Ep. 389: Why are More Young Women Leaving the Faith with Cicely Corry
Let's Parent on Purpose: Christian Marriage, Parenting, and DiscipleshipShow Notes
For the first time in the history of the Barna Research, more young women are leaving the faith than young men. Jay Holland and Cicely Corry discuss the work of Barna, focusing on the intersection of church and culture. They explore the methodologies used in their research, the importance of data for parents and leaders, and the concerning trend of young women disengaging from faith. Cicely shares insights into the reasons behind this trend, including social dynamics and perceptions of safety within church communities. The discussion emphasizes the need for churches to create welcoming environments for young women and the role of community in fostering faith. This conversation explores the dynamics of friendships between genders, the importance of intentionality in building relationships, and the empowerment of young women in leadership roles. It discusses the challenges faced by Gen Z in navigating faith and spirituality, emphasizing the need for mentorship and community support. The dialogue highlights the role of parents in fostering curiosity and community among their children to help them thrive in their faith journey.
Takeaways
Parents can benefit from Barna's insights to raise their children in faith.
Young women are increasingly identifying as having no faith, a concerning trend.
Social dynamics and safety perceptions impact young women's engagement with church.
Community and friendship are vital for youth engagement in church.
Churches need to create safe spaces for young women.
Men's friendships often thrive on shared interests. Women tend to have more complex social dynamics in friendships.
Shared experiences help deepen connections among individuals.
Visible female leadership in churches empowers young women.
Mentorship plays a significant role in young women's development.
Gen Z shows intrigue in spiritual matters despite declining church affiliation.
Parents should engage in curious conversations with their children.
Community involvement is essential for faith retention.
Encouraging young people to step out of their comfort zones fosters growth.
Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Bio 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 a 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.
Resources mentioned:
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/ Cicely Corry's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/cicelycorry/
Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!
Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/
More from Let's Parent on Purpose: Christian Marriage, Parenting, and Discipleship
In this episode of Let’s Parent on Purpose, Jay sits down with Dr. Charles Fay, president of the Love and Logic Institute, to explore how Christian parents can raise spiritually strong kids through intentional discipleship, biblical principles, and practical parenting strategies. Dr. Fay explains how the Love and Logic® approach combines love with healthy boundaries, appropriate choices, accountability, and opportunities for children to experience the consequences of their decisions. Rather than rescuing children from every struggle or controlling them through fear and threats, parents can help their children develop wisdom, responsibility, self control, and the ability to make good decisions from the inside out. Most importantly, Dr. Fay emphasizes that effective parenting techniques are not a substitute for the gospel. Christian parents are called to model authentic faith, point their children toward Jesus, and depend on the Holy Spirit as they seek to disciple their children.
In this episode of Let’s Parent on Purpose, Jay sits down with Seth Troutt to explore a biblical vision of authentic masculinity and what it means for parents who want to intentionally disciple their children. Drawing from his book Authentic Masculinity: Leaving Behind the Counterfeits for God’s Design, Seth explains why Christian masculinity must begin with humility rather than comparison with women or attempts to prove strength. His masculinity pyramid identifies four core virtues: humility, discipline, responsibility, and chivalry. Seth explains how these qualities flow from a proper understanding of who we are before God and how they shape the way men live as sons, brothers, makers, husbands, and fathers.
Parenting a child with special needs is a journey that few families expect, yet many Christian parents walk every day. In this encouraging conversation, Jay sits down with Dr. Joe and Cindi Ferrini to discuss their book, The Special Needs Parent: A Guide to the Life You Never Expected. Drawing from more than four decades of caring for their son Joey, who lives with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and developmental disabilities, they share practical wisdom, biblical encouragement, and honest insight into the realities of raising a child with lifelong special needs. Together they explore the challenges of isolation, stress, advocating for your child, building a strong support team, and trusting God's faithfulness through every season of parenting.
How do Christian parents navigate the challenging transition from raising children to building healthy relationships with adult sons and daughters? In this insightful conversation, Jay sits down with Dr. Kathy Koch to discuss one of the most important shifts in biblical parenting: moving from being a parent who directs and instructs to becoming a trusted consultant who advises and encourages. Drawing from her book Resolve Conflict and Find Peace and Hope with Adult Children, Dr. Kathy shares practical wisdom for maintaining strong family relationships, avoiding common parenting pitfalls, and fostering mutual respect as children enter adulthood. Christian moms and dads will be encouraged to release control, trust God with their adult children, and pursue relationships marked by grace, understanding, and hope.
In this powerful episode of Let’s Parent on Purpose, host Jay Holland sits down with Chris McKenna, founder of Protect Young Eyes and author of The Five Habits of a Tech-Ready Family, for an honest and hope-filled conversation about parenting kids in the digital age. Chris shares how smartphones, social media, pornography exposure, gaming, and AI have created an “experiment” that today’s parents never signed up for. Together, Jay and Chris unpack the emotional and spiritual challenges Christian families face as children navigate addictive technology, online temptation, and constant digital influence. This episode offers biblical wisdom, practical parenting strategies, and encouragement for moms and dads who want to raise disciples of Jesus in a screen-saturated world without leading from fear or shame.