Facilitator: Precious Deji-Omolere

June 20th, 2026

Topic:  “Tips for Planning Your Date.”

I know it’s a little casual but we do all things in the name of the Lord. 

So let’s pray 

Father, we thank you for life and for all that you have done  for us. 

We start this meeting in your name, in Jesus’ name.

Although this topic is more helpful to the unmarried but I hear ‘wossop’ married people go on dates too 😃, so they can learn a thing or two as well.

In those days, it was normal for a man to visit the family house. He doesn’t just “text” and say “wyd” 😭. He comes physically, greets the parent,  sits under the tree, expecting the babe😃 .

But now, we live in a very different world.

Now people don’t sit under trees…or “visit family”… they “slide into DMs.”

😃

So yes, culture has changed but as godly people we don’t copy the system of the world just because it is trending. 

We don’t build relationships the way TikTok builds relationships or movies teach us.

We don’t define love the way Instagram defines it. We define it by God.

But being godly does not mean being boring.

Let me repeat that again for the people at the back 😂

Being godly does NOT mean being boring.

You can be spiritual and still enjoy your life.

You can love God and still have beautiful, intentional, and even fun experiences in relationships.

Bible says God has given us everything to enjoy. God is not against joy.

In fact, John 10:10 says Jesus came so we may have life and have it more abundantly.

Abundant life is not just prayer and fasting. Abundant life also includes wisdom in relationships, peace in decisions, and joy in companionship.

So yes… we are planning dates today.

What is a date?

A date is not “we are just going out to gist.”

A date is not “let’s just see where it leads.”

A date is intentional time spent with someone you are discerning for purpose, clarity, and direction.

Our class tonight focus more on first dates 

But as we move on, other tips will help those who are already dating

I love the word “planned”

Because many people don’t plan it.

They just “go out.”

And then emotions start leading. And then boundaries disappear. And then somebody starts asking “what are we?” at 2am 😭

Planning helps you stay in control and avoid unnecessary pressure.

Now in godly dating culture, planning is actually protection. It is not a restriction.

Let me say that again.

Planning is not restriction. Planning is protection.

Because what you don’t plan, your emotions will plan for you. And emotions are not always wise.

Jeremiah 17:9 says the heart is deceitful. So imagine letting something deceitful be your planner 😭

That is how people end up somewhere they never intended.

So today, as we go into this topic, I want you to open your mind to something very simple:

God cares about how we love. God cares about how we spend time with people we care about.

So now let’s go into the practical side of it… “Tips for Planning a Godly Date.”

The first thing you must understand is this… a godly date starts before the date.

It starts with intention.

What is the purpose of this meeting?

Is it clarity?

Is it getting to know each other better?

Is it building healthy communication?

Or is it just vibes with no direction?

Because if you don’t define it early, emotions will define it later, like I earlier mentioned.

So you quietly sit down and ask yourself, “why are we meeting?”

Now second tip… choose the environment wisely.

This one is very important.

Not every place is a “godly dating environment.”

Some places are not even evil, but they are not wise for emotional control. Choose places where you can talk, think, and actually hear each other.

Because what is the point of a date where you are shouting over loud music and only saying “what?” every 5 seconds 😭

A simple café, a restaurant, a walk in a safe place, or even a calm outdoor setting… those things help conversation flow.

And conversation is the real purpose of dates. Not food or aesthetics.

Because words reveal the heart.

Now third l tip… keep it light and natural.

You don’t need to turn a date into a spiritual conference 😂

Some people will sit down and start asking deep destiny questions in the first 10 minutes:

“What is God saying about your life?”

“My spirit is discerning…”

Relax small 😭

Just talk like humans. Ask simple questions.

What do you enjoy?

What kind of life do you like?

What makes you laugh?

What do you do when you are stressed?

Do you support APC government?

Let it flow.

Now fourth  tip… don’t overstay.

A good date does not need to last forever.

Sometimes the best moments are short and clear.

When it is too long, people start getting tired, oversharing, or crossing emotional lines they didn’t plan for.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says there is a time for everything.

Even a time to end a date 😂

Timing matters more than people think.

Some people will plan a date like it’s a full-day wedding programme 😭

You just wanted to meet for an hour talk, but somehow it has turned into “breakfast, lunch, dinner, and emotional exhaustion.”

Wisdom says plan your time before you go.

If you know you are free for one hour, stick to it.

Now 6th tip… don’t go hungry and don’t go overly full 😂

Let me explain.

If you are too hungry, you will not focus, you will be thinking about food.

If you are too full, you will be sleepy and pretending to listen while your brain is on going small small.

Balance is wisdom.

These small things actually affect how present you are.

Now let’s talk about… phone usage.

This one is destroying connection.

If you are on your phone the whole time, scrolling, replying messages, checking status 😭

Then what is the point of the date?

A date is both physical presence and mental presence.

Put your phone down small.

Look at the person ocular to ocular 

Listen properly.

Where can you go for your dates? 

First of all 

Please let restaurant rest small

I know Nigerians like food too much

Remember, man shall not live by bread alone 😉

This doesn’t mean you can’t get something to eat at the  end of the date, if your budget can carry it. 

But you can consider going for walks, a library, cinema, suya joint, sightseeing.

But once people hear date, especially women, what’s in their mind is basmati rice and peppered turkey 😭

Some won’t even eat a night before

Haba

What are the things you can do on a date ??

You can sit somewhere quiet and just talk.

You can have a “question date” where both of you come with light questions to understand each other better.

You can also do something service-based together, like helping in a small community activity, or doing something meaningful together in a safe group setting.

You can visit an orphanage with gifts 

So many things we can do on dates 

Food will not kill us 😭

Be creative and end with ice cream or something light

Now one more thing… always end the date well.

You don’t just disappear.

You don’t just say “bye” like you are escaping prison 😭

You end with appreciation.

Something simple like, “I enjoyed talking with you, thank you for your time.”

That small sentence carries maturity.

Even if you are not sure about the future, still end with respect.

Check on each other when you get home.

Remember, don’t impress, be yourself and don’t order for more than you’re capable of, nor plan for what you can’t sustain, so your partner don’t overate you.

Lastly. 

Planning dates doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all 

It’s all about your pocket and the interests of the other party.

Hence, consider their opinions.

Some places may trigger certain partners, so be sure they are in full agreement with your plans.

I’ll stop here

Thanks for your time