Carol Peters

Carol Peters, a churchwarden at St John's in Egham, took part in the CPAS Growing Leaders course.

She said: 'The first big breakthrough was when I realised that God doesn't choose perfect people to be leaders; most are flawed in one way or another - yet all are chosen by God.

'The second big breakthrough was the realisation that a "people person", such as me, could be a leader. Previously, I had thought that only people standing up at the front could be leaders and that's just not me! Input from both my mentor and my prayer partner was invaluable; my mentor helped me untangle issues which came up and I could then pray through these with my prayer partner.

'Growing Leaders gave me the confidence and freedom to get involved with new activities, such as supporting teenagers in a local school through their exams. Writing my personal life statement helped me to focus and prioritise my time better. I intentionally decided I wanted to share God's love with my local community, and am thrilled at the opportunities he is providing for me to do this.

'Growing Leaders has given me the confidence to listen to God and to do what he wants me to do, rather than what I feel other people want me to do.'

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