According to Motherhood Today, 79% of moms feel that their church doesn’t support mothers well, 81% of moms don’t feel that they are able to contribute meaningfully to the world, and 33% of moms regularly feel lonely and isolated from others. The same study also revealed nearly 1 in 4 Christian moms is dissatisfied with their church. 

While those stats can sting a bit for church leaders, they can also provide a great opportunity.  This information furnishes church leaders with insights into the disconnect or irrelevance many moms have towards the church. In Motherhood Today (2023), Barna added, “Congregations and organizations have much to gain if they intentionally represent, empower, and partner with mothers.” 

Mothers influence a great majority of household decisions. Take into consideration that  23% of American households have single parents and 80% of those are single mothers. Those single mothers are raising 15 million children on their own. Just think of those statistics again as they relate to single mothers and the ripple effect on their 15 million children.

What can church leaders take away and learn from these statistics? How can churches intentionally represent, empower, and partner with mothers? Here are some thoughts for your consideration as you navigate the information and discern how to apply it to your context:

• VOICE AND REPRESENTATION: Eighty-seven percent of pastors in the United States are men. The median age in the United States is 38 while the median age of Mainline clergy is 58. Given these two facts, how are mothers of children under age 18 represented in both leadership and decision-making in your church? If a mother is not at the table, decisions with their needs and perspectives in mind will often go unmet. 

• OFFER COMMUNITY: What are intentional and meaningful ways you are offering community for moms? It’s likely they don’t need or need more content! Content and information is everywhere. More than anything else, moms are looking for other mothers to connect with for support and camaraderie on their motherhood journey.

• WELL-BEING: How is your church providing support for mothers’ emotional and mental health as well as her overall well-being?

• SUPPORT: In what ways is your church gathering mothers and asking them what they would like?  What do they need? How could your church be helpful? What resources could your church provide? 

• EMPOWER: What would be meaningful to the moms? How do the moms (or a mom) feel God is calling them to use their gifts in ministry? What kind of impact would moms (or a mom) like to make on their family, the community, or the world?

What is your first step in addressing these statistics?  Who will you share this information with today? How will you begin the conversation to start closing the gaps on mothers (and thus families) disconnect from the church? If your church does not currently have mothers of children under age 18 engaged in the life of the church, how will you begin to connect with them in your community? How will your church connect in meaningful ways to intentionally support, represent, empower, and partner with mothers?

Is your existing preschool or childcare center providing community for moms to connect? Perhaps your church has always dreamed of starting a childcare center. Is your church intentionally offering ways to represent, empower, and partner with the mothers of these students? If not, take a look at the Children’s Table. The Children’s Table, in combination with TheTable, offers pathways for building intentional, yet organic micro-communities for parents of childcare and preschoolers. Through a holistic approach, churches can reach Millennials and Gen Zers through this unique ministry while also creating a substantial revenue stream. Check out this webinar for an introduction to the Children’s Table. Contact us for more information or to set up a time to meet to learn more.