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

Women's Ministry Toolbox Podcast

Offering hope and inspiration for women’s ministry leaders and team members of all stages (from new to seasoned) serving in their local church community. Episodes will feature women’s ministry tips and resources on topics including discipleship, Bible study, mentoring, event planning, fellowship, leadership, volunteers, prayer, and icebreaker games. We’ll discuss the nuts and bolts of women’s ministry, and we’ll learn from seasoned women’s ministry leaders. Together we’ll fill our ministry toolboxes with tools to build a flourishing, Christ-focused women’s ministry. Hosted by Cyndee Ownbey, the founder of Women’s Ministry Toolbox and the author of Rethinking Women’s Ministry. Cyndee has served in six women’s ministry programs over the last twenty years. She currently serves on the women’s ministry team in her local church.

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Women's Ministry Toolbox Podcast

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

April 23, 2025 • Cyndee Ownbey • Episode 101

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/

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