Leading a Local United Methodist Church: A Leadership Manual for the use of Local Churches in the LAC/UMC

This small leadership manual attempts to resolve a critical need [the lack of leadership materials for church leaders and the laity] within the LAC/UMC system. It purports to be a step at alleviating this acute problem. It is an indigenous solution to a much wider problem. In this manual, Dr. Williams has primarily set out to accomplish the aiding of the local church leadership—both minister and lay—“to know how the local United Methodist church works”. It sets out a basic understanding of the local church, its ministries, their functions, with special emphasis on the church council, its make-up, and what is expected of its members.

Dr. Julius Y.Z. K. Williams, I is a clergy person of the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. He is currently serving as the Pastor of the First United Methodist Church of the Monrovia District Conference. He is married to Tonya Gbelia Williams; and the union is blessed with three children: Julius Jay, Julton Praise and Julianne Mona. Dr. Williams holds an Associate Degree in Accounting from the A.M.E. Zion Community College, a B.Th. in General Theology from the United Methodist University; a M.Th. in Pastoral Theology from the Cuttington Graduate School and a Doctor of Ministry from the Wesley Theological Seminary. He also holds an advanced certificate in leadership. He has served as Program and Financial Officer of the Department of Evangelism and Missions, LAC/UMC; Associate and Senior Pastor of the New Georgia UMC; Pastor of the Grace United Methodist Church. He is a facilitator at the Liberia International Leadership Institute. He is the co-author of "Triumphs of Grace- A Membership Manual for the Liberia Annual Conference". He is the author of "The Life of a Mom and Ministry Partner".