The Liberia United Methodist Development Services (LUMDS), in collaboration with the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church (LAC/UMC), has officially launched the 2025 Competence Seminar under the global Partnership in Development (PID) framework. The five-day event is being held at Creed Lodge, Henry Town, along the Marshall Highway in Margibi County, bringing together international delegates from Norway, Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone, and Liberia to share experiences, strengthen collaboration, and promote locally led development initiatives.
This year’s Competence Seminar is being held under the theme: “Daring to Surrender: Exploring the Dilemmas of Locally Led Development.” The gathering provides a platform for dialogue on the complexities of power, trust, and shared leadership in global mission and development work, emphasizing the need for communities to take ownership of their growth and transformation. The Resident Bishop of the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., however officially launched the 2025 Competence Seminar during an inspiring ceremony that emphasized faith, humility, and collaboration as cornerstones of sustainable development.
In his keynote address, Bishop Quire called on participants to embrace humility, mutual respect, and locally led initiatives as key ingredients in building a just, compassionate, and sustainable world. “For more than a decade, Competence has stood as a beacon of partnership and shared learning within the Partnership in Development family,” Bishop Quire said. “It has been a platform where nations, churches, and communities come together, bound by a common vision to uplift the poor, empower the marginalized, and build a more just world.” He noted that the Competence Seminar remains a sacred space for reflection and recommitment to mutual respect, accountability, and shared leadership.
“True partnership is not about control; it is about respect, humility, and the courage to let others lead,” the Bishop emphasized. Bishop Quire reminded participants that development efforts that overlook local wisdom often fail to achieve lasting impact. “Real transformation happens when local people, guided by faith and community, are trusted to lead their own change,” he stated. Describing Liberia as “a land rich in history, hope, and hospitality,” Bishop Quire encouraged participants to draw inspiration from the resilience of the Liberian people and their journey toward peace and renewal.
“Liberia’s story is not just one of struggle but of strength—a testimony to what faith and perseverance can achieve,” he averred. He warmly welcomed all international delegates on behalf of the United Methodist Church in Liberia, LUMDS, and all development partners, expressing gratitude to the Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) and other members of the PID family for their enduring partnership in advancing locally driven development. “This seminar is not just another meeting,” Bishop Quire said. “It is a sacred space for the transformation of minds, systems, and hearts.
When we come together in humility, guided by the love of Christ, we find new energy to heal communities and transform nations.” Throughout the week, participants will engage in plenary discussions, workshops, and case studies on faith-based development and local empowerment. Topics include faith and social transformation, the ethics of partnership, climate justice, sustainable community engagement, and capacity strengthening. The Competence Partnership in Development (PID) initiative was established to promote knowledge exchange, mutual learning, and leadership development among mission and development organizations across Africa and Europe. Over the years, it has grown into a vital platform for exploring the challenges and opportunities in faith-based community development.
As the 2025 Seminar progresses, delegates are expected to develop practical recommendations to strengthen collaboration between churches and development agencies, emphasizing context-driven and community-owned solutions. Reaffirming the United Methodist Church’s mission, Bishop Quire called on all participants to embody the vision of “Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World.” He urged the delegates to carry forward the spirit of service, humility, and partnership that defines the church’s approach to mission.
“As we declare the Competence Seminar 2025 officially launched, may we do so in the spirit of unity, collaboration, and service to humanity,” Bishop Quire declared to resounding applause. The seminar runs until Sunday, November 2, 2025, featuring a lineup of keynote speakers, cultural events, and learning exchanges celebrating diversity, partnership, and faith in action. LUMDS, the United Methodist Church’s development arm in Liberia, continues to serve as a driving force for community transformation.
For over 17 years, it has impacted more than one million Liberians through initiatives in education, agriculture, and livelihood empowerment including its flagship Safe and Improved Learning in School (SAILS) project in Bong County, which ensures safe learning environments for over 4,500 students.
Author: Zac T. Sherman
