Our story
Whatever your age or life story, you are welcome. This is the House of Refuge for the Victims of the Land.
Founded in Paynesville in 1875
In 1875 a group of seventeen immigrants from the United States, led by Rev. Moore T. Worrell, settled in Paynesville. In gratitude for God’s unmerited blessings, they founded what is today Effort Baptist Church, most likely named to honour their unity and concerted effort as a group.
“In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your effort with success.” Proverbs 3:6 (TLB), the verse believed to have inspired our name.
The founders chose the name “Effort” to express their unending zeal and determination to build a house to glorify God for delivering them and their descendants from the yoke of oppression, and their calling to spread the name of Jesus across Liberia (Matthew 28:18–19).
Our founders: Rev. Moore T. Worrell, Alex Mars, Chester Moore, Henry Brown, James Howard, Jimmy Clarke, John Hunter, John Jackson, John Wilson, Johnny Roberts, Josiah Barbour, Lewis Norflect, Nelly Howard, William Brown, Jack Nelson, S.P. North and William Weaver.
Our journey
1875
The church is founded
Seventeen immigrants led by Rev. Moore T. Worrell establish Effort Baptist Church in Paynesville, along with its Deacon Ministry.
1935
First evangelist sent out
Effort ordains Rev. Madeh Weaver as its first evangelist, sending him to surrounding villages with the Good News.
1963
Men’s Department organised
Effort becomes the first Baptist church in the LBMEC to formally organise a men’s department.
1974
Children’s ministry begins
The Sunbeams Class is formed. Children’s church follows in 1980 as the congregation outgrows its building.
1980s
Missionaries to schools and counties
Members are installed as missionaries to public and private schools, and evangelists travel to Lofa and Grand Bassa counties.
1993
Worship on the radio
Sunday worship is broadcast on the Liberia Broadcasting System 91.6 FM, and the Baptist Young Women’s Ministry is established.
2002
Rev. Trocon W. Langford, Sr. called as Pastor
Rev. Langford begins his service as Pastor of Effort Baptist Church.
2020
First female Associate Pastor
Rev. Monen Jacquelyn Duoe is inducted as Associate Pastor on October 11, 2020.
What we believe
The Scriptures
The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by the inspiration of God. All Scripture is therefore authoritative, infallible and inerrant, and is the only sufficient rule for faith and practice.
Psalm 19:7 · 2 Timothy 3:16–17 · 2 Peter 1:20–21
One God
There is but one God, the Maker, Preserver and Ruler of all creation, having in Himself all perfections and being infinite in them all. To Him all creatures owe the highest love, reverence and obedience that springs from faith.
Deuteronomy 6:4 · Psalm 145:3 · John 1:3 · 1 Corinthians 8:4–6 · 1 Timothy 1:17
Our security in Christ
Although we emphasise the importance of membership within our church, we firmly hold that our ultimate security is not derived from organisational affiliation but from our relationship with Christ.
More of our Statement of Faith
To be added: Add the remaining articles of the church’s Statement of Faith.
Our mission
To spread the transforming message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through evangelism, compassionate outreach and a spirit of fellowship, illuminating hearts with the love and teachings of Jesus.
We work alongside community leaders, help build churches and serve our neighbours, so that together we create a ripple effect of positive change.
Our pastors
Ministers of the Gospel serving the Effort family.
Rev. Trocon W. Langford, Sr.
Rev. Trocon Wilfred Langford, Sr. has shepherded Effort Baptist Church since 2002. In October 2024 the congregation celebrated his 22nd Pastoral Anniversary, honouring more than two decades of faithful leadership, vision and devotion to the spiritual growth of the Effort family.
Rev. Monen Jacquelyn Duoe
Rev. Monen J. Duoe is the first female Associate Pastor in the history of Effort Baptist Church. She was elected on Saturday, September 26, 2020 and inducted into office on Sunday, October 11, 2020.
Rev. Dr. Frederick N. Gbatu, Sr.
To be added: Add a short biography.
Rev. John H. Nyorkor
To be added: Add a short biography.
Rev. Meekie Jarrett Glayweon
To be added: Add a short biography.
Rev. Fred T. Clarke
To be added: Add a short biography.
The Deacon Ministry is chaired by Deacon Joyce A. Moore Liberty, the first woman to hold the position. About our deacons