“The Gospel of Dating” Review: A Satirical Look at Faith and Reality TV

Combining the tropes of reality dating shows with the values of the Southern Baptist Church, filmmaker Khiray Richards’ The Gospel of Dating offers a unique and often humorous exploration of faith in the 21st century. The film, starring Michael Orlando Peters, Rachel Brooks, and Nicole Pringle, has been praised for its playful sincerity and strong lead performance.

A Bishop’s Dilemma

Bishop Shama Gresham (Michael Orlando Peters) faces a crisis: his congregation is dwindling, and livestreaming services aren’t providing the financial support needed to preserve the church afloat. Desperate, he applies for a grant, only to discover the funds come with a catch – he must host a Christian dating show, “Let the Church Say Yes.”

With the help of his loyal assistant, LaTanya (Nicole Pringle), Gresham quickly casts Angela (Rachel Brooks) as the bachelorette. As the show progresses, Angela connects with one contestant in particular, unaware that the Bishop has already pre-selected a winner who embodies traditional Christian values, a stipulation of the grant agreement. If this chosen contestant doesn’t win, the church risks losing its funding.

Independent Spirit, Modest Budget

Richards manages to craft a compelling narrative despite the film’s estimated $5,000 budget [IMDb]. The film’s strength lies in its smartly written script and witty banter. While a more confident musical score could have enhanced the comedic moments, The Gospel of Dating demonstrates impressive resourcefulness and a clear passion from its creators.

Appealing to a Broad Audience

While the film’s themes may resonate more deeply with religious viewers, The Gospel of Dating offers entertainment for a wider audience. Fans of satirical religious comedies like Honk for Jesus, Save Your Soul or HBO Max’s The Righteous Gemstones will likely find much to enjoy.

About the Filmmaker

Khiray Richards, born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in Georgia, is a screenwriter and director known for his work on Short Changed (2017), Remote (2020), and Mary (2021). [IMDb] He attended Georgia State University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology.

Key Takeaways

• The Gospel of Dating blends the reality dating show format with Christian values.
• The film explores the challenges faced by churches in the modern era, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Despite a limited budget, the film delivers a witty and engaging story.
• The film stars Michael Orlando Peters, Rachel Brooks, and Nicole Pringle.