Making It Awkward (and Making It Matter)

Over in the MomCo Facebook groups, we asked leaders to share how they leaned into this year’s Make It Awkward theme — and their creativity, courage and humor did not disappoint. Here are a few of our favorite highlights.

At first, it can feel like a risk — doing something a little different, a little unexpected, maybe even a little awkward. But this year, across MomCo groups, leaders chose to lean in. And what they found on the other side? Connection, laughter and moments moms are still talking about.

Sadie kicked off her year by wearing her shirt inside out, quietly waiting to see who would say something. Each brave mom who spoke up was rewarded with a mint and a smile: “Thanks for making it awkward.” What started as a simple, silly moment quickly became something more — it broke the ice and invited moms into a culture where courage is celebrated.

At The MomCo at Morning Star Church, Mandy and her team went all in with an “awkward family photo” shoot. It wasn’t just funny (though it definitely was) — it gave their leadership team a shared experience that set the tone for a year of joy and authenticity.

Other groups found creative ways to spark connection. Evie’s group hosted a Golden Girls–inspired gathering, complete with personality quizzes, heartfelt conversations about biblical friendships, and plenty of laughter. Moms made Galentine-style cards for one another and even read mom jokes while wearing silly face masks — laughing until they cried.

Brianna took moms right back to those unforgettable middle school moments — in the best way. She paired moms up and challenged them to create their own “secret handshake” in just a few minutes. As each pair shared their handshake with the group, laughter filled the room. It was lighthearted, a little outside everyone’s comfort zone, and exactly the kind of playful awkward that helps walls come down and connection grow.

Kerri took a bold step with a “speed friending” painting night that, at first, felt a little strange. But as moms rotated, painting each other’s portraits and asking real questions, something shifted. Walls came down. Conversations deepened. By the end, every canvas — like every friendship — had been shaped by many hands. Months later, moms are still talking about it.

From wearing that one outfit you never have a reason to put on (thanks, Melissa!) to hosting a couples night where husbands wore shirts with their wives’ faces on them (Brandi’s group understood the assignment!), these leaders chose fun, vulnerability and just enough awkward to make space for something real.

Here’s the truth: awkward often means new. And new is where connection begins.

So as you look ahead, don’t be afraid to go the extra mile. Try the idea that feels a little risky. Create the moment that might make people laugh, pause or step just slightly outside their comfort zone.

Because when you “make it awkward,” you might just make it unforgettable.