Monrovia, Liberia: The Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church (LAC/UMC) proudly concluded a transformative three-day Capacity Building and Leadership Formation Seminar, held from July 4 – 6, 2025, at Lott G. Matthew United Methodist Church in Topoe Village, Monrovia. The seminar targeted 65 young people officials from 19 districts; aimed at empowering and ushering effective and efficient leaders serve the Church and society.
Themed “Leadership Growth, Mobilization, and Discipleship,” the seminar featured a robust agenda, including presentations, panel discussions, spiritual revival sessions, and various leadership-building activities. Each element was intricately designed to equip participants with tools and insights necessary for transformative leadership within the church and society. Capacity strengthening engagements were factored into sessions.
Session I presentations were given by Fth. P. EmEmery Harris, Director of Connectional Ministries, and Bro. Jeremiah S. Swen, Associate Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. Their discussions emphasized the importance of preserving United Methodism: History, Mission, Beliefs. The second phase emphasized on the role Young People in Conflict Mitigation and spreading the flames of United Methodism.
Another standout segment featured Mr. Winston Varwol from Gbarnga District YAF, who delivered an impactful presentation on Leaders and Leadership. Drawing from personal experiences, Varwol passionately conveyed the different dynamic for effective leadership.
The United Methodist Church in its quest to enhance the capacity and unleash Young People as engines to educate and preserve the legacies of The United Methodist Church held a panel discussion on Regionalization lectured by Cllr. Dr. Tolbert Nyenswah, Conference Lay-Leader, Dr. Julu Swen and Rev. Cllr. Albert Knight, Associate Counsellor of the LAC/UMC.
On the second day, sessions on financial accountability and stewardship were conducted by Bro. Cephas William, the DGEM Finance Manager, and Bro. Bill Innis, the President of CUMYAF. These discussions offered essential practical tools to ensure responsible resource management within youth ministries, equipping attendees with the skills needed to handle church funds effectively.
Dynamic breakout sessions enabled participants to delve into new leadership priorities, focusing on areas such as mind mapping, strategic planning, and program implementation. Under the guidance of Bro. Jeremiah S. Swen, these interactive sessions fostered actionable plans tailored to each district’s specific needs and community contexts.
The seminar culminated in a heartfelt induction ceremony led by Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr. The Resident Bishop officially inducted the newly elected Interim Leadership Team of the Conference Young Adult Fellowship, commending them for their willingness to serve. In his charge to the new leaders, Bishop Quire emphasized the importance of humility, vision, and unwavering faith, urging them to be ambassadors for Christ and to shine their light brightly in the community.
The newly commissioned leadership team includes Bro. Winston S.K. Varwulo as President, Bro. Charles W. James as 1st Vice President, Bro. Austine K. Kumeh as 2nd Vice President, Bro. Jeremiah K. Weah, Jr. as General Secretary, Bro. Andrew W. Tarr as Assistant Secretary, Bro. Jerry G. S. Tinnie as Financial Secretary, and Sis. Victoria Myers as Treasurer.
Expressions of gratitude were shared for the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries for facilitating the training and empowerment session. The newly inducted leaders expressed their readiness to work diligently for the Liberia Annual Conference and God’s mission.
“Our church is a place of forgiveness and reconciliation,” remarked the Conference Young Adult Fellowship president, as he urged those who felt misled to return. He acknowledged the painful past but encouraged all members to respect their leadership and move forward in unity.
Rev. S. Snoh Myers Sr., Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, reaffirmed the department’s unwavering support for the new leadership. He emphasized the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and ongoing training for future success.
The seminar concluded on Sunday, July 6, with a spiritually uplifting recommitment and induction service, leaving delegates inspired and renewed. Participants departed with a revitalized commitment to advance youth ministry within the Liberia Annual Conference, invigorated and ready to serve with greater zeal and dedication.