Pastor Aggie Layton's Story

From Ready to Quit to Leading with Love: A Pastor's Restoration

After 30 years in ministry at Celebration Church, I thought I had arrived. I had attended countless courses. But in 2019, I found myself in a very dark place. I was consumed by anger, bitterness, and a deep sense of betrayal. I felt the system had failed me, and I was ready to throw in the towel. My "pause button" was broken—I was impulsive, quick-tempered, and constantly putting my foot in my mouth. I was a leader, but I was not leading from a healthy place.

ROOTS Discipleship was my turning point. The greatest impact for me was learning "the pause that precedes the action." This principle became my anchor. I learned to stop, breathe, and respond with wisdom instead of reacting in raw emotion. People at work started noticing the difference, asking, "Why are you so different? You've changed!" I would just laugh and tell them, "This is the pause that precedes the action." I realized that others had only been rough with me because I had been rough with them first.

The healing was so profound that I was asked to become the Tender Love and Care Pastor for a group of ladies. My immediate response was, "No! I'm not that tender kind of lady; I'm rough and tough!" But they convinced me, and I took the post.

In a beautiful twist, God used this new role to complete my restoration. As I began to love and care for over 900 ladies, God healed the wounds I carried. I found forgiveness for those I believed had hurt me and discovered a deep, genuine love for each woman I serve.

Now, I oversee a thriving ministry and am in a cell group where we do life together openly. ROOTS didn't just change my ministry; it restored my soul and taught me that true strength is found in leading with a tender and loving heart.