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?

Abstract

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.