An Open Letter to Pastors and Church Leaders
Dear Pastors and Church Leaders,
Covenant Connections was created with a clear and distinct mission: to help evangelical Christians pursue Christ-centered relationships leading to covenant marriage.
We recognize the essential role pastors and local churches play in the spiritual formation, guidance, and protection of believers. We therefore invite you to learn about our mission and consider partnering with us in supporting evangelical Christians who sincerely desire marriage.
A Distinctly Evangelical Mission
Covenant Connections differs from many Christian relationship platforms in several important ways. Our services are exclusively for evangelical Christians, and we are not a casual dating platform. Our purpose is to support serious, Christ-centered relationships directed toward covenant marriage.
We seek to help believers pursue marriage with faith, wisdom, integrity, accountability, and the support of the Christian community.
Connected to the Local Church
Covenant Connections does not replace pastoral counsel or the ministry of the local church. Our purpose is to work alongside churches by providing an additional structure for verification, guidance, accountability, and purposeful introductions.
Each applicant must provide a recommendation attesting to his or her Christian profession, character, and church involvement.
Whenever possible, this recommendation should come from the applicant’s pastor. If the pastor is unavailable, an authorized leader from the applicant’s current or former church may provide it. When neither option is available, a mature and responsible church member who knows the applicant well may provide the referral.
We do not ask pastors or church leaders to guarantee the success of a future relationship or marriage. We simply ask them to provide an honest assessment based on what they know about the applicant’s Christian profession, observable character, and participation in the life of the local church.
This process helps us verify an applicant’s connection to an evangelical church and commitment to Christian community.
Promoting Safety and Accountability
To reduce the risk of deceptive relationships and harmful experiences, every applicant must consent to and complete a background check conducted by an independent Christian background-screening organization.
The results are treated confidentially and reviewed only by authorized personnel. If information requires clarification, the applicant may be invited to a confidential conversation and given an opportunity to respond. Depending on the nature of the findings and our membership policies, an application may not be approved.
Completing the background check does not automatically guarantee membership. Applicants who complete the verification process, satisfy all membership requirements, and receive approval may gain access to the services offered by Covenant Connections. These services include:
- Guidance from advisors;
- Matchmaking assistance;
- Practical tools and educational resources;
- Secure opportunities to connect with other vetted members;
- Participation in our planned annual marriage convention, providing an additional opportunity to meet other marriage-minded evangelical Christians.
Although no screening or verification process can eliminate every risk, we believe that responsible safeguards can promote greater honesty, transparency, and accountability.
Why Pastoral Involvement Matters
Churches faithfully provide counseling, teaching, and support for married couples. Yet many single Christians who sincerely desire marriage still have limited access to structured guidance and practical support as they seek a suitable spouse.
Many are left to navigate this consequential decision largely on their own. Pastoral guidance and Christian accountability are often sought only after a relationship has encountered serious difficulties.
We believe the Church has an important opportunity to become involved earlier—before a serious relationship begins and before difficulties require counseling.
Marriage is one of the most consequential decisions a person will ever make. Although no process can guarantee a successful marriage, wise preparation, spiritual guidance, honest recommendations, and appropriate safeguards can help individuals make better-informed decisions.
The steps we ask applicants to complete require effort. Nevertheless, we believe that every reasonable measure that can help prevent deception, reduce avoidable harm, and encourage healthy Christian marriages is worth taking.
We Need Your Partnership
Because members of local churches are at the heart of our mission, the involvement of pastors and church leaders is essential. You can help by:
- Providing honest recommendations when requested;
- Introducing Covenant Connections to eligible single members of your congregation;
- Serving as an advisor, mentor, speaker, or volunteer;
- Recommending qualified members of your church who may be willing to assist;
- Sharing your counsel and feedback so that we can continue improving the program.
Please visit our page to discover how you or a qualified member of your church can participate.
We welcome your questions, suggestions, and partnership. By working together, we can provide evangelical singles with greater spiritual support, responsible guidance, and meaningful opportunities as they pursue Christ-centered covenant marriage.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
The Covenant Connections Team
Helping evangelical Christians pursue covenant marriage with faith, wisdom, integrity, and accountability.
