch and be uplifted by a message of love, hope and personal strength today and always.