The Bachelorette meets the Bible in filmmaker Khiray Richards’ religious-set comedy, The Gospel of Dating. Combining the hijinks of a reality dating show with Christian values, Richards crafts a unique approach to promoting the Southern Baptist Church in the 21st Century. Backed by a strong lead performance from newcomer Michael Orlando Peters, The Gospel of Dating is a fun, faith-based watch that feels both playful and sincere.

The Chosen One… Literally

Bishop Shama Gresham (Michael Orlando Peters) finds himself at the mercy of a dwindling congregation due to recent COVID protocols. What was once a thriving place of worship has turned into a ghost town. Livestreaming the word of God doesn’t have the same effect–both spiritually and monetarily–as preaching in person. Bishop Gresham knows he needs to shake things up. To keep his church funded, he applies for a grant that will save his congregation from further financial struggle. However, he realizes that he failed to read the fine print when the grant money arrives with strings attached. Turns out, he will only receive the money by hosting a Christian dating show called “Let the Church Say Yes”.

The search for the church’s bachelorette doesn’t extend far after Gresham’s loyal assistant, LaTanya (Nicole Pringle), volunteers her niece, Angela (Rachel Brooks). The young woman accepts, and production begins immediately. The contestants engage in various competitions to win over her heart, and Angela pretty quickly hones in on one man who piqued her interest. What should be an exciting time for all is overshadowed by Bishop Gresham’s secret: a winner has already been arraigned, and it’s not the man Angela is falling in love with. The Bishop intentionally cast one ideal contestant who exemplifies traditional Christian values. The grant agreement stipulates that if the pre-selected contestant doesn’t win, the church will lose its grant.

Telling a Full-Bodied Story On a Modest Production Budget

If you’re a fan of satirical religious comedies like Honk for Jesus, Save Your Soul, or HBO Max’s hit series The Righteous Gemstones, you’ll find a lot to love in The Gospel of Dating. This indie production, which has an estimated $5,000 budget according to IMDb, is clearly a passion project. It’s impressive to see how director Khiray Richards utilizes this humble budget. No scene looks as if it is lacking resources, and the post-production work is clean. Making up for its overall minimalist aesthetic is the smartly written script, which includes many moments of witty banter. Monetary limitations notwithstanding, the film would have benefited from a more confident score that emphasizes the comedic moments.

Takeaway

You don’t have to be a believer to enjoy The Gospel of Dating; however, those who are religious may find the humor resonates more deeply. A fun indie film with a faith-based message at its core, The Gospel of Dating is quite the accomplishment for all involved.