Staggering, Yet Compelling Statistics

Women have always been a vital part of the ministry of the church—serving, teaching, praying, and leading others toward Christ. Yet recent Barna Research reveals something deeply concerning: Gen Z women, ages 18–24, are leaving the church faster than men, with 38% identifying as agnostic, atheist, or having no faith at all.

That statistic makes my heart ache. If you’re in my generation, you’ve likely witnessed the beautiful growth of women’s ministry in the church—from its humble grassroots beginnings to a nationwide movement that helped women grow deeper in their faith. Some of us remember the prayers, the labor, and the passion it took to build those ministries. But for younger women, it might seem like it’s always been this way. It hasn’t.

I recently wrote an article for LifeWay Women titled The History of Women’s Ministry. If you’ve never known how God, not a person, church, or organization, grew women’s ministry from a focus on missions and service to a movement centered also on discipleship and intimacy with Jesus, I encourage you to read it here.

Left photo AI generated. Right photo by Raquel Baires on Unsplash

Here’s the challenge the Lord has pressed on my heart: whatever your age or season, if you know Jesus—don’t stop serving Him. If you once served but stepped away, ask Him where He wants to use you now. There are generations of women behind us who are searching for truth, and they desperately need to see what faith looks like lived out in real life.

Speaking as someone in her seventh decade of life, I can tell you, younger women need your stories of faith—how God provided when there seemed to be no way forward. We live in uncertain times, but our faithful God never changes.

These statistics should compel us to invest in those coming behind us. You’ll be amazed at how God blesses your obedience—and together, God just might use us to help turn these trends around.

Even while I am old and gray, God, do not abandon me, while I proclaim your power to another generation, your strength to all who are to come. Psalm 71:18 CSB

Read more from Barna’s report here:
👉 Gen Z Women Struggle to Find Their Place in Christian Community

Banner photo by NATHAN MULLET on Unsplash