Coffee Break and a New Generation

Do you struggle to engage younger women in your Coffee Break or Women's Ministry group? Is it hard for younger women to find a place in Coffee Break? Are new moms going back to work after having a baby? Do you wonder about reaching out to younger women in your community? If you answer yes to any of these questions, you’re not alone! 

In Canada, we invited women to an online conversation that asked the question, “What are the challenges for ministry with younger women today?” Here’s what we heard:

• Some younger women see Coffee Break as something their moms did.
• Women struggle to believe they are enough; social media has added to this challenge, as women are tempted to compare themselves with others.
• Women crave authenticity and honesty; they need a place to connect with others where they can share their struggles and challenges, while being encouraged by others.
• Younger women need relationships with mature Christian women, to be mentors and encouragers (especially when their own moms are far away).
• Women were eager to consider a simple format of Bible study that might be done in a coffee shop, with questions that encourage deeper sharing.
• Many women are going back to work after having a baby, sooner than their moms did, and they find it challenging to fit a Bible study into their schedule
• Mom’s groups are a starting place; moms also crave deeper study that will help them grow in their relationship with Jesus (not just mom talk).

What are you hearing in your churches and your Coffee Break groups? What have you found to be helpful for the younger generation in your church?  What are you doing to continue to walk with younger women in your church and community? 

We’d love to hear from you if you have fresh ideas about how to connect with younger women today, both within the church, and those who are still seeking a relationship with Jesus. Contact Marian Lensink at [email protected] or leave a comment below.