Ep 101: A Surprising Shift: Gen Z Women, Faith, and the Future of Women’s Ministry

In today’s episode, host Cyndee Ownbey sits down with Cicely Corry, the editorial director at Barna Group, for a powerful conversation about reaching Gen Z women in your church. Drawing on fresh data from Barna’s latest research, Cyndee and Cicely dive into some eye-opening trends—like why young women are leaving the church at higher rates and what unique challenges and opportunities this presents for women’s ministry leaders.

If you’re concerned about connecting with the next generation, want to understand what’s going on behind these statistics, or you’re just looking for fresh ways to engage young women, this episode is packed with insight, encouragement, and actionable steps rooted in real research and real-life ministry. Let’s get started!

The transcript for this interview is available at https://womensministrytoolbox.com/a-surprising-shift-gen-z-faith-and-the-future-of-womens-ministry/.

Cicely Corry is Editorial Director at Barna Group, where she leads online content
strategy to help Christian leaders understand key trends affecting the Church.
Previously, she managed social media strategy and content for the Billy Graham
Evangelistic Association and wrote for the Christian Broadcasting Network. Cicely has served in student ministry for over 10 years, and founded Three Minute Study, an online Bible study community helping others understand, enjoy, and apply God’s word. She holds an M.A. in journalism from Regent University and a B.A. in print journalism and marketing from Hampton University. Cicely is an Atlanta native now living in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband and two sons. Travel, red velvet cupcakes, and farmer’s markets are a few of her favorite things.

Related links:
Barna site: https://www.barna.com/ 
Gen Z Vol. 3 Study: https://www.barna.com/gen-z-volume-3/
Barna’s Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/barnagroup/?hl=en 
Barna Access Plus: https://www.barna.com/access/  

Thank you for listening to the Women's Ministry Toolbox Podcast. You'll find additional women's ministry resources below.

Women's Ministry Toolbox Resources:
Sign Up for My Email List - https://bit.ly/wmtbemail
Website – https://womensministrytoolbox.com/
Online Store – https://womensministrytoolboxshop.com/
Online Training – https://womensministrytoolbox.teachable.com/
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/womensministrytoolbox/
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/womensministrytoolboxcommunity/
Women’s Ministry Essentials on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/shop/wmtoolbox

You can connect with Cyndee via Facebook, Instagram (@womensministrytoolbox), and email ([e-mail]).