H7 Story: Leading with Vulnerability
#6 – We Lead with Vulnerability – Carlene Stanton
Carlene Stanton has served as a step group leader for re:gen for several years. Recently, she received a Team Code ball for “leading with vulnerability.”
Carlene reflected on that vulnerability by sharing a Bible verse that has deeply resonated with her. Psalm 86:15 says, “But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”
“If God’s attitude toward me is this way,” Carlene shared, “but my attitude toward myself is the opposite, something needed to change—and it wasn’t God.” She explained that this realization opened the door for her to begin seeing herself through His eyes, believing His truth, and placing her identity in Christ.
As Carlene began to heal, she said God started uncovering the deeper roots of her struggles and coping mechanisms. “He gently peeled back layer after layer of hurt, abuse, and lies I had believed. He is still at work, continuing to clean me from the inside out—but now there is light where there was once darkness. There is freedom in Christ.”
Fellow re:gen co-leader Crista Larsen shared, “She is kind and gentle and leads with vulnerability, authenticity, and humility. She makes those around her feel at ease and is extremely patient and encouraging—especially with her small groups. She keeps showing up and serving, even when she’s not feeling well.”
Pastor Tyson Hodge added, “Carlene has faithfully served in re:gen for years. She comes every Monday she is able and also helps lead worship. She has led several step groups all the way through and has a heart for people, making a lasting impact.”
Kendra Hinkle shared, “Carlene’s honest courage to share her struggles and live out her recovery as she leads is an encouragement to her group and the entire re:gen team. Her leadership clearly flows from a deep, personal dependence on Jesus.”
Carlene summed it up this way: “God has helped me become willing to let Him fill the emptiness inside me—the longing to be fully known, loved, and accepted. I didn’t trust Him with that at first, even though I knew my own ways weren’t working. Now, I can surrender that empty space and allow God to fill it, just as He intended from the beginning.”
Carlene reflected on that vulnerability by sharing a Bible verse that has deeply resonated with her. Psalm 86:15 says, “But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”
“If God’s attitude toward me is this way,” Carlene shared, “but my attitude toward myself is the opposite, something needed to change—and it wasn’t God.” She explained that this realization opened the door for her to begin seeing herself through His eyes, believing His truth, and placing her identity in Christ.
As Carlene began to heal, she said God started uncovering the deeper roots of her struggles and coping mechanisms. “He gently peeled back layer after layer of hurt, abuse, and lies I had believed. He is still at work, continuing to clean me from the inside out—but now there is light where there was once darkness. There is freedom in Christ.”
Fellow re:gen co-leader Crista Larsen shared, “She is kind and gentle and leads with vulnerability, authenticity, and humility. She makes those around her feel at ease and is extremely patient and encouraging—especially with her small groups. She keeps showing up and serving, even when she’s not feeling well.”
Pastor Tyson Hodge added, “Carlene has faithfully served in re:gen for years. She comes every Monday she is able and also helps lead worship. She has led several step groups all the way through and has a heart for people, making a lasting impact.”
Kendra Hinkle shared, “Carlene’s honest courage to share her struggles and live out her recovery as she leads is an encouragement to her group and the entire re:gen team. Her leadership clearly flows from a deep, personal dependence on Jesus.”
Carlene summed it up this way: “God has helped me become willing to let Him fill the emptiness inside me—the longing to be fully known, loved, and accepted. I didn’t trust Him with that at first, even though I knew my own ways weren’t working. Now, I can surrender that empty space and allow God to fill it, just as He intended from the beginning.”