This study presents research findings conducted on the prophetic nature of the
leadership of the Liberia Area of the United Methodist Church (UMC) in an effort to
identify culturally sensitive and contextually relevant ways by which the church might
contribute to the holistic transformation of post-conflict Liberia. Through ethnographic
research, I evaluated the prewar leadership role of the UMC and the Christian community
in ecclesial and national governance in general and, in particular, the prewar ministry
performance of the UMC consistent with the socioeconomic, political, and spiritual needs
of the community and people of contemporary Liberia.
Research findings and analysis, as discussed in this dissertation, have implications
for the need of a clearly defined and articulated national vision plan for the sustainable
growth and development of the church and nation, the church’s commitment to
developing Christ-centered, accountable, and credible leaders through discipleship, and
its pursuit of community transformation through intentional social engagements and the
practice of public theology.