Janet

Janet, Growing Leaders course participant in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire.

'I consider it a privilege to have been part of the Growing Leaders course at St Mark's.

'At the beginning of the course I couldn't quite see why on earth I had been asked - I mean, I wasn't a leader after all! I was involved in groups at church but felt that I was playing more of a supporting role, rather than a leading one. But that really wasn't a problem - the groups I was in were functioning well and I felt that the best thing I could do was continue to support the leaders of these groups.

'However, over time the content of the sessions and the time spent with my mentor started to change my perceptions on leadership and the role I could play.

'This change of attitude coincided with subtle changes to some of the groups I was in, opportunities at church and new positions at work.

'In a nutshell, I have gone from not seeing myself as a leader at all to actually being in positions of leadership both at church and at work. And Growing Leaders has clearly been part of God's perfect plan and timing, for me!

'So, I thank God for this course and the people who deliver it across the UK and pray that we will all be leaders who lead like Jesus, are clearly led by Jesus ... and ultimately lead more to Jesus!'