Motherhood as ministry: The case for staying-at-home

From the beginning of time, the role of women has often been tied to domesticity and child-rearing. The traditional roles undertaken by women—roles sometimes looked down on today—positively defined many of the matriarchs of the past. Yet today, society critiques the maternal homemaker stereotype and instead celebrates the contributions women have made beyond the home. With the exception of Mothering Sunday, the role of ‘motherhood’ and ‘homemaker’ now seems little celebrated or advocated for. 

The world, of course, has changed—and mostly for the better. As women, we rightly celebrate those who fought for our voices to be heard and for equal opportunities. Yet we’ve been told that we can “have it all”—and that hasn’t fully worked for many of us. 

Many women want more than the domestic life that once defined them. Their abilities, passions, and opportunities often mean motherhood is put on hold while careers are pursued. Although children are longed for and often part of the ‘10-year plan,’ they can become an afterthought as biological clocks tick and potential fertility issues arise. Once life and career become established, children can be seen as an inconvenience. 

But what about those who choose the traditional path? In a world that offers endless opportunities, there can be a negative response to those who ‘just’ choose motherhood. Yet for many of us, the decision goes far deeper.