The Role of Women’s Fellowship Groups in the Spiritual Development of Members in Kogi State Churches

Women's fellowship groups, often known as Women's Guild, Women's Wing, or Women's Ministry, form a vital dimension of church life in Nigerian Christian communities, providing structured spaces for spiritual development, mutual support, and community service. This study examines the role of women's fellowship groups in the spiritual development of members in selected churches in Kogi State, North Central Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted, with questionnaires administered to 180 women fellowship members from six churches in Lokoja, Okene, and Idah, representing Catholic, Anglican, and Baptist traditions. Fellowship coordinators were interviewed, and programme records analysed. Spiritual development was assessed through biblical literacy, personal prayer depth, community service participation, and leadership development indicators. Findings indicate that women fellowship members demonstrate significantly higher scores on all four spiritual development dimensions compared to non-fellowship church women. Bible study participation within fellowship groups shows the strongest association with long-term spiritual growth. Leadership opportunities within fellowships are valued but unevenly distributed across socioeconomic lines. Inter-fellowship coordination between churches is minimal, limiting resource sharing. The study concludes that women's fellowship groups in Kogi State are powerful spiritual formation vehicles that warrant greater pastoral investment and denominational support. It recommends a cross-denominational women's ministry development programme for North Central Nigeria.

Keywords: women's fellowship, spiritual development, Kogi State, church women, North Central Nigeria