Develop a Discipleship System
Global Conversations on Discipleship: Young People's Ministry in Sierra Leone
By Mighty Rasing
In this episode, Mighty Rasing, Director, Central Conference Relationships for Discipleship Ministries, interviews Senesie Timothy Aruna Rogers, a United Methodist youth leader in Sierra Leone, from the West Africa Central Conference. He talks about their ministries, leadership development among young people, and the work of the West Africa Central Conference Youth and Young-Adult Organization.
Faith Journey
Senesie Rogers was born into a Methodist family. In his childhood, he attended “Good News,” a children’s ministry program similar to a Sunday school, where children learn about the Bible.
From children’s ministry, he moved into the youth ministry organization of The United Methodist Church. There are United Methodist youth organizations in the district and national levels that hold revival events for youth and an annual nationwide youth camp.
The United Methodist Church in Sierra Leone has an organization for youth and young adults in various levels of the church—from the local church, districts, and the annual conference (national). The youth camp is widely attended—about 500 to 600 young people attend annually.
Young people are involved in the National Council of Churches of Sierra Leone. They also help in relief efforts during the time of disasters, and they also participate in national development.
Discipleship and Community Engagement
The church ministers with young people through campus ministries in United Methodist schools, as well as in non-United Methodist colleges and universities.
Young people also participate and volunteer in providing relief and assistance during emergencies such as a mudslide and the Ebola virus.
Young people are involved in home cell groups, where they invite their friends to learn about faith. They also minister to one another, using songs and Bible quiz competitions. Young people are also given preaching assignments.
Senesie serves as the president of the West Africa Central Conference Youth and Young Adult Organization. It has worked to promote peace during the election in Sierra Leone with the support of Finda Quiwa, regional missionary of United Methodist Women (UMW). They have also supported the work of young people in Senegal.
Senesie is a layperson and a student, while pursuing this ministry. In Sierra Leone, as well as in other developing and underdeveloped countries, the church does not have enough funds to pay for full-time staff. Senesie will be one of the young people who will deliver the Young People’s Address at the upcoming General Conference.
Senesie Rogers is on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/senesie.rogers.1
Mighty Rasing is the Director of Central Conference Relationships at Discipleship Ministries.
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