As Jehovah’s Witnesses, finding a romantic partner who shares your faith can be challenging. Many young JWs are interested in using online dating sites to expand their options, but have questions about whether there are sites specifically for Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Why use a JW dating site?
There are several potential benefits to using a dating site designed for Jehovah’s Witnesses:
- You can be sure the other members are practicing JWs in good standing
- Avoid having to filter through profiles of people with different beliefs and values
- Share your faith openly without having to explain your lifestyle
- Date someone who understands your dedication to Bible principles and ministry
- Meet people you may not encounter in your local congregation
Using a mainstream dating site opens you up to unmatched belief systems, pressure to compromise your values, and possible reproach if an unfruitful relationship develops. A JW dating site narrows the pool to those who share compatibility in the most important areas.
What does the Faithful and Discreet Slave say?
The Faithful and Discreet Slave, the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, has not directly commented on using online dating sites. However, their guidance can help JWs make wise decisions.
The Slave warns against obsessive use of the internet that takes away time and focus from spiritual activities. They also caution against forming deep emotional bonds before marriage. JWs who use online dating need to exercise prayerful discernment and not allow it to distract them from serving Jehovah.
Available options for JW dating sites
There are currently no dating sites operated by Jehovah’s Witnesses. However, some independent sites cater specifically to JW singles:
- JWDating.com – Popular international site with tens of thousands of members. Free registration and search, with optional premium membership.
- JWSingle.org – Smaller site focused on U.S. Founded by former JW. Free to join.
- ChristianCafe.com – General Christian site with options to filter by denomination. Large JW community.
- JehovahsConnect.com – Free matching based on profile compatibility. Also incorporates social network features.
These sites allow you to connect with eligible brothers and sisters worldwide. Profiles often highlight spirituality, meeting attendance, and other faith-related details.
What are the risks of using a JW dating site?
While JW dating sites have benefits, users should also be aware of potential risks:
- Not officially endorsed or monitored by JWs
- Possibility of encountering insincere or predatory users
- Developing an emotional bond too quickly
- Giving out personal info/photos to strangers
- Allowing it to distract from spiritual routines
These risks can be mitigated by proceeding cautiously, keeping elders informed, and not isolating yourselves when initially meeting someone from the site. But overall, these sites still contain unknowns.
Are there risks to avoiding online dating entirely?
Refusing to use a JW dating site does eliminate many of the previously mentioned risks. However, avoiding online dating altogether also has drawbacks:
- Greatly reduces options to find a spiritual match
- May have to consider marrying a nonbeliever or no one at all
- Possibility of being lonely or missing your chance to marry
- Feeling isolated as most people your age date online
Elders may advise limiting use of dating sites, but for some, the alternative is having no prospects at all. Each JW must prayerfully weigh these factors.
How to use a JW dating site safely
For those who decide to try using a JW dating site, here are some suggestions to stay safe:
- Get recommendations from trusted friends about which site to use
- Don’t include last name, email, or phone number in your public profile
- Conduct video chats before meeting in person
- Tell an elder or friend when you plan to meet someone
- Meet in a public place for the first few times
- Get to know the person well before developing serious feelings
- Make spiritual goals the priority over romance
By taking protective steps, you can browse your options online while still exercising caution in this unfamiliar territory.
What steps should be taken before pursuing marriage?
Meeting someone on a JW dating site is just the initial introduction. If you find someone you wish to pursue for marriage, here are steps to take:
- Spend time getting to know them in varied situations
- Introduce them to your parents and elders to seek feedback
- Don’t rush into an engagement, take your time
- Discuss important issues like children, finances, and spiritual goals
- Make sure your feelings are not based on loneliness or isolation
- Include Jehovah in your decisions through heartfelt prayer
Making a friend through online dating is fine. But prayerful discernment is vital before moving toward marriage.
| Pros of JW dating sites | Cons of JW dating sites |
|---|---|
| Meet eligible JW singles worldwide | No oversight from organization |
| Find someone who shares your spirituality | Possibility of insincere users |
| Avoid non-JW relationships | May move too fast emotionally |
| Expand options beyond local congregation | Can take focus off spiritual routines |
| Share faith openly | Unknown risks of meeting strangers |
Conclusion
Online dating presents unique challenges for Witnesses wanting to maintain Bible standards. With prayerful caution, JW dating sites can help singles find compatible friendship that may lead to marriage within the faith. However, elders and parents should be consulted before becoming too involved with anyone met online. While not without risks, these sites offer expanded options to meet other sincere Worshippers in the internet age.