On a bright Sunday morning, August 3, 2025, the sanctuary of the Tuskegee United Methodist Church was alive with the voices of young people lifting songs of praise. The pews were filled with more than 150 youths and 70 church officials; all gathered to conclude what had been a transformative five-day leadership and capacity-building seminar.
The event, organized by the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministry of the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (LAC/UMC) in collaboration with Tuskegee UMC, had been more than just a training — it was a movement of faith, unity, and renewal.
For days, the usually quiet Cape Palmas District had been buzzing with activity as young people from across five districts arrived, eager to grow in leadership and deepen their walk with God. Supported by the General Board of Global Ministries, the program blended practical training, spiritual teachings, worship, and fellowship. Each session built on the last, weaving together lessons of perseverance, stewardship, and service.
its climax with a Divine Worship Service led by the Cape Palmas District Youth Fellowship. Standing at the pulpit was Rev. Cyrus W. Tugbe, II, Senior Pastor of Mount Scott UMC in Harper City. His voice carried a mix of passion and urgency as he delivered a sermon on the theme: “Persevere and Keep the Church Alive.”
Drawing from Romans 5:3–5 and Matthew 16:18, Rev. Tugbe challenged the young people not just to endure hardships but also to embrace resilience as a spiritual calling.
“Your resilience will keep the flame of the church burning,” he told them. “Perseverance is not only enduring trials — it is a commitment to ensuring the church remains strong, alive, and relevant.” The congregation responded with nods and “Amens,” many clutching their Bibles with renewed determination. For the youth, Rev. Tugbe’s words were more than encouragement; they were a charge to carry forward the mission of the church despite the storms they might face.
Two days earlier, the Tuskegee UMC had hosted a revival service that left an indelible mark on many hearts. On that Friday night, Rev. Brownell B. Konton, District Superintendent of the Nana Kru District Conference, took the pulpit, preaching from Psalm 46:10: “Be Still and Know that I Am God.”
His message was one of faith, patience, and unwavering trust in God’s plan. “Being still doesn’t mean doing nothing,” Rev. Konton explained. “It means standing firm in God’s promises, knowing that even in difficult times, He is working.”
The revival was filled with spirited prayers, soulful hymns, and heartfelt testimonies. Young people described it as a spiritual turning point, one that renewed their strength and ignited a deeper commitment to service. The energy in the room was electric, as if a new generation of leaders had been awakened.
Beyond the pulpit, the seminar provided young people with practical lessons to guide their leadership journey. A key highlight was a panel discussion on Stewardship: Christian and Financial Stewardship, led by Rev. Cyrus Tugbe and Brother J Philip A. Theoway.
The panelists spoke plainly but powerfully. Spiritual stewardship, they explained, is about cultivating a strong relationship with God, living a life modeled after Christ, and reflecting Wesleyan principles of faith and service. Financial stewardship, on the other hand, requires discipline, accountability, and wise management of resources — not just for personal gain, but for the growth of the church and the uplifting of communities.
Moderated by Brother Jeremiah S. Swen, Associate Director of the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, the session drew many questions from participants. The dialogue was lively, as youth probed into how they could balance personal ambitions with the responsibilities of church leadership. For many, the discussion offered clarity on how faith and practical life could work hand in hand.
On the opening day, Father Adolphus W. Dupley, Chairperson of the Council on Young People’s Ministries, set the tone for the week. In a stirring address, he reminded the participants that the future of the church rests on their shoulders.
“Youth engagement isn’t just about joining in — it’s about leading,” Fr. Dupley said. “You are the lifeblood of this church. Your energy, your creativity, and your ideas are what will keep our church alive and relevant.”
He urged young people to bring fresh perspectives, embrace modern tools, and use their voices to drive innovation. His call resonated strongly, especially with the younger participants, who later described feeling empowered to take up leadership roles in their local congregations.
For the young people who attended, the seminar was more than a series of sessions — it was a life-changing experience. One participant, speaking after the closing service, said, “This program gave me tools to grow as a leader and reminded me that I am part of the future of the church.” Another added, “The revival and teachings renewed my strength and my commitment to serve both God and my community.”
