This study presents research findings conducted on the prophetic nature of the leadership of the Liberia Area of the United Methodist Church (UMC) in an effort to identify culturally sensitive and contextually relevant ways by which the church might contribute to the holistic transformation of post-conflict Liberia. Through ethnographic research, I evaluated the prewar leadership role of the UMC and the Christian community in ecclesial and national governance in general and, in particular, the prewar ministry performance of the UMC consistent with the socioeconomic, political, and spiritual needs of the community and people of contemporary Liberia.

Research findings and analysis, as discussed in this dissertation, have implications for the need of a clearly defined and articulated national vision plan for the sustainable growth and development of the church and nation, the church's commitment to developing Christ-centered, accountable, and credible leaders through discipleship, and its pursuit of community transformation through intentional social engagements and the practice of public theology.