Why Young Men Are Returning—and Young Women Are Leaving the Church

In episode 4 of Season 7 of The GenSend Podcast, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor welcome Catherine Renfro as they discuss the data behind the growing church engagement gap and offer practical insight into why college-aged women are disengaging from weekly church attendance and spiritual habits. You’ll be equipped to disciple young women in a culture shaped by social media, political polarization, and mistrust of institutions. Discover proactive strategies to empower women as laborers in the harvest, strengthen relational discipleship, and address difficult topics like leadership, purpose, and church hurt with both truth and compassion. Listen in to gather help in building ministries that mobilize both young men and young women for the mission of God.

What You'll Learn:

• The recent data that shows a growing engagement gap between genders—and what that means for your ministry.
• Why safety, belonging, and authenticity are critical for engaging Gen Z women in the local church.
• How to evaluate whether your ministry culture unintentionally sidelines or overlooks young women.
• Why disciple-making—not programming—is the long-term solution to engagement gaps.
• How to create pathways for both young men and young women to live on mission together.
   

Helpful Resources:

• Dream Big: The Henrietta Mears Story
• The Other Half of Church
• Women in the Mission of God
• Gospel Conversation Starters for Women
• Living Sent
• Barna Research

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★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org

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Shareable Quotes:

“If we say we want our ministries to be a hospital for souls, then we shouldn’t push people away who are hurting.” —Shane Pruitt

“Relational connection is one of the highest values for Gen Z, especially women.” —Paul Worcester 

“If we’re going to reach this world, it’s going to take every single one of us.” —Catherine Renfro

“It’s really easy to train your mind to have a bad view of the church if you’re constantly fed negative stories.” —Lacey Villasenor

“We define God by our circumstances instead of letting God define our circumstances.” —Catherine Renfro

“We’re in a God moment where young men are being reached with the gospel.” —Shane Pruitt

“If they don’t see the church as a safe place, they’re just not going to show up.” —Paul Worcester

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