Single Christian Network - "We Try Harder"

Single Christian Network was founded in 1991 and is today one of the largest internet introductory services designed exclusively for Christians. It has had hundreds of thousands of members and has helped thousands of Christians find romance, engagement and marriage. It is generally highly rated by websites that provide reviews of Christian dating services.

Clark S, the CEO, agreed to answer a few questions from Christian Counseling Services.

Many Christians are fearful of online dating – what words of reassurance can you offer them?

People often become confused with the term "online dating." In reality there is no such thing. We date people - not internets. The internet is simply a tool that we use in order to meet others.

Connecting to others through the internet is actually safer than the other methods of meeting. We can remain completely anonymous until we are 100% sure about the other party. This is not true with any other way of communicating.

Remember too that the same principles of safety apply to communicating online as any other way. Meeting someone randomly in a bowling alley and going out on a date with that person is no more safe than communicating first via email and instant messaging.

There is a bit of "hype" out there about the safety of meeting online and that is generally because when something does happen it is sensationalized by the media.

In reality, communicating online is the most secure and safe way of communicating in existence.

How should Christians go about selecting an online dating service?

A Christian should find out the background of the organization running the actual dating site.

There are many so-called "Christian" sites that are Christian in name only. For example Bigchurch.com is owned by Penthouse. Yes - that Penthouse.

There are sites that offer reviews of Christian dating sites, so look for those.

Look for an "About Us" page on the site. That page will give more information about the ownership. And, easily enough, every reputable site will have a "Contact Us" page. Find that page - and ask.

There are many Christian sites that are run by Christians. Single Christian Network is one.

Please tell me a little about Single Christian Network.

Single Christian Network was founded in 1991 as a mail-order matching service. In 1995 SCN went online and has been growing ever since. SCN is one of the oldest online dating services in existence.

Single Christian Network differentiates itself from many other Christian dating sites by being more personal. We are not a big corporate conglomerate. You’ll often find me online chatting in the chat room or posting on the forums or emailing many of our members. We are a big family.

We have very supportive forums where members get advice and give advice and just share together. It is a very homey atmosphere. There are bigger sites and sites with more bells and whistles, but no “better” sites. I think of us like the old Avis commercials: “We try harder.” I hope that never changes.

Is online dating a growing business, or is it just some kind of passing trend?

Online dating will continue to grow forever. The reason is simple - there are single, lonely people. This need will always be here, and there will always be dating sites to help meet this need.

What are some of the mistakes that Christians make when searching for a partner online?

Perhaps the biggest mistake is made by jumping in too fast. Sometimes loneliness clouds our thinking. A Christian should use wisdom and prudence. This means checking into things.

Take time to really find out about the other person before rushing into things. And of course, the Christian should pray and seek guidance. The same mistakes are made with online dating as are made with meeting other ways.

What are some of the most important words of advice you can offer Christians seeking a partner online?

This can be answered with the question above. Take your time. Move slowly. Don't let your emotions cloud your judgment. Listen to God. And, ask for advice. Let close friends know about what you are doing and get their advice. Don't move out alone, but use the extra wisdom and counsel of friends.

Yet at the same time - be willing to make a mistake. Have a bit of courage. Don't be so timid that you are not ready to take any risks. Contact lots of people, even those that are just outside of the criteria you might be seeking. You never know.

And - don't give up. That special person could be the next person that signs up. Don't miss them by giving up too quickly.

Clark, thank you very much.

April 20th, 2009

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