It’s Time to Address the Elephant in the Room — Women Are Leaving the Church

Pastor, I know you’re deeply committed to your congregation. You pour your heart into every sermon, every counseling session, every moment of prayer. But despite all the hard work, the statistics show something deeply concerning — women are leaving the church at unprecedented rates. 

Even before COVID, the trend was clear. By 2020, 20% of women had left the church entirely, according to Gallup. And while churches still tend to have more women than men in attendance, the rate at which women are leaving far outpaces that of men. 

Why are they leaving? The reasons are varied, but they’re also painfully clear: 

• Many feel overlooked — lacking meaningful leadership opportunities. 

• Trust has been broken — repeated scandals within the church have left many women wary. 

• Moms feel unsupported — a staggering 79% of moms believe their church doesn’t meet their needs, according to Barna. 

As pastor and author, Ashley Abercrombie, put it: “We are tired of having our empathy and labor exploited.” 

But it doesn’t have to be this way. 

The Role of the Church in Rebuilding Trust 

You may be wondering how to combat this troubling trend, especially when your schedule is already packed. That’s where we come in. 

For over 50 years, MomCo (formerly MOPS International) has worked alongside churches to create spaces where moms feel valued, supported and empowered to lead. Our mission has remained steadfast: to bring moms into the church, connect them to Jesus, and raise them as leaders in their homes, churches and communities. 

The results speak for themselves: 

• 82% of churches partnering with us report significant growth. 

• 91% of moms involved feel supported and empowered by their church. 

• 96% of moms are more confident in sharing their faith with their children. 

These aren’t just numbers — they represent real families finding hope, real moms growing in their faith, and real churches expanding their impact. 

How We Can Help You Make an Impact 

We know how busy you are. You’re juggling countless responsibilities, and the idea of starting a new ministry might feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help. 

At MomCo, we provide everything you need to get started: 

• Leadership Development: Equip moms with the tools and confidence to lead. 

• Faith-Based Curriculum: For both moms and kids, designed to foster spiritual growth. 

• Mentorship for New Moms: Help young moms find guidance from those who’ve walked the road before them. 

• Ongoing Content: Regular spiritual and practical resources to encourage growth and connection. 

All you need to do is open your doors. We’ll take care of the rest — providing the resources, coaching and structure to help moms in your community connect and thrive. 

Let’s Turn the Tide Together 

The statistics may be daunting, but together we can turn the tide. By creating spaces where women — especially moms — feel seen, supported and empowered, your church can become a hub for growth and transformation. 

You don’t have to do it alone. MomCo is here to partner with you, equipping your church to meet the needs of women and families in your community. 

Ready to learn more? Let’s talk about how MomCo can help your church reach more women and bring them back to the heart of your ministry.