The Dating Project

Even though half of America is single, dating in this day and age has drastically changed over the last few decades. While older generations often used a courtship model or asked a parent’s permission to date their daughter, today’s culture bases dating on texting and social media. “Googling” someone before you go out with them has become common place. Dating sites have replaced physically meeting someone. Traditional dating has become “outdated,” yet men and women still seek meaningful relationships. That’s why Steve McEveety decided to create The Dating Project.

The Dating Project is a new non-fiction film from executive producer McEveety whose work includes The Passion of the Christ and Braveheart.  The movie follows five single people ages 18-40 as they navigate beyond the hookup culture to traditional dating. Professor Kerry Cronin from Boston College is featured throughout as she teaches and encourages her students to return to traditional dating. There is no script. There are no actors. These are real people trying to find love and happiness in an age of swiping left or right.

Link to enter-to-win giveaway for tickets to the movie http://woobox.com/93aodz

Author and speaker, Dr. Jackie Freiberg shares her take on The Dating Project.

“Amen—dating might become cool again! The Dating Project has the potential to create a tipping point, a shift, for single people everywhere that is far overdue. This documentary exposes the less-than-fulfilling hook-up lifestyle, one that is becoming more and more pervasive for singles in various stages of life. This film brings hope, energy and an alternative to hooking up and losing heart. It offers single people a purposeful, fun and practical alternative to hooking up—a date! But the date involves an intentional approach to getting to know someone who interests you. I have already shared Kerry Cronin’s dating assignment with my single “adultish” children and their friends, and they are all excited and refreshed by the concept. My guess is that single people everywhere will benefit from The Dating Project, which provides a more fulfilling approach to engaging in deeper, more meaningful, and, perhaps, lifelong relationship.”

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Jason Evert author of The Chastity Project reflects on The Dating Project.

“Jurassic Park thrilled audiences with the idea that dinosaurs could be brought out of extinction. THE DATING PROJECT shows us what it would be like if dating were resuscitated as well! The young adults in the film reveal that it’s still possible for singles to pursue each other with sincerity and commit to one another with clarity.” 

Risen Reflections

Put your technology down. Whether you are single or married, God wants us to engage in relationships with others. Take time this week to put down your phone, tablets and computers and have a meaningful conversation with someone. It could be a co-worker, friend, family member or someone you meet in passing. It might even be a good challenge to do as a family or small group and then share what happens after the week passes. While it can be difficult to function for a couple of hours without technology, chances are that you will have more meaningful conversations with others.

Share your love story. If you are married, consider mentoring a younger couple in their relationship journey. Many churches have pre-marital counseling programs that pair engaged or dating couples with couples who are married. It is an opportunity to share the struggles you have had as a couple, how God has helped you to overcome them and how even Christian relationships are not “perfect.” Sometimes it can be helpful to go through a book and discuss what you are learning. If you are dating or engaged, consider finding a couple to mentor you. Pray and ask God to show you someone at church or small group. It might even be helpful to ask your pastor to connect you with someone. Remember no one is perfect. Each of us has made mistakes and a mentorship relationship is an opportunity to share what God has taught you and how His Holy Spirit helped you overcome it.

Have fun! It is an important part of the dating and “getting to know you” process. Gather your friends or small group and go watch The Dating Project or another faith-based film. Grab coffee or a meal together and talk about your insights. If there is a worship night or an event at church, encourage your friends to invite their friends and have everyone meet up. Sometimes it can even be fun to visit other friends’ churches when they have events too, to meet people outside of your social circle.

For tickets and more information, visit: TheDatingProjectMovie.com

We were given tickets to The Dating Project, but all of our thoughts and opinions are our own.