The Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (LAC/UMC) has concluded a three-day Capacity Building and Leadership Formation Seminar, hailed as a significant step in preparing young people to serve as effective, accountable, and spiritually grounded leaders within both church and society.
Held from July 4–6 at the Lott G. Matthew United Methodist Church in Topoe Village, Monrovia, the seminar brought together 65 youth officials from 19 districts under the theme “Leadership Growth, Mobilization, and Discipleship.” The event served as a strategic platform to nurture leadership skills, deepen knowledge of Methodism, and promote transformative engagement across youth ministries.
The seminar incorporated a blend of theological, strategic, and practical components. Sessions included presentations, panel discussions, spiritual revival meetings, and hands-on leadership exercises—all designed to equip participants with tools essential for modern-day church and community leadership.
Father P. EmEmery Harris, Director of Connectional Ministries, and Brother Jeremiah S. Swen, Associate Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, opened the seminar with a compelling focus on United Methodism’s roots—its history, beliefs, and mission. Their session emphasized the role of young people in safeguarding the identity and purpose of the church amid a rapidly evolving religious landscape.
Subsequent sessions explored how youth can contribute to conflict mitigation and become torchbearers for the United Methodist Church’s legacy, even in turbulent contexts. These discussions sought to connect spiritual growth with social relevance, highlighting the young generation’s pivotal role in shaping Liberia’s moral and religious future.
One of the seminar’s highlights was a presentation by Mr. Winston Varwol from the Gbarnga District Young Adult Fellowship (YAF). Drawing from personal leadership experiences, Varwol delivered a moving address on the responsibilities, ethical expectations, and strategic thinking required of today’s youth leaders.
In a high-level panel on Regionalization and Church Governance, Cllr. Dr. Tolbert Nyenswah, Conference Lay-Leader, was joined by Dr. Julu Swen and Rev. Cllr. Albert Knight. Their insights dissected the implications of church governance structures for young leaders and highlighted the need for inclusive frameworks to reflect the realities of diverse regions.
Recognizing the growing financial responsibilities entrusted to youth ministries, the seminar dedicated its second day to strengthening capacity in financial accountability. Bro. Cephas William, Finance Manager of the DGEM, and Bro. Bill Innis, President of CUMYAF, led sessions that provided actionable strategies on financial stewardship, transparency, and church fund management—equipping participants with competencies to build trust and efficiency within their ministries.
Dynamic breakout groups followed, focusing on leadership tools such as mind mapping, strategic planning, and district-level program implementation. Under the facilitation of Bro. Jeremiah S. Swen, these interactive discussions allowed delegates to contextualize leadership principles to the unique needs of their respective communities.
The seminar culminated in a formal recommitment and induction ceremony presided over by Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., Resident Bishop of the Liberia Episcopal Area. In an atmosphere of worship and solemnity, Bishop Quire installed the newly elected Interim Leadership Team of the Conference Young Adult Fellowship, calling on them to lead with humility, vision, and unwavering faith.
Bishop Quire’s charge emphasized servant leadership, encouraging the new leaders to be visible stewards of hope and Christ-like examples in their communities. “Let your leadership be a ministry that draws others closer to God,” he urged.
The New Leadership Team
The newly inducted leadership team includes: Bro. Winston S.K. Varwulo – President, Bro. Charles W. James – 1st Vice President, Bro. Austine K. Kumeh – 2nd Vice President, Bro. Jeremiah K. Weah, Jr. – General Secretary, Bro. Andrew W. Tarr – Assistant Secretary, Bro. Jerry G. S. Tinnie – Financial Secretary, Sis. Victoria Myers – Treasurer.
In his inaugural statement, President Varwulo called for reconciliation, unity, and renewed commitment to the church’s mission. “Our church is a place of forgiveness and healing,” he said, urging estranged members to rejoin the fellowship and respect the new leadership as they chart a way forward.
Rev. S. Snoh Myers Sr., Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, reaffirmed the department’s commitment to mentorship, continuity, and capacity-building. He called for sustained support to the new leadership and highlighted plans for ongoing training to ensure that youth leaders are well-equipped to meet future challenges.
As the seminar concluded on Sunday, participants left spiritually rejuvenated and equipped with practical leadership tools, ready to take on expanded roles in service of both church and nation. The three-day event underscored the UMC’s broader vision: empowering young people not only as future leaders but as active agents of transformation in Liberia today.
