Motherhood Today - The MomCo by MOPS International

THE BARNA RESEARCH GROUP HAS PRESENTED GROUNDBREAKING DATA IN THEIR NEWEST STUDY, MOTHERHOOD TODAY.

Barna Research Group. (2023) Motherhood Today

1 %

OF MOMS

feel that their church doesn’t support mothers well.1

1 %

OF MOMS

don’t feel that they are able to contribute meaningfully to the world.1

1 %

OF MOMS

regularly feel lonely and isolated from others.1

The findings challenge long-held assumptions about moms and show that they are notably underserved by the church. Congregations and organizations have much to gain if they intentionally represent, empower, and partner with mothers.1

THE MOMCO IS THE SOLUTION

As the largest outreach to moms in the world, The MomCo by MOPS International is a pioneering movement defined by thought leadership and an ability to understand the times.

We have watched for decades as the marketing industry harnesses the attention and influence of moms across every business sector. Major brands allocate time and resources to focus on strategically utilizing the influence of moms. What would it look like for the Church to take moms seriously as well?

At The MomCo, we believe reaching moms is exponential evangelism and key to bringing new families to church. When a mom comes to know Jesus, chances are her kids will, too. What we are seeing being sparked around the globe in the next Jesus movement is, once again, starting with one of the most overlooked groups of people: Moms.

“Nearly 1 in 4 Christian moms is dissatisfied with their church.” – Barna Group. (2023) Motherhood Today

“Fewer than half [of moms] report someone cares for them.” – Barna Group. (2023) Motherhood Today

Even as trust in the Church wavers for some, moms are particularly open to faith conversations and want to raise their kids with values and a spiritual underpinning. With this, the Church has a unique opportunity to provide practical, relevant programming and resources for parents, especially mothers.

As the largest outreach to moms in the world, The MomCo by MOPS International is a pioneering movement defined by thought leadership and an ability to understand the times. The MomCo extends to 72 countries, 20 languages, 72,000 meetings a year and influences over a million moms annually. Through these groups, in the last seven years, more than 49,000 women have decided to follow Christ.

Motherhood Today includes groundbreaking data challenging long-held assumptions about moms. Our hope is that this research will also help you unleash the latent potential of mothers in your church right now. May this be a new season of intentionally mobilizing the moms in your community. May women searching for hope flock to your church in droves. May you find joy as uncharted outreach methods take shape for and with moms, sparking a revival in your church and city as you. Amen, and let it be so.

WHAT PASTORS SAY

"Proverbs [11:25] talks about how those who are refreshed, refresh others. The whole church feels the impact of a refreshed mother. She’s able to have the strength to lead her home with a little more endurance and perseverance. And you see it on all levels in your church—serving, small groups, attendance, discipleship. When a mom’s poured into, there’s a legacy that’s built onto it. So, you may not even see it right now in your churches or when you have this Moms’ Night or this Women’s Night. But what’s happening is this generational blessing that, 10 years down the road—because mom was taken care of—her sons and her daughters are big parts of the church, building the Church."

"My advice to other pastors is first, investigate a church-based, Christ-centered program for moms. Second, make sure that your women’s ministry understands and addresses the needs of women and mothers. Third, have women on your worship planning teams. Our creative pastor is a woman. It’s never, “What would a man say?” or, “What would a woman say?” She brings wisdom and insight Also, figure out women’s programming that simply says to a woman, “We know you’re here; we see you. We may not understand everything about you, but we want to try to meet needs that are in your life.” Lastly, you have to ask. Sixty percent of our staff are women, many of them mothers. At our all-staff meeting, we probably have 30 women in there, and 10 of them have “pastor” with their name. So, we’re always getting that needed perspective."

"Pastors should take our cues from Jesus. Though we are committed to giving ourselves for the service of many, may we not neglect our own mothers. It is from our heart for our own mothers that a sincere love and compassion for all mothers grows. It’s no wonder then that Paul told Timothy to treat older women as he would his own mother (1 Timothy 5:1–3). In a practical sense, I think churches should have a tangible way to reach out to mothers who have recently given birth. When mothers are on maternity leave from worship, our churches should intentionally nurture them through prayers, relational support and gifts of love. Also, our churches should allow mothers to give voice to motherhood."

1. Barna Group. (2023) Motherhood Today