Has the mission of the United Methodist Church in Grand Bassa County, Liberia participated in the transformation of the lives of the people of Bassa since 2000 to 2012?

2013-09-05

Introduction: This thesis looks at how the people of Grand Bassa County perceive the work

of the United Methodist Church in Grand Bassa County. The introductory chapter gives a full

outline of the thesis and highlights the profile of the thesis. It also states the problems, study

objectives, research question and an overview of the literature which forms the basis for the

study.

Methodology: The method used in was a qualitative approach where a semi-structure

interview style of interviewing was employed. Semi-Structure Interview- is typically refers to

a context in which the interviewer has a series of questions that are in a general form of an

interview guide but is able to vary the sequence of questions. The interviewer also has some

latitude to ask further questions in response to what are seen as significant replies.

Findings: The research finds out that the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Grand Bassa

County is participating in the transformation of lives of the Bassa people according to the five

marks of global mission. However, the people of Grand Bassa County perceive the UMC to

be more engaged in transformation through Proclamation, Teaching, Baptism and Nurturing

its members and as well as other Christian and the Respond to Human needs by loving

service such as the provision of schools, awarding of scholarships to the poor and disinherited

in Grand Bassa County, health services delivery, improving their living conditions through

the construction of Hand Pumps, connecting farms to market roads and building bridges,

which the people believe are crucial to their survival. However, the study further find out that

not much has been done in the areas of transforming the unjust Structures of Society as the

people are divided on the topic. While some feel that the church is playing her role in

addressing the unjust structure of society, there are many others who believe that the church

is silent and needs to wake up if the church must be the voice of the voiceless. On the fifth

mark of mission, the people believe that the church has not and is not doing much to educate

the people on the danger of climate change.

Conclusion: The thesis concludes with a summary and cite some observations and suggests

where the church needs to pay attention in it mission based on the five marks of Walls and

Ross five marks of mission. Thesis finds out that the church is making significant progress in

light of the first, second and third marks of mission. However, according to the interviewees,

the church needs to do more when it comes to the church the church addressing the social

structure of society in Grand Bassa county and to enlighten people on sustaining the earth.