As the new quadrennial commences with new executives of various organizations of the United Methodist Church (UMC) – Sierra Leone Annual Conference, 110 delegates from various UM Churches nationwide began a four-day Leadership Training Workshop on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. The workshop, held at the Council of Churches Hall on King Harman Road in Freetown, is themed “Innovative Leadership Skills.”
The main objective of the workshop, organized by the Regional Missionary Initiative in collaboration with the United Methodist Women – Sierra Leone Annual Conference, is to equip the new executives nationwide with the leadership skills necessary to sharpen their knowledge for the tasks ahead. Participants include executives from the UMC Women’s Organization, the Youth and Youth Adults, and the Young Women’s Network.
The chairperson for the event, Mrs. Alice Nenneh James, emphasized that the training would capacitate leaders of various organizations. She noted that although leadership comes from God, it is not easy to lead as it comes with many responsibilities. She further mentioned that Satan is looking out for people to devour, and assured that by the end of the training, participants would have sharpened their skills for successful leadership. She wished all participants successful deliberations.
In her devotional sermon, Rev. Daisy Gblo admonished that even in times of challenges, God is good. She emphasized that people should look for leaders who are God-fearing, trustworthy, and have integrity. She also urged participants to pay attention to the potentials of individuals and their God-given talents.
The National President of the UMMO, Mrs. Hannah Senesie, reiterated that the training would help build the capacity of leaders to serve their churches, homes, and communities. She urged participants to work as a team, be attentive, replicate the training to others, and impact others positively.
Ms. Sylvanette Tower, Young Women’s Network Desk Officer, disclosed that continuous trainings are necessary for people to upgrade themselves and uphold the values of the UMC for smooth transitions and successions.
The National Coordinator of United Methodist Women, Mrs. Ethel Sandy, revealed that new executives have recently been elected in various UMC organizations nationwide. She underscored the need for the training to enhance communication skills and critical thinking, adding that the UMC is growing and appealing to participants to share the knowledge gained with others.
The representative of the United Methodist Men’s Organization, Mr. Samuel Barlay, reiterated the need for the training. The Acting District Superintendent of the Western Area, Rev. Sahr Fallah, asserted that leadership in the UMC is not a novelty, noting that the training would inject new skills in women to cater for the unlettered and make them self-reliant. He cited the Betty Carew Vocational Institute, which trains women in various income-generating skills.
Bishop John Pessima, Vice President of the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone, asserted that women are very important in any society. He noted that there are more girls now in school than boys and expressed optimism that a female Bishop and President would be elected in Sierra Leone in the future.
Rev. Winston Ashcroft, Director of Connectional Ministries, UMC, recalled the several trainings organized for women over the years. He observed that this training is innovative for wisdom and humility and appealed to participants to cascade the training to villages. He affirmed that the best leadership is servant leadership.
The guest speaker, Mrs. Elmira Sellu, retired United Women of Faith Regional Missionary, emphasized that learning is a continuous process for women to gain more knowledge. She highlighted the need for good and effective leadership, cautioning against autocratic leadership. She encouraged participants to treat people with respect and dignity, be of service, inspire, motivate, and communicate effectively.
Mrs. Finda Quiwa, United Women of Faith Regional Missionary, highlighted key topics to be discussed during the training, including principles of leadership, development and management, social media, dealing with challenging members, networking, and collaboration. She informed that the change of name to the United Women in Faith aims to encourage women of other denominations to join them. She underscored that leadership development and economic empowerment are key and appealed to the strong districts to help the weak ones.
Officially declaring the workshop open, Rev. Sahr Fallah reiterated that one of the Bishop’s principles is not to leave anyone behind. He emphasized the need for all to be accountable and expressed the Bishop’s aim to inject the blood of accountability in the UMC. He reaffirmed that when you educate a woman, you educate a nation.