United Methodist Church Sierra Leone Trains New Leaders in Innovative Leadership Skills
As the new quadrennial begins with newly elected executives across various organizations of the United Methodist Church (UMC) Sierra Leone Annual Conference, 110 delegates from UMC churches nationwide have gathered for a four-day Leadership Training Workshop. The event, which commenced on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the Council of Churches Hall on King Harman Road, Freetown, focuses on the theme “Innovative Leadership Skills.”
Organized by the Regional Missionary Initiative in collaboration with the United Methodist Women-Sierra Leone Annual Conference, the workshop aims to equip new leaders with essential leadership skills to enhance their knowledge and effectiveness in their respective roles. Participants include executives from the UMC Women’s Organization, Youth and Young Adults, and the Young Women’s Network.
Key Addresses and Highlights
Chairperson Mrs. Alice Nenneh James emphasized the importance of leadership training, acknowledging that while leadership is a calling from God, it comes with significant responsibilities. She urged participants to remain steadfast, as challenges are inevitable in leadership.
Delivering the devotional sermon, Rev. Daisy Gblo reminded attendees of the need for God-fearing, trustworthy, and integrity driven leadership. She encouraged them to recognize and nurture the talents of those they lead while focusing on serving with humility.
National President of the United Methodist Women’s Organization (UMWO), Mrs. Hannah Senesie, stressed that the training would empower leaders to serve their churches, homes, and communities effectively. She urged participants to work as a team, remain attentive, and share their knowledge with others.
Ms. Sylvanette Tower, Desk Officer of the Young Women’s Network, emphasized the importance of continuous training, stating that it helps individuals stay updated and uphold the values of the UMC.
National Coordinator of the United Methodist Women, Mrs. Ethel Sandy, highlighted the necessity of the training for newly elected executives. She underscored key leadership qualities such as effective communication and critical thinking, noting that the church is growing and needs skilled leaders.
Support for Leadership Development
Mr. Samuel Barlay, representing the United Methodist Men’s Organization, reiterated the need for continuous leadership development within the church.
Rev. Sahr Fallah, Acting District Superintendent of the Western Area, pointed out that leadership training is essential for empowering women, particularly those with limited formal education. He referenced the Betty Carew Vocational Institute, which provides women with income-generating skills, and called for similar training programs across the country.
Vice President of the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone, Bishop John Pessima, acknowledged the crucial role of women in society. He expressed optimism that, with continued progress, Sierra Leone would one day have a female Bishop and even a female President.
Director of Connectional Ministries, Rev. Winston Ashcroft, reflected on past leadership training efforts within the UMC. He described this particular workshop as “innovative”, emphasizing the importance of wisdom, humility, and servant leadership. He encouraged participants to extend their training to rural areas.
Guest Speaker and Training Topics
Guest speaker Mrs. Elmira Sellu, a retired United Women of Faith Regional Missionary, underscored the significance of effective leadership for success. She cautioned against autocratic leadership and encouraged leaders to be respectful, motivational, and communicative in their roles.
She also discussed different leadership styles, including bureaucratic, democratic, and situational leadership, advocating for situational leadership as the most effective approach.
Another speaker, Mrs. Finda Quiwa, a United Women of Faith Regional Missionary, outlined key training topics, including:
• Principles of leadership and management
• The role of social media in leadership
• Handling challenging members
• Networking and collaboration
She also explained the recent rebranding of “United Methodist Women” to “United Women in Faith”, aimed at encouraging women from other denominations to join the movement.
Official Opening and Accountability Emphasis
Declaring the workshop officially open, Rev. Sahr Fallah reaffirmed the Bishop’s vision of empowering women and ensuring accountability within the church. He emphasized that accountability has been lacking in the UMC and assured that steps are being taken to instill it across leadership structures.
He concluded by reiterating the widely held belief that “When you educate a woman, you educate a nation.”
