| dc.description.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. | no_NO |
