God calls each of us into a relationship with Him. It is a relationship that is about our journey with Christ, our growth and our maturity.

So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God -- all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us in making us friends of God.  Romans 5:11

Why Can't I Witness While Dating?

Here is the problem. God warns us when we join ourselves with those not walking with God, (those who don't believe, those who might even say they believe but their lives show otherwise), we take the risk that they may pull us away from God and the purpose he has for our lives. It's much easier to pull someone down from up high than it is for us to pull someone up from lower down. It is for our protection that God commands us to not be unequally yoked.

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial. What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people." "Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord.  2 Corinthians 6:14-17

The goal should always be to be equally yoked. By having Christ as the center of our relationships, He becomes the model for our lives. He gives us our direction and our purpose. He teaches us to love each other unconditionally. When things go wrong, we can go to Christ together to get help. If you are the only believer in your relationship, how can you both work toward Christ's purpose in your lives?

Does This Mean I Can't Have "Lost" Friends?

Of course not; it is through our relationships with the lost that we might help lead them to Christ. But when we start dating the lost, our emotions get all tied up, distracting us and we easily fall into temptation.

On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. Matthew 9:12

And it doesn't mean that there aren't some people out there who got married when one was not a believer, then after several years the spouse became a Christian. And because this happened, that we shouldn't rejoice. But just think of the years they missed serving the Lord together by not being equally yoked.

It's is God's purpose for us to reach others for Christ. This means that every person you meet and get to know needs to be considered for His purpose and not yours – that every person of the opposite sex should be an opportunity for reaching out, nurturing and/or encouraging them in Christ. Some guys are going to church, reading their Bibles and even growing, however, they may still be very young in their walks with God. Come along side them and help them, pray for them, care for them, encourage friendships with other men and help lead them to Christ before you attempt to date. And even then, take the time necessary to watch for growth and see fruit. Allow God to tell you the next step.