Internationally recognized research firm Barna Group has partnered with powerhouse MOPS International to prevent a significant crisis amongst moms throughout the world.
The two organizations have worked together to release the study “Motherhood Today: The State of Moms and What It Means for the Church”.
This study surveyed over 1,000 adult women with at least one child under the age of 18 in the home.
Here are some of the startling findings:
- Only 21% of moms said their church is serving them well
- 75% of moms said they feel lonely and desperate
- 50% of moms said they are experiencing a crisis of faith
These findings have sparked concerns in many different camps, as many believe moms to be incredibly influential in the majority of households.
MOPS International hosted an event at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago on September 6th, 2023 to present the study study alongside Barna’s CEO David Kinnaman.
“Mothers are the linchpin of healthy families”
Motherhood Today, 2023
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About Barna Group
Barna Group In its nearly 40-year history, Barna Group has conducted more than two million interviews over the course of thousands of studies and has become a go-to source for insights about faith and culture, leadership and vocation, and generations. Barna Group has carefully and strategically tracked the role of faith in America, developing one of the nation’s most comprehensive databases of spiritual indicators. The firm’s studies are frequently cited in sermons and talks, and its public opinion research is often quoted in major media outlets such as CNN, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Fox News, Chicago Tribune, Huffington Post, the New York Times, Dallas Morning News, and the Los Angeles Times.
About MomCo by MOPS International
Over 50 years, MomCo by MOPS International has expanded around the world to over 72 countries and 18 languages, influencing millions of moms. Our methods have evolved as the world has changed, but The MomCo mission remains the same - to reach moms with the life-changing message of Jesus.
You can learn more in this Q&A with Mandy Arioto, MOPS International CEO.
What prompted this research project?
A: This research project, produced in partnership with Barna Group and MomCo by MOPS International, grew from a conference I attended for Fortune 500 companies. A VP of Marketing for one of these organizations said:
"We have made a strategic shift to focus all our marketing dollars on reaching moms. The reason? Because it is effective. Moms influence everything from what brand of detergent gets purchased to what religion families practice. Moms are evangelists, and if you want the fastest, smartest, and most efficient method for spreading a message, start with the moms."
The data behind the marketing shifts support this strategy shift.
- U.S. moms control 85% of household purchases.
- 88% of moms say the first place they look for recommendations is from other moms.
- 82% of families say they started attending Church because mom decided it was important.
- According to the U.N., one of the most effective ways to raise a community out of poverty is to resource the moms.
We started to see this pattern, if you want kids to show up at Church, or to alleviate poverty, or to influence how dollars get spent, or, if you want to create an exponential network of people sharing the message of Jesus, start with the moms.
But, as we dug in, we realized we need to start by looking at and understanding the landscape of motherhood today. We needed fresh, post-COVID data about the unique experiences of moms, their mental health, how to best recognize, develop and empower moms, and how to create a sense of belonging. The Motherhood Today study represents the first comprehensive, post-COVID study on motherhood in the U.S.
Who is this data for, and who can best turn it into action?
We embarked on this study to better understand motherhood today. Even as moms ourselves, as a 50-year-old legacy organization, the first of its kind, we knew that the landscape of motherhood has changed. The study is for moms, for churches, for non-profit organizations, it is for anyone who is a mom, has a mom, or serves moms.
When moms react to this data, they tell us it is the first time they’ve seen data to back their experience. They feel understood.
When churches leverage this data, it opens up possibilities to unlock the latent power already sitting in their church. It offers a roadmap to strategically support the moms in their congregation, but also in the community that surrounds them. Our hope is that this study sheds light on
We wondered “How are moms being replenished spiritually? How can churches improve in their support of moms?
A: One of the issues discovered in the study is that when a woman becomes a mom, they become less involved in church but still prioritizes church attendance. Where can churches improve in their ministry to moms?
Problem: Women want church support networks for their season of life but it’s not common in most churches (43% of churches offered NO ministries specifically for moms). While Christian mothers are most often meeting the need for discipleship and faith formation of their children, Barna data reveals they are notably underserved by the Church. (Barna, page 8)
Mothers are most UNSATISFIED with the mental health support they receive from their churches despite the data showing that a strong majority of moms say it is true that they are worrying about something and feel tired most of the time.
Solution: Congregations and organizations have much to gain if they intentionally represent, empower and partner with mothers. (Barna, page 7)
Tell us about the modern mom’s outlook on motherhood.
A: Problem: A mother’s influence stretches into every sphere of life, but many moms fail to recognize their value or impact (Barna, page 9)
Being a mom drives satisfaction in a mother’s life; 71% of women say they are satisfied being a mom; but notable dissatisfaction surfaces in other areas that are critical to a person’s flourishing (financial health, career, mental health, intimacy and physical health)
The study found that moms today feel like they have to put aside their own ambitions OR they feel guilty for prioritizing themselves.
Moms feel like they are held back because they are a mother (12% more than being held back because of their gender)
1 in 4 working moms struggle significantly with work-life balance
Solution: Faith correlates with stronger emotional well-being among mothers (and friendship/mentorship which leads to the next question)
What is one of the top ways a mom’s well-being can be impacted? OR Why is friendship and mentorship so crucial to a mom’s livelihood?
A: Our data points to the power of a confidant in a mom’s life, impacting everything from her life outlook and goals to home and church satisfaction.
However, moms- Christian or not- aren’t enthusiastic about their community
Moms today are in search of community – a sense of togetherness and affinity with other moms, as well as help and. Recognition from those around them. What better place than in the church (Barna, page 8)
What are some practical advice for churches after learning about the findings of the Motherhood Today research?
There’s an opportunity for churches to reimagine how they engage with and minister to moms (Barna, page 11)
To moms, the church is viewed not only as a resource for spiritual growth but also as a place that considers their holistic well-being (Barna, page 19)
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