'You float my ark': dating workshops for Christian singles

A new series of workshops offers to help Christians to improve their dating skills from chat-up lines to body language.

Dwindling congregations and a lack of experience in relationships have left many churchgoers struggling to find a partner. Jackie Elton, founder of the workshop agency, said that the number of people using Christian dating sites has doubled over the past year. "There's been a massive rise in internet dating sites as Christians are struggling to find a partner in church," she said. "They know what they want, but many congregations are too small or have a gender imbalance that makes it really difficult for them. As a result they are not getting the kind of experience they need and that's why they are turning to the workshops."

Peter Spalton, known as the dating doctor, said that churchgoers tended to be more reserved and could benefit from tips on how to appear more attractive. Lessons include how to greet someone, how to hold good eye contact and how to judge whether the other person wants to be kissed at the end of the evening.

"The first meeting is crucial in making or breaking a relationship," said Mr Spalton. "The workshops are all about giving people the confidence to make their date a success. They go through the whole process of what is acceptable to talk about and when it is appropriate to try to take things to the next level."

Mr Spalton said that chat-up lines can be a good way to make someone laugh and feel relaxed, but that some Christian jokes might not be well received. Among those highlighted as best to avoid by Christian Connections - an online dating agency - are one-liners such as "You float my ark" and "I didn't believe in predestination until tonight".

Christian Connections asked churchgoers for chat up lines that they had used, or that had been used on them. Examples included:
'Now I know why Solomon had 700 wives. He never met you.'
'Is this pew taken?'
'My parents are home, wanna come over?'
'Is that a thinline, duo-tone, compact, ESV travel bible in your pocket?'
'Let me sell you an indulgence - it's a sin to look as good as you.'
'How many times do I have to walk around you before you fall for me?"
'I like to arrange the substantial Christian section of my bookshelf into alphabetical order. Coffee?"
'The name is Will. God's Will.'