WOMEN EMPOWERMENT AS A DRIVER OF ECCLESIAL GROWTH AND SOCIAL CHANGE IN SOUTH-WESTERN NIGERIA
Keywords:
Women Empowerment, Ecclesial Growth, Social Change,, Africa, Church Leadership, Gender EqualityAbstract
This study investigates the role of women's empowerment as a driver of ecclesial growth and social change in Africa. The African church is experiencing significant growth, yet the potential of its female members remains underutilized. The central problem is the persistence of socio-cultural and theological barriers that limit women's full participation and leadership within ecclesiastical structures and broader society. This study employed a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. A sample of 450 church members and 35 church leaders from selected congregations in Nigeria was selected using stratified and purposive sampling techniques. Quantitative data was collected via a structured questionnaire, while qualitative data was gathered through semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data was analyzed using mean scores and chi-square tests. Qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Findings revealed a strong positive perception of women's contributions to church growth and community development. However, a significant gap exists between this recognition and the actual presence of women in top leadership roles. The study concludes that intentional empowerment of women within the church, grounded in a theology of mutuality, is a critical catalyst for both ecclesiastical vitality and transformative social change in African communities. The study recommends proactive leadership development programs for women, doctrinal re-evaluation of gender roles, and the formal integration of women's ministries into church governance structures.
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