What is “The State of Dating”?
The State of Dating is a free ministry training program designed to help pastors, Christian singles, and Church leaders better understand the world of online dating. As 30 million+ Christians in the U.S. are expected to use an online dating app this year, it’s imperative that the local Church provide adequate education, training, and resources to keep their singles and their Church safe.
Our team has created every necessary resource to equip your church or group to run your very own State of Dating event—at no cost and with no additional work needed. This event will share with your church and ministry staff exactly what they need to know to handle the growth of online dating through Biblical lenses.
What are the next steps if you’re interested in learning more? All you need to do is preview the training through the link below, let us know that you’re interested in running your own event, and our team will send you all of the supplies and creatives to do so, at no cost.
Additionally, our team is prepared to come along side of yours and assist in any way that you need to reach the greatest number of people with this critical knowledge.
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 are covered in the training?
- 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 much does it cost for our church or group to run this training with our people?
There is absolutely no cost to run The State of Dating ministry training with your group, singles, congregation, or ministry team. All we ask is that you fill out the interest form and let us know when and where you’re running the event so that we may support you and pray for your event.
What free resources do you have available for us to run this event?
- 40 minute State of Dating Training Video (linked below for you to preview)
- 30 minute Special Interview Video with Dr. Paul Johns, PhD (linked below for you to preview)
- Small group materials for breakout groups or breakout discussions
- Digital creatives for promoting the event
- Social media postings for promoting the event
- Flyers for promoting the event
- Additional resource links for leaders
FAQ
You can reach our team by filling out the interest form from any of the links on this page or you can send us an email at info@thestateofdating.com.
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.
Yes, The State of Dating is 100% free to watch and 100% free to run the event with your group or at your church. The reason it is free is that our ministry is passionate about getting this vital information into the hands of Church leaders, singles, and ministry leaders to better protect our Church.
The training event can be run for the singles in your congregation or for your ministry team—or both. When we share the video links and supplies with you, we have different assets and event plans that work for either group separately or both together. Our team is happy to help customize whatever you need.
The State of Dating main training is 40 minutes and is followed by a bonus 30 minute interview with Dr. Johns, PhD. While you’re more than welcome to share this with your singles, this is specifically designed for ministry leaders.
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.