Christ-Centered Dating: Pursuing a Relationship That Glorifies God

by Mark Ballenger

Do you feel stuck? Have you tried everything, but you feel like there are no godly men or women around? Have you been faithful to God, but you’re still waiting on finding “the one”? 
 
Learn how to follow God’s lead and find what (or who) is best for your life.
 
Practical and freeing,  Christ-Centered Dating  helps the single Christian reflect God's image while actively seeking to meet, date, and marry the person God has chosen. Inside, you will find answers
   

Genres: Relationships, Nonfiction, Christian, Christian Living

256 pages, Paperback

Published February 7, 2023

Reviews

[Brandy Sexton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. It is by far the most helpful book I have found on this subject. It is thoroughly biblical and practical and avoids extremes. Highly recommended!

[Dusty Kirkland · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Read Via Audiobook*
•
A must need read for all Christians single or dating. He gives great practical advice with scripture to support his views, and he gives great tips for what to do while dating or to prepare for dating. I would say it is more geared toward actual practical advice for Christian singles preparing to date, but I believe people already dating could benefit from it as well.

[Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

i think everyone should read this book

[Agnes Bale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved talking about relationships but this book laid the biblical and practical foundation of dating! So good!

[Stephanie Tenney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the biblical approach to dating that is in this book. I love the practicality of the steps that are mentioned and let me just say chapter 3 had me in tears after forcing me into some self reflection. I highly recommend reading this before getting into a relationship and to take your time truly processing this book and the insight it offers.

[Jennifer Sweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily the best book I’ve read to date on Christian dating and pursuit of marriage. Would love to see the ideas here promoted more often in churches.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give four stars because a couple things in a couple chapters are contrary to my particular religious beliefs (I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) but by far most of this book is the same things my church does try to teach anyone and everyone also, and what I grew up hearing from my own parents and reading in other wise books by other Christians, non-Christians, and members of my church. So many people these days have never heard or been taught these things or don't believe them or refuse to follow them, and that hasn't made for an easy dating life for me, but it's always nice to read a book like this (I don't remember how I came across it, I must have seen something about it when it was brand new because I have read bits of it slowly off and on over the last many months and finally finished) and see, again, that I am on track and that I understand what is being said and agree with it, so that I know that if I could find someone with whom to have this recommended kind of relationship, which is what I have wanted since I was five years old, I surely should hold up my end of things pretty well.

[Adrienna · Rating 3 out of 5]

It lined up other titles to consider such as "the Sacred Search" on Goodreads, like-minded reads. However, this book I'm reading as a consideration to use as a tool for positive library programming that I have been doing for nearly 2 years; I See Her Support Group. To see if there is any material to glean, learn, and mentor men to see themselves with her; I already loved what was shared in second chapter: God want a husband to look at his wife as a reminder of God's faithfulness and love for him. Marriage was God's ideal, not man! (this could be why we see the cheating, situationships, breakups, and not commitment or divorces). See Proverbs 19:14, prudent wife is from the Lord." Reminder of God's love for her (see James 1:16-17).

I love the title: Christ-Centered dating. I recall reading "Kiss Dating Goodbye" with Young Professional bible study group in late 90s/2000s. I am considering getting copies for the group though. Now that the author Mark hit it on the nail in Pursue (chapter 6), he admits reading and using this courtship model instead of dating recommended by the author who wrote Kiss dating goodbye, but those Gen x and older Millennials are still single even though they desired to be married--why did it not work or hurt so many people. I may take this book of the table as a "I see her" resource tool? He plainly saying not to use these biblical principles as rigid rules to follow but instead to allow the Holy Spirit to guide you through these practical, biblical principles and may apply differently for each couple or person. Hm.

Christ-centered Dating by Mark B. is delightfully good. I may get a few copies for one of my positive programming groups with men! Yet, I get some don't want the spiritual aspect however it is so needed.

P109-110 (eBook): "Passivity is your real enemy, not rejection." Let me stop right there. This was discussed this past week--men do not want to vulnerable is not so much to appear weak to the woman, but it is because they are afraid of rejection. But read what Author Mark had to say in this title. It was my mind-blown moment. Wait til we get copies to read and discuss in the group!

"So many men are waiting for God to guarantee outcome before taking action (pursue Her, paraphrased)." This might be a future group for I See Her Advance or thereafter called "Pursue Her." you saw her, now pursue! Women are waiting too. Praying and hoping, what happened to preparing and laying at his feet or meet him at the well like other biblical characters did (yes, the author touched on this too, but I am paraphrasing the scene).

"God reveals his will to us through the actions we take (paraphrased, shorten version)."

"Action leads to revelation. Don't wait for revelation to take action." Come on, you know we did that as believers and followers of Christ. We prayed, we waited, we wanted revelation or a dream, or him to straight out tell us, without taking action! Hm. Ponder on that!

"If she rejects, not a win, and learned she is not the one!" (shortened).

Research to see if a tool to use for positive programming and learning from it too!

[Carter Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this book gave a fantastic perspective of dating coming from the biblical standpoint. I think it is filled with a lot of great wisdom and advice. Although I did go through a breakup midway through the book, it offered me a lot of clarity and a lot of good advice going into my next relationship. I think this book is perfect for anyone who may have questions about relationships or just want to pursue a relationship in a more God driven way. Definitely recommend.

[Tiff · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. Not too indepth.

[Jenn Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!! I'd read it again.. so many great points!

[Baylee Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this message 🩵

[Kaelyn Wojo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook and now I want to go back and annotate this book. It made me think a lot about my walk in faith and what I needed to work on for my future husband.