Evangelical Christianity is often thought of as oppressive to women. The #MeToo era, when many women hit a breaking point with rampant sexism, has also reached evangelical communities. Yet more than thirty million women in the United States still identify as evangelical. Why do so many women remain in male-dominated churches that marginalize them, and why do others leave? In each case, what does this cost them?

The Struggle to Stay is an intimate and insightful portrait of single women’s experiences in evangelical churches. Drawing on unprecedented access to churches in the United States and the United Kingdom, Katie Gaddini relates the struggles of four women, interwoven with her own story of leaving behind a devout faith. She connects these personal narratives with rigorous analysis of Christianity and politics in both countries, and contextualizes them through interviews with more than fifty other evangelical women. Gaddini grapples with the complexities of obedience and resistance for women within a patriarchal religion against the backdrop of a culture war. Her exploration of how women choose to leave or remain in environments that constrain them is nuanced and personal, telling powerful stories of faith, community, isolation, and loss. Bringing together meticulous research and deep empathy, The Struggle to Stay provides a revelatory account of the private burdens that evangelical women bear.

"The author’s insider perspective provides essential insight into fractures within the evangelical movement, and the focus on the experiences of individuals puts a human face on larger trends. This moving and incisive account will resonate with anyone who has struggled with their faith." - Publishers Weekly

"Vivid descriptions and thoughtful analysis. . . . Gaddini models great care and empathy in her treatment of evangelical women." - Reading Religion

"A beautifully written book that evocatively draws the reader into the lives of single, evangelical women as they negotiate what it means to thrive on community while also experiencing a keen sense of separation for being outside the norm." - Gender & Society

"For anyone who studies evangelical Christianity, this book adds important, detailed insights to the existing body of research on women and evangelicalism. For those concerned about and committed to building inclusive church communities, this book is essential reading." - Review of Religious Research

"Masterfully narrates the stories of evangelical women. . . . Gaddini’s writing and argument shine in chapters that directly confront gendered double standards within evangelical churches." - Sociology of Religion

"Written in an accessible and engaging manner, deftly weaving four captivating stories together with a rigorous analysis of Christianity, gender and politics, it is a fascinating read." - Marginalia Review of Books

"Offers some helpful insights as we consider the experiences and presence of single women in our churches." - The Global Anglican