A spirit of gratitude, reverence, and renewed commitment filled the air as the Global Methodist Church hosted a grand Thanksgiving and Induction Service for Rev. Dr. Jerry P. Kulah as Conference Superintendent, along with other newly elected and appointed Conference Officials. The historic gathering, held under the theme “Preserving the Ancient Landmark,” brought together thousands of worshipers from across Liberia and beyond, marking a defining moment in the life of the Grain Coast Annual Conference.
Clergy and lay delegates, representatives of sister denominations, and international guests converged in a powerful display of unity and Christian fellowship. The occasion transcended denominational lines, reflecting the deep respect for Dr. Kulah’s leadership and the growing influence of the church within the nation. Songs of thanksgiving echoed throughout the assembly as worshipers celebrated both the faithfulness of God and the continuity of spiritual leadership.
Presiding over the service, Bishop John Pena Auta, Bishop of the Grain Coast Annual Conference, described the day as “a sacred milestone in our journey of obedience.” He commended the first leadership of the Grain Coast Annual Conference for their steadfast service and urged to remain unwavering in doctrine and discipline. “Our calling is not to reinvent the gospel,” Bishop Pena declared. “Our calling is to defend it, to live it, and to pass it on without compromise.”
The sermon of the day was delivered by Nathaniel Zarway, Bishop of the Greater Refuge Temple, whose message stirred deep reflection and spiritual renewal. Preaching from Proverbs 22:28 and Judges 2:7–11, Bishop Zarway challenged believers to remain faithful to the principles Christ upheld until the very end. “If we are to preserve the ancient landmark,” he proclaimed, “we must hold on to what Jesus Christ held on to—truth, righteousness, obedience, and sacrificial love.”
Quoting from Proverbs 22:28 “Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set” Bishop Zarway reminded the congregation that biblical truth must remain the church’s foundation. Addressing Dr. Kulah directly, he said, “Continue standing for biblical teachings. Let Scripture remain your compass, and let holiness remain your banner. When we preserve the ancient landmark, we secure the future of the next generation.”
With prophetic urgency, Bishop Zarway warned against generational drift and spiritual complacency. Referring to Judges 2:10–11, he noted how a generation arose that did not know the works of the Lord. “We must never become a church that forgets,” he said. “Our children must know the God we serve. They must inherit conviction, not confusion; clarity, not compromise.”
The induction ceremony itself was marked by solemn vows and heartfelt prayers. As Dr. Kulah and the other Conference Officials stood before the congregation, hands were lifted in intercession for wisdom, courage, and divine guidance. The laying on of hands symbolized both continuity and accountability an affirmation that leadership in the church is both a privilege and a sacred trust.
In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Kulah expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him and reaffirmed his commitment to biblical orthodoxy and servant leadership. He pledged to work collaboratively with clergy and laity across the conference to strengthen discipleship, church planting, leadership training, and community transformation. His words were met with resounding applause and visible emotion from supporters and well-wishers.
Beyond the ceremony, the event stood as a testimony to the enduring relevance of faith in Liberia’s spiritual landscape. The presence of thousands from various denominations and international communities demonstrated a shared hunger for truth-centered leadership. It was not merely a service of induction, but a covenant renewal for the church at large.
As the thanksgiving celebration concluded, the message remained clear: the future of the church depends on its fidelity to the foundations laid by Scripture and sustained through generations of faithful believers. With Bishop Pena’s charge, Bishop Zarway’s exhortation, and Dr. Kulah’s commitment, the Grain Coast Annual Conference moves forward determined to preserve the ancient landmark and proclaim Christ boldly to the world
