What is “The State of Dating 2023”?
The State of Dating 2023 is a free online event designed to provide pastors, Church leaders, and single’s group leaders with the information and resources they need to better understand, educate, and serve the Christian singles within their scope of influence who may be dating online or who may have questions about digital faith-based dating.
2023 State of Dating Speakers
Dr. Paul A. Johns, PhD, LMFT, CFLE
Paul is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Family Life Educator, Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) at Messiah University, and Chair of the HDFS Department. He has a PhD in Professional Counseling from Liberty University (2018), a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Bethel Seminary (2001), and a Bachelor of Arts in Family Studies from Messiah College (1996).
Paul has extensive experience working with families, couples, and individuals in various outpatient and home-based settings, and has designed and facilitated numerous marriage enrichment seminars for churches. He also serves as an American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Approved Supervisor for those pursuing a marriage and family therapy license in PA.
Jason Lee – Industry Expert
Jason is a husband, a father, a former U.S. Army officer, and an industry expert in the field of online dating. For nearly a decade, Jason has worked with dating app brands (faith-based and secular) in the realms of marketing, customer acquisition, and consulting, giving him an unparalleled look behind the scenes at how the industry operates. Additionally, Jason is the founder of Higher Bond, a Christian dating app designed for singles who value faith as the driving force behind their relationship decisions.
Jason is passionate about two main topics in this industry—creating a safe, Christ-centered, and intentional space for Christian singles and educating Church leaders on what they need to know to best support singles in this uncertain landscape.
What topics will be covered at the event?
- The Hidden Dangers of Online Dating for Christians
- Real World Examples of What Christians Encounter When Dating Online
- Dopamine and Mental Health: The Effects of Swipe-Based Matchmaking
- The Link Between Technology Addiction and Online Dating
- Speaking the Language of Online Dating: Terminology and Buzzwords
- Practical Ways to Support Singles Who Choose to Date Online
How do I attend The State of Dating 2023?
Cost: Free (Registration required)
Date: Thursday, October 19, 2023
Time: 1:00 PM EST, 10:00 AM PST
Duration: 60-80 minutes
Location: Virtual (Online)
FAQ
The State of Dating 2023 is a virtual/on-line event. Attendees who register will be emailed a link to attend the event that will work from any device (computer, phone, or tablet).
No, being a pastor is not a requirement to attend The State of Dating 2023. You may be a Church leader, small groups leader, organization leader, or anyone who has influence with Christian singles.
If you are a Christian single who is not in leadership, Discovering Dating 2023 is a similar event designed for you on Saturday, November 4, 2023. Click here for information on Discovering Dating 2023.
The State of Dating 2023 is a free event. There is no cost to attend.
We encourage this! Our goal is to share this important information with as many leaders and people in positions of influence as possible. Invite your colleagues, your staff, other leaders in your area, other pastors you know—anyone you feel might benefit from the information.
Yes, absolutely!
The State of Dating 2023 is expected to last 60-80 minutes.
As millions of Christian singles each year turn to online dating , we feel it’s important for the Church to be prepared to support and educate those who choose this path, even if it’s not something they have personally used or are accustomed to. Our goal is to bridge the knowledge gap to empower and equip Church leaders and influential leaders to better serve the singles they interact with.
No, attendees do not need to have a webcam or microphone access to attend the event. There will be chat options for asking questions, though, this is not a requirement to attend.