By: Julius Konton
The Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church has successfully concluded a landmark Special Session in Gbarnga City, electing clergy and lay delegates who will represent Liberia at two of the denomination’s highest decision-making gatherings, the forthcoming West Africa Regional Conference and the 2028 General Conference in the United States.
The three-day gathering, held from July 10–12, 2026, at St. John United Methodist Church in Gbarnga, brought together hundreds of clergy and lay members from across Liberia’s 20 church districts and two circuits, underscoring the country’s significant role within Methodism in West Africa.
Held under the theme “Elections for God’s Glorification,” with its biblical foundation drawn from Acts 6:1–7, the Special Session focused exclusively on electing delegates following a decision reached during the 193rd Annual Session of the Liberia Annual Conference.
Methodism has maintained a strong presence in Liberia for nearly two centuries, dating back to the early nineteenth century through the work of American and Liberian missionaries.
Today, the Liberia Annual Conference remains one of the denomination’s largest and most influential conferences in West Africa, playing an increasingly prominent role in regional church governance, theological dialogue, evangelism, education, healthcare, and humanitarian outreach.
Globally, The United Methodist Church is one of the world’s largest Protestant denominations, with millions of members spread across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Its General Conference, held every four years, serves as the denomination’s supreme legislative body, determining church laws, policies, doctrine, governance, and mission priorities.
The upcoming West Africa Regional Conference, expected to be hosted in Liberia later this year, represents another milestone in strengthening regional leadership and expanding contextual decision-making among Methodist churches across West Africa.
Addressing delegates during the Special Session, Samuel J. Quire Jr., Resident Bishop of the Liberia Episcopal Area, described the gathering as a constitutional responsibility arising from the Annual Conference.
“This gathering is in fulfillment of an agenda item from our 193rd Annual Session. Let it be made clear that, in The United Methodist Church, the authority to call a Special Session rests with the Bishop, in consultation with the Cabinet,” Bishop Quire stated.
He explained that the elected delegates will officially represent the Liberia Annual Conference at both the Special Session of the West Africa Regional Conference and the denomination’s 2028 General Conference, where key global decisions affecting the future of the Church will be made.
During Sunday’s worship service, Bishop Quire challenged delegates to view church elections not as political contests but as spiritual responsibilities rooted in Christian discipleship.
“Elections are held in the Church of God to help advance the work and Word of God. Elections are about Christian character, not numbers alone,” he declared.
He urged those elected to embrace humility, integrity, and servant leadership.
“Leadership is about service to God’s people.
Be a servant leader. Do not seek leadership for personal benefit, but serve the people.
When people are elected, God should be glorified.”
The Bishop also appealed to candidates who were unsuccessful to continue supporting the Church’s mission.
“Your time will come. If someone is elected before you, work together for the common good of the Church. After the election, let us join hands.
The United Methodist Church must remain united.”
His message received broad support from delegates, reinforcing the Church’s commitment to reconciliation, unity, and collective ministry.
Following a transparent electoral process, delegates were elected as follows:
Clergy Delegates (Primary)
Rev. Dr. David M. Tokpah
Rev. Dr. George K. Wheagba
Rev. Peter F. Kaykpah
Rev. P. Ka Gartor
Rev. Moses K. Yebleh
Rev. Decontee A. Johnson
Rev. George K. Mombo
Clergy Reserve Delegates
Rev. James Fongbah
Rev. Dr. Lawrence Bropleh
Rev. Konton Brownell
Rev. Caleb Dormah
Rev. Cecilia Maploh
Rev. J. Joel Gould
Rev. P. Harvey Willie
Lay Delegates (Primary)
Cllr. Dr. Tolbert G. Nyenswah
Mot. Josephine Snorton
Fth. S. Swen Kun Jr.
Cllr. Samuel T. Zonoe
Bro. Emmanuel Menyonbeh
Bro. Jonathan Siakeh
Bro. Jefferson Knight
Lay Reserve Delegates
Mot. Theresa M. Davies
Mot. Pauline Doe Hilton
Bro. Debester Kpoquinyan Jr.
Bro. Adophus Duplay
Bro. Allison Paygar
Dr. Joseph Boldar
Bro. Eric Drow
The election of delegates represents a critical milestone in Liberia’s preparations for participation in the denomination’s highest governing forums.
Delegates will help shape discussions on church governance, mission strategy, evangelism, education, social witness, clergy development, and other matters affecting millions of Methodists worldwide.
With Liberia expected to host the Special Session of the West Africa Regional Conference later this year, church leaders say the successful conduct of the Gbarnga Special Session demonstrates the Liberia Annual Conference’s commitment to transparent governance, democratic participation, spiritual accountability, and faithful representation.
As the newly elected delegation prepares to carry Liberia’s voice onto the regional and global Methodist stage, church leaders expressed confidence that their service will strengthen both the mission of the Church in Liberia and the broader worldwide Methodist connection, while reflecting the conference’s guiding principle that every election should ultimately glorify God.
