By Cathie Ostapchuk

This spring, the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada released the National Study on Women in Canadian Evangelical Churches, one of the most comprehensive studies ever conducted on the experiences of evangelical women in Canada.

Led by researcher Lindsay Callaway and an exceptional team, the study gathered more than 2,000 survey responses and dozens of interviews from women across the country. Gather Women was honoured to be a research partner in the project, and I was humbled to contribute my own voice among the many women who shared their experiences.

What struck me most about the findings was not what women were leaving behind.

It was what they were longing for.

At a time when much of the conversation about women and faith is dominated by debates, positions, and polarization, the women in this study spoke repeatedly about something both simpler and deeper.

They longed for meaningful relationships.

They longed for spiritual growth.

They longed to use their gifts.

They longed to contribute to the life of the Church.

They longed for places where they could continue becoming mature disciples of Jesus.

As I reflected on the findings, I was reminded that Canadian women occupy a unique place in this cultural moment.

We are leading businesses, churches, ministries, schools, nonprofits, and families. Many of us carry significant responsibility. We are educated, capable, resilient, and resourceful.

And yet many of us are also tired.

We are navigating increasing cultural complexity, loneliness, division, uncertainty, caregiving responsibilities, leadership pressures, and a pace of life that rarely leaves room for reflection.

We have become very good at carrying things.

Less good at carrying them together.

Perhaps that is why one of the strongest themes I heard throughout the research was not a cry for more programs, conferences, or opportunities.

It was a longing for connection.

For community.

For belonging.

Scripture reminds us that before God ever gave us an assignment, He gave us an identity.

"God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." (Genesis 1:27)

Before ministry came formation.

Before responsibility came relationship.

Before leadership came belonging.

I wonder if part of the Church's response in this moment is to help women recover those foundations.

Not simply asking how women can do more.

But asking how women can flourish more.

This is one of the reasons I am excited about Gather Circles.

Not because women need another thing to add to their calendars.

But because women need spaces where they can gather around Scripture, friendship, formation, discernment, and faith.

Spaces where they can be known.

Spaces where they can ask honest questions.

Spaces where they can grow.

The EFC study is a gift to the Canadian Church. My gratitude goes to Lindsay Callaway and the entire research team for helping us listen carefully to the experiences of Canadian women.

The findings invite us to pay attention.