PAYNESVILLE – The congregation of Effort Baptist Church was filled with a sense of historic continuity on Sunday, May 3 as the church formally inducted its Senior Pastor, Rev. Trocon W. Langford, Sr. for a landmark fourth term as Pastor of Effort.
By Francis G. Boayue
The ceremony served as a dual milestone, marking both the beginning of a new leadership chapter and a celebration of Rev. Langford’s 26 years of pastoral leadership.
Beyond his role at the pulpit, Rev. Langford currently serves as the Religious Advisor to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, bringing a seasoned perspective of both spiritual and national service to his ministry.
In a heartfelt address, Rev. Langford reflected on his long tenure, which includes 24 years as Pastor-in-Charge and two years as Acting Pastor.
He recalled his humble beginnings at the church as an “inexperienced young pastor” in his 20s. ‘‘Looking back through the corridor of time… I was not married, never had a place to work or pastored, but this church called us and gave us a space to say, ‘Go ahead, learn, and lead us,'” Rev. Langford told the congregation.
“Having seen how pastors came and left the church, I didn’t know I could become the pastor here. How it happened was totally orchestrated by God.”
While the induction celebrated the past, Rev. Langford used his platform to reaffirm a hope for the future. He emphasized that the church must act as a moral compass for a community facing cultural shifts.
“It is about time that this church raised a standard in reflection of what our community is like, giving hope to the young generation that has been lost in a cultural lifestyle that is not heading in the right direction,” he stated.
He further urged the congregation to move past internal divisions, calling for “hurts and disunity” to be set aside in favor of national and spiritual progress.
“Let us also put our today’s pleasure and happiness aside and choose to sacrifice our today for tomorrow’s joy,” he added.
Rev. Langford expressed deep gratitude for the church’s patience over the decades, acknowledging that the congregation’s support allowed him the grace to grow in his role.
“Effort, you’ve been a church of love and consideration,” he said. “These years spent have not been difficult for me because you’ve always allowed me to make mistakes. I know sometimes you can be critical, which is okay.”
The Reverend reassured the members that his decades of service have not dampened his spirit. “I have seen your excitement, your joy to keep working together, and I accept it,” he declared. “I am not tired. Let us continue to labor together in the vineyard of Jesus Christ.”
