Singles urged to look to Bible when dating

Singles from First Baptist in Mount Olive were urged to look to the Bible in finding the right mate, during a recent singles conference held at the church.
   
The conference was sponsored by the Christian Alliance of Single Adults (CASA) and The Single Phase class of Mount Olive Baptist Church. CASA is an interdenominational group aimed at reaching singles formed last April under the leadership of Deb Woodberry of Mount Olive Baptist.
   
“If you can’t take your relationship to the Lord, who can you take it to?” Peter Pollard asked some 30 singles who attended a conference at First Church, Mount Olive, that focused on biblical principles of dating.
  
 Pollard, pastor of single adults at Capital Church, Annandale, Va., shared principles for choosing a date, advising them to rely on Scripture and prayer. Citing 2 Corinthians 6:14, he said Christians are not to be partnered with non-Christians.
   
Pollard based his talk on “The Ten Commandments of Dating,” a book and study seminar by Ben Young and Sam Adams.
   
Sharing that marriage should not be viewed as a solution to problems in life, he offered advice about making choices, setting boundaries and resolving conflict, as well as theological principles of focusing on and trusting God. 
    
Marriage should not even be discussed during the early stages of a relationship, according to Pollard. Offering suggestions for a successful relationship, he said the first date should be casual and short, couples should stay connected with other friends and there should be a delay in expressing physical affection.
   
Pollard also said couples should not pray together until they are engaged. He said communication with God is so intimate that it may bring that intimacy to a relationship too early.
   
Friday night’s session also included personal testimonies from single adults, including Pam Granberry.
   
“I have a pattern in my life of looking for someone to love me and take care of me, but for the first time in my life I’m not in a relationship except for Jesus, and I’m not missing anything,” Granberry said. “As long as I stand firm in the Lord, I can continue to live.”
   
“The circumstances that led to our singleness, whether by death, choice or divorce are not important,” said Sharon Shivers of First Church, Gardendale.