Are you a Christian single? Many singles face challenges in the dating world, including feeling overlooked and pressured to find “the one”. It Takes A Church is a new Christian dating show airing Thursday, June 5th, 2014 at 9 p.m. (ET/PT) on Game Show Network (GSN). Curb Recording Artist and Multi-Grammy nominated Natalie Grant is hosting the show and I had an opportunity to chat with her about It Takes A Church and dating for Christians.
What Happens on the Show?
A single individual is featured in their church each week and their congregation and pastor helps guide them in learning what they need in a spouse as they learn about three potential suitors. Some of the contestants attend the same church, while others are recommended by those closest to them. In the end the church takes a vote on who they think is best suited for the single individual, but the single has the final say. The remaining two suitors each get a free membership to ChristianMingle.com.
What is dating like for Christians today compared to 10 years ago?
Grant commented on how people are getting married much younger, regardless of whether they are Christian or not. She also said, “I think dating is a complete waste of time! You don’t have to date. Only date if there is something you can do about it. If you are ready to get married, great! Start dating and figure out who it is you feel a connection with and what is important to you.”
Why do Christian singles feel lonely in church at times?
There are many great things churches do, including reaching out to their local community and building stronger families, but singles may not feel they fit into a specific area. Grant stated, “I hope churches begin to become inspired to create a space for singles. Singles need to be recognized and validated and let to be known that they have an important contribution to the congregation.”
Why did you choose to host It Takes A Church?
Natalie shared her life-changing experiences of going to a homeless shelter that one of the churches started and other local ministries. She said, “When I first was asked to host a Christian dating show, I said NO! I’m a local church girl and I grew up in the church and I’ve been in music for so long. I go in and do a concert and leave. But with this, I have the opportunity to get to know pastors and congregations and really spend time in the local church. That is my favorite part of this job and that’s what drew me to it.”
Why do some feel that dating and church don’t mix?
While talking with Grant, her enthusiasm showed that she isn’t just marketing a show; she believes that a person’s church should help guide them while dating and finding a spouse. “Where do you propose that people who want to have a high standard, high morals, high values and a strong faith – where are they supposed to meet someone?“The church is the perfect place to meet someone. It’s almost taboo to talk about our love life in church. It’s the place we should be talking about it. These are the people we trust. When you choose to belong to a church you are choosing to do life with those people. You are choosing that pastor to have the opportunity to speak Godly wisdom and counsel into your life and so they should be speaking into this part of it.”
The best way to describe It Takes A Church is to watch it! Everyone has a different experience when it comes to dating, from people who rushed into marriage too young to singles in their thirties who have never been married. What do you think of a Christian dating show? Is it the newest door to truly find your soul mate? Be sure to watch It Takes A Church on Thursdays at 9 p.m. on GSN!
About Natalie Grant
Natalie Grant is an award-winning Christian artist who released her first album in 1999. She won Female Vocalist of the Year in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2012 and was nominated for a Grammy in 2012 for Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance for “Alive”. Hit songs include “Hurricane”, “Held”, “Your Great Name”, “I Will Not Be Moved”, “The Greatness of Our God”, “Human”, “In Better Hands” and “Always Be Your Baby”. She lives in Tennessee with husband Bernie Herms and their three daughters, seven year old Grace Ana and Isabella Noelle and three year old Sadie Rose.
Article by Elise Cleary
I am a Christian writer and editor that lives in northern Michigan and thoroughly enjoy music, movies, TV shows, books and other entertainment with a Christian focus. My favorite song is "Oceans" by Hillsong United because it reminds me that has big plans for me and everyone else who puts their trust in Him. There are many movies that have impacted my life, but a few include God's Not Dead, The Shunning and Letters to God. I also write for www.faithandentertainment.com and love connecting with readers, so please don't hesitate to contact me! When I'm not writing I enjoy watching movies and laughing with my busy toddler and husband.
