By Mohamed Konneh
The Baptist Convention Sierra Leone (BCSL) officially concluded a grand farewell and Thanksgiving service for the Executive President, Rev. Dr. Joseph S. Fornah. Dr. Fornah stepped down after completing a transformative ten-year tenure.
This farewell came after officially concluding his ten-year tenure as Executive President of the Baptist Convention Sierra Leone (BCSL) during the 52nd Annual Session, held 26th February to 1st March 2026 in Lunsar.
The four-day convention, themed “Serving God Faithfully with the Spirit of Grace,” ended with a thanksgiving service at the Rev. Dr. Joseph S. Fornah Multi-Purpose Conference Hall.
A Decade of Growth
In his farewell address, Rev. Dr. Fornah thanked God, BCSL leadership, clergy, partners, and delegates for their support. He described the moment as deeply meaningful, reflecting on the spiritual, organizational, and infrastructural progress achieved under his administration.
Rev. Dr. Fornah highlighted key accomplishments over the past decade:
1. Infrastructure: Refurbished BCSL national office in Freetown; acquired and fenced 21.7 acres in Lunsar for the BCSL Conference Centre; completed a modern multipurpose building and installed an 11KW solar system.
2. Health: Restructured the Baptist Eye Hospital (BEHL) into a leading eye care facility; trained 2 ophthalmologists, 2 cataract surgeons, and additional medical staff; completed 2 Primary Health Centres in Karene and Mongoh with CBM support.
3. Education: Expanded BCSL’s school system to 15 secondary schools, 51 primary schools, and 3 TVET institutions — now the 3rd-largest mission-owned school system in Sierra Leone. Awarded scholarships to 30+ teachers and Master’s scholarships to pastors.
4. Church Expansion: Grew the Convention to 56 churches and 80+ fellowships nationwide. Constructed and rehabilitated schools and churches across Bo, Kenema, Kono, and other districts. Trained 56 church planters with Baptist Global Resource Centre.
5. Governance & Partnerships: Documented key Convention properties; rebuilt the Kingtom compound; strengthened financial sustainability with net assets exceeding Le 63 million. Established 8 international partnerships, including with the Hungarian Baptist Union and Christian Blind Mission (CBM). Provided monthly support for 20 rural pastors through HBU.
6. Global Engagement: Represented BCSL at international conferences in Australia, France, and South Africa. Led humanitarian interventions in 12+ communities affected by floods and fire.
Call to the Next Leadership
Rev. Dr. Fornah urged incoming leaders to review the Convention’s Strategic Plan and Constitution and to strengthen governance through comprehensive ministerial and church policies.
“I have given my best — my energy, my mind, my resources, my strength — and I am grateful to witness extraordinary progress over these ten years,” he said. “Let us remain united, uphold integrity, and stay committed to the Great Commission.”
Voices from the Convention
Rev. Dr. Professor Momolu Armstrong Massaquoi of Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary delivered the Bible exposition on “Serving God Faithfully with the Spirit of Grace,” drawing from 1 Corinthians 15:58. He stressed steadfastness, grace, and unity, warning that spiritual gifts without love, humility, and moral integrity fall short of true Christian service.
Paramount Chief Bai Koblo Queen II of Marampa Chiefdom praised BCSL’s role in nation-building, education, and social harmony. Rev. Hendry A. Samuels of the Council of Churches Sierra Leone reflected on BCSL’s 52-year legacy and urged balance between local autonomy and collective collaboration.
Rev. Dr. Warren Fornah, Principal of TECT, noted the college now hosts 400+ students and is expanding infrastructure. Bishop Benjamin B. Bangura of National Pentecostal Mission and Bishop Magnus Bendu of Counters of Huntingdon Mission both emphasized faithful leadership, unity, and reconciliation during transitions.
Apostle Dr. Abraham Felix Turay of the Evangelical Fellowship of Sierra Leone called for compassion and perseverance in ministry. Gifty Florence Massaquoi, Executive Director of CHASL, recognized BCSL’s health interventions, including cataract surgeries and community outreach.
The 52nd Annual Session brought together pastors, church leaders, delegates, and international partners. It celebrated Rev. Dr. Fornah’s legacy while reaffirming BCSL’s commitment to faithful service, unity, and spiritual excellence across Sierra Leone
