Just go into it knowing that over 90% of the people on dating sites are REALLY screwed up, unhealthy people and that a good portion of them are predators. Know that you'll have to do a LOT of weeding out of potential candidates and don't be afraid to do so. If you can do that without getting discouraged, it's ok.

I have tried online dating multiple times...it never worked out. My personal opinion is to stay away from it.

I think people act a lot nicer online than in person. You can tell a lot more within the first few seconds of meeting someone, than you can tell from email or text. Personally, I am staying away from online dating for now. Have you looked into meetup.com? Maybe you can find groups geared toward your interests and make a connection with someone that way. It's not a dating site, so there are no expectations.

Wikipedia's definition of dating: is a stage of romantic and sexual relationships in humans whereby two or more people meet socially, possibly as friends or with the aim of each assessing the other's suitability as a partner in a more committed intimate relationship or marriage. It can be a form of courtship consisting of social activities done by the couple. The protocols and practices of dating, and the terms used to describe it, vary considerably from country to country and over time. While the term has several meanings, the most frequent usage refers to two or more people exploring whether they are romantically and/or sexually compatible by participating in dates with the other. With the use of modern technology, people can date via telephone or computer or meet in person. This term may also refer to two or more people who have already decided they share romantic and/or sexual feelings toward each other. These people will have dates on a regular basis, and they may or may not be having sexual relations. This period of courtship is sometimes seen as a precursor to engagement or marriage.

What you say you are looking for is not in agreement with the definition of dating. I do understand there are many men and women on dating sites looking for no strings attached relationships...but that's not the purpose of dating. I did using a dating site, to date and I guess I got lucky because I found someone and we eventually married. That was the goal for us both; to find a long term partner. When I put up my profile I made sure to communicate that. No sense in wasting time with someone who isn't looking for that.

BTW, it has also been my experience, men are not looking for female friends....they just aren't. On two occasions I have tried to befriend men in a circle of friends and they totally misread my intentions. It's easier to have those platonic relationships at work and school during that time, outside of that it just doesn't really happen. At least that's my take on it. I'm sure someone could come on here and say I'm wrong. but again, this is just my experience here.

You wrote you are a Christian and in ministry. If you use a dating site to find male friends, you will be putting yourself in compromising positions that go against Christian principals. Think about that.

I think there are good and bad the same as in everything else... My niece met her husband on a dating site and he's a great guy.... I would want to meet him quickly though and in public places for the first while.... Big hug....I wish you well.....xo

If you're just looking for someone to be friends with and correspond or hang out no pressure, don't do on line dating. Full disclosure, I've never done on line dating, but regardless if it's a Christian on line dating site or not, men are there to meet women as more than friends.

I think involving yourself in social groups, ie book clubs, hobby clubs, Christian fellowship,etc or volunteering might be the rout to go.

And I don't think there's anything wrong with on line dating. Good friend of mine met a super great guy and they've been together for years now. But she also met some not ideal guys as well.

The majority of the men you will encounter will be turds. A good guy who is also a good match is like the needle in the haystack.
Also they will not want to be "just friends" ....... most people date because ultimately they want sex.
Even on a so called Christian site, I knew a woman who used that site and the men were the same as any other site.

I agree with RMB, try some of her ideas to meet friends.

Thank you everyone for your excellent thoughts.

Ok now I'm afraid to try internet dating.

People lie to get what they want. human nature. I thought I wanted somebody to talk to as well but men don't want to talk they just want sex and then walk away

Ok, so I'm going to against popular opinion here and say "go for it". With that in mind, I would for sure stick to some safety rules such as not handing out too much personal info at first, being selective about the guys you talk to (come on - even online you can usually tell the douche-bags from the ok guys!!) and being realistic as to the outcome of your communication with these men. Also keep in mind that just because someone signs on to a Christian dating site and claims to be "all ok with the Lord" doesn't mean that they are. I'm sure you are smart and discerning. If all you are looking for are men to chat with then I'm sure you'll be fine. Internet dating is a reality of this day and age, so why not take advantage of it?
As a side note - I have 3 friends (well, 2 are friends and 1 is more of an acquaintance) that have met their mates on-line. All 3 have been together for several years. My one friend met a guy living in Croatia and they've been married for 10 years. He is THE nicest guy you could ever meet. Who's to say how you will meet your soulmate, or in your case your chatmate? If I ever disentangle myself from TLMIEMIMWEL (That's his name. Well, no - it kind of is an acronym for "The Laziest Man I've Ever Met In My Whole Entire Life") I'd be more than willing to give on-line dating a go :D