I was brought up in a Christian family and will always be grateful for the positive influence that has had on my life and for the example of my parents in living out their Christian Faith both in attending worship regularly AND in practical action supporting homeless individuals and a local women’s refuge. It was at college in Durham that I began to be drawn into thinking about working full time in a church context. The principal of the college, John Fenton, made a huge impression on me. He combined a deep spirituality including times of silent prayerful reflection with a not being afraid to adopt a questioning approach to issues of faith AND a great sense of humour. The other significant influence was a time spent studying at the World Council of Churches in Geneva with Christians from every part of the globe and from across the whole denominational spectrum.