By Edwin C.Benson
Following the successful conclusion of the 192nd Session of the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church held in February 2025, the church has reaffirmed its commitment to its core missions, initiating a wave of leadership trainings across the country.
The conference, which saw the passage and notarization of several key resolutions including a resolution affirming marriage as between a man and a woman in holding with biblical teachings and Liberian law and custom has swiftly moved to strengthen its ministries through education and development.
In recent weeks, various districts, organizations, and departments have been actively engaged in capacity-building exercises. The Conference United Methodist Women (UMW) organization, under the interim leadership of President Mth. Josephine Snorton and the directorship of Mth. Taryonnoh Doe, has been at the forefront of this initiative.
The UMW began its training series in the south-eastern region, gathering at the Gee River United Methodist Church in River Gee County. The event attracted United Methodists and others interested in acquiring new knowledge. The women’s organization then moved to Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County, where the St. John River, Morweh, River Cess, and Grand Bassa Districts converged for a similar training session. Most recently, the training was extended to the Monrovia, St. Paul River, and Kakata Farmington River District Conferences at the St. Paul River District Women Training Center in Louisiana, Montserrado County.
Parallel to the women’s activities, the Conference United Methodist Men (UMM) organization, under the leadership of Fth. Samuel Swen Kun, Jr., has been conducting its own meetings aimed at strengthening the church’s service to Jesus Christ. The men have held significant gatherings in Kakata City, Margibi County, and Gbarnga City, Bong County, bringing together districts for strategic meetings and training.
Adding to the nationwide effort, the Department of Youth/Young Adult Ministries, under the directorship of Rev. Snoh Myers and the chairmanship of Fth. Adolphus W. Dupley, has embarked on an extensive workshop tour. The department convened youth and young adults in Harper City, Maryland County, for a training session focused on the south-eastern districts. A second major gathering was held in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County, drawing participants from the River Cess, Morweh, St. John River, Grand Bassa, and Kakata/Farmington River District Conferences.
Simultaneously, the Board of Ordained Ministry, led by Rev. Blidi Nimely, has focused on clergy development, conducting specialized training for pastors in River Cess County.
These coordinated efforts underscore the United Methodist Church’s firm position and unwavering focus on serving Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, following the doctrinal and administrative directions set forth at its recent Annual Conference.