How RCCG's dating sites are enabling Christian courtship
In 2019, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) launched Redeemers Connect, a dating site to enable eligible Christians across the RCCG global community to connect in a safe and secured manner with the intent to seek a suitable life partner.
Endorsed by RCCG Europe Mainland Mission, Redeemers Connect is exclusively for singles, widows and widowers with the serious intent of getting married within a year or two of enlisting as a member on the platform.
In the recent times, the RCCG's mission in Europe has embarked on several innovative projects including Campus Koinnect — a social media site designed to link up Christian youths on campus with the aim of developing a global campus fellowship.
In Nigeria, the RCCG's City of David parish, Victoria Island, Lagos launched another dating site — Connect Now in November. As at press time, registration were closed on the website.
Recall that in 2018, the RCCG held the first-Church led hackathon in Nigeria as part of the church's effort to eradicate poverty and redistribute wealth using technology, it is unclear if this dating site was an innovation from the hackathon but a search revealed that the domain name has been registered last month.
How does the Redeemers Connect Christian courtship platform work?
Per details available on the FAQ page of the website, "Redeemers Connect provides a safe, secure and trusted way to find and communicate with fellow Christian singles who are also in search of a life partner. As a courtship platform, Redeemers Connect is meant to support the efforts of brethren who are serious and ready to settle down in marriage with the right partner within 12 to 24 months after registering as a member".
Even though membership registration is free. Access to other unique features of the platform is only available for paying subscribers.
Amongst several features on the platform is 'connect to court', a matchmaking algorithm designed to ensure users get accurate matches based on their preference.
According to reports, 46% of single millennials and 43% of single Gen Z have used an online dating app or service in the last one month. Meanwhile, experts have said that, "increased mobile usage, more time spent at home with fewer distractions, and the need to remain connected are likely key drivers of dating app uptake".
The valuation of the dating market
In October, Startup Talky reported that the global online dating market is valued at $5.3 billion with a projection of $9.2 million by 2025. With subscription plans, in-app purchasing, advertising, and freemium as the major source of income.