Lifeway Research
Enlightening today’s church with relevant research and insights
State of Ministry to Women
Get an inside look into what women churchgoers and ministry leaders have to say about the current state of ministry to women.
96% of churchgoing women say their church values women, including 80% who strongly agree.
90% of churchgoing women say their church invests in and equips women, including 63% who strongly agree.
63% of churchgoing women say their church has an organized women's ministry.
“While women are positive about their churches, 1 in 5 indicate there is room for improvement in how well their church values them.”
– Scott McConnell, director of Lifeway Research
“What value does having a women’s ministry bring to your church that would not exist without it?”
- 68% of women churchgoers say that ministry to women helps them have strong relationships with other women.
- 65% say it provides opportunities to be refreshed and restored spiritually and emotionally.
- 58% say it provides a place to ask questions and openly discuss topics of faith.
83% of women's ministry leaders are volunteers or unpaid staff members.
Only 5% of women's ministry leaders are planning alongside church staff.
“Because we see the effectiveness of specific ministry to women, imagine the impact churches could have with more intentionality and investment in building the leader of a ministry that likely reaches over half of a church’s attendees.”
– Becky Loyd, director of Lifeway Women
5 Ways Your Church Can Invest More in Ministry to Women
The State of Ministry to Women acknowledges progress in churches’ ministry to women and identifies areas where churches can invest more.
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Co-laborers: 3 Ways Pastors Can Support Women's Ministry Leaders
Women’s ministry leaders should know their value and feel our support so we can pierce the darkness with the light of the gospel. Together.
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How to Start a Women's Ministry in Your Church
Following these six recommendations will help you start a women’s ministry that has the potential to benefit the women in your church.
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7 Ways Ministry to Women Strengthens Your Whole Church
The State of Ministry to Women report from Lifeway Research confirms that intentional ministry to women strengthens the whole church.
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View the Research:
Research shows women's ministry leaders and women churchgoers see positive efforts in ministry to women while recognizing potential growth opportunities. Lifeway Research conducted a study involving over 1,000 evangelical and Black Protestant female churchgoers and 842 women’s ministry leaders in the U.S., aiming to assess the state of women's ministry, with a focus on acknowledging progress and identifying areas for further development. Here is what they found.