A recent study has put the amount of Liberian or Liberian related churches at about forty-one. City Vision, a non-profit Christian ministry, did the study and identifies ethnic, religious and cultural trends, as well ministry needs and opportunities and then connects the church to those needs, trends, and opportunities, through partnerships, events, and education.

In a telephone interview, Dr. John Mayer, the Executive Director of City Vision also provided other statistical information about the Liberian population. He noted that there are about thirty thousand Liberians now residing in the state, fourteen percent of which actively attend church. He then noted that many Liberians are hardworking people holding down two to three jobs, which make it difficult for them to engage in other activities.

Dr. Mayer then noted that the oldest Liberian church is the Joy World Church currently headed by Pastor Samuel Vansiea followed by the United Christian Fellowship Church of Pastor Charles Goah.

A majority of the churches are concentrated Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park and Minneapolis and are housed either in schools, auditoriums, or rented from other churches. A few of the churches have bought their own buildings.

Also speaking to the BC, Pastor Edward Nippy of the Conqueror’s Christian Center provided a history of his mission and how it caters to the Liberian and wider community. He noted that some of the churches mentioned might have Liberian pastors but serve other nationalities, concluding that it would be myopic for his church to be termed only as a Liberian church.

Father James Wilson of the Episcopal Church also speaking to the BC noted that many of the churches can be termed Liberian churches due to the fact that a majority of the members are Liberians, but there are some of the churches that do have Liberian pastors but cater to other nationalities and only have Liberians as a part of the congregation.

Using St. Phillips as an example, Fr. Wilson noted that though there are some Liberians who attend the church, the church is not uniquely a Liberian church since it has a mix of other nationalities and races.

But, for churches like Joy World, UCFC, and St. Andrews amongst others, they are truly Liberian churches since they draw all their support and congregation from within the Liberian community.

To view the list, please Click Here courtesy of www.cityvisiontc.