Should I Date a Christian Outside My Own Denomination?

Several Christians who are interested in dating ask this question at one point or another. After all, scripture isn’t 100% clear about whether Christians from different denominations should get together to date, form a relationship, and get married. Although it’s hard to find one surefire answer to this question, there are many things that you should consider and pray about before you decide on your personal answer.

First, consider that even if denomination seems like a small issue now, some things become bigger issues after marriage – especially if there will be children involved. What denomination will you raise your children? How much will your significant other participate in the activities of your denomination? Is there an expectation for either of you to switch denominations? These are only a few questions that you have to ponder before you start dating someone from another denomination. These questions are important, since most Christians believe that dating is but a step towards a marriage.

Next, you need to consider how your denomination views dating. Is dating just plain fun or should it be a step towards marriage? You need to respect your denomination’s views, as well as the views of your date’s denomination. After all, since you both believe in Christ and His teachings, you already have a lot of common ground.

You also need to think about how similar your denomination is with your date’s denomination. If there are several similarities and only minor differences, you may have less problems in the future – at least, in comparison to couples whose denominations differ greatly.

Of course, if your denomination strictly prohibits dating outsiders, you already have your answer for you. Be clear on your denomination’s beliefs on this issue, so that you don’t end up going against the church’s wishes without knowing it.

Needless to say, you have to be upfront with your date about your views or questions about inter-denominational dating. It might also help to ask your family, friends, and church leaders for their opinion. But don’t listen to them all – it’s more than likely that they’ll come up with different answers. To make sure that you are working according to your true will as well as God’s will, you need to constantly pray and reflect about it. If your prayers are answered and you are definitely faced with the mate that God has intended for you, then the question of having different denominations becomes irrelevant.