Influence

 the shape of leadership

6 Reasons Why Women May Be Leaving Your Church

Their reasons are opportunities for ministry, not problems that can't be solved

Thom S Rainer on March 10, 2016

ThomRainer

I have the opportunity to be in many churches. When I enter a worship service, I do a quick scan of those attending. Almost every time I look to the congregation, I notice one clear reality: the majority in attendance are women.

For this reason, volumes have been written the past couple of decades about getting more men to attend church. I want to look from a different perspective. I want to understand the motivations for women who leave the church. My process was simple; I quickly reviewed thousands of comments on my blog. Many times, I read a comment where a woman told me she had given up on a church. Here are the six most common themes on why women are leaving the church:

1. Overworked.I had trouble saying no when I was asked to do something in the church. The leaders piled so much on me that the only way I could get relief was to leave the church.”

2. Not valued. I really don’t think the lead-
ers in our church value women. Our roles and opportunities are very limited. I am frustrated. I hope I can find a church where my gifts are appreciated.”

3. Relationally hurt.There was a group of ladies in our church that did everything together. When I tried to join them, they paid me no attention. I don’t want to be in a church of cliques.”

4. Lack of quality childcare. The preaching was great and the people were friendly, but the childcare was a mess. It was both unclean and unsafe. I’m not taking my child there.”

5. Busyness.I work full-time. I have four kids at home. I have so many responsibilities. It’s tough to give even more of my time to the church.”

6. Husband does not attend.It’s tough coming to church without my husband. I am totally responsible to get our three kids to church. And I really feel out of place because the church has groups for married adults and single adults. I don’t know where I fit.”

Church leaders: see these comments as opportunities for ministry rather than problems that can’t be solved.

 

This article was originally published at ThomRainer.com.

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