Ep 84 with Holly Wagner: Letting Go, Leaning In, and Leading Well

Resilience isn’t built in comfort—it’s formed in the fire. In this episode, host Christine Caine sits down with her longtime friend and pastor, Holly Wagner, for a deeply personal and hope-filled conversation on longevity in leadership, lasting friendships, and staying true to your calling through every season. From pioneering ministry in Los Angeles to transitioning leadership after 35 years, Holly shares wisdom forged through grief, betrayal, church hurt, and hard-won joy. If you’ve ever felt burned out, bitter, or ready to give up, this conversation will remind you that perseverance is worth it—and that leadership rooted in Jesus will always bear fruit.

SHOW NOTES:
Building a Legacy that Lasts
Holly reflects on 35 years of ministry, the transition of church leadership, and why she’s committed to investing in the next generation of leaders.

Leading Through the Hardest Seasons
From losing her father to navigating betrayal, cancer, and church hurt, Holly shares how gratitude, faith, and friendship helped her stay the course.

The Power of Lifelong Friendship
Christine and Holly open up about their 30-year friendship—and how choosing intentionality over convenience has shaped their leadership and healing.

The Trap of Platform Culture
They discuss the dangers of performance-driven ministry and why real transformation begins with humility, not hype.

Leadership Rooted in Jesus, Not Comparison
Holly explains how a global upbringing and grace-filled parenting helped her lead without jealousy, competition, or compromise.

Find Holly on Instagram at @hollywagnerla
Connect with her ministry at sherises.com

Follow Christine, @ChristineCaine

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Propel Women is an initiative of Equip & Empower Ministries founded by Christine Caine. 

We EMPOWER women with biblical wisdom and encouragement, EQUIP women with practical training and education, and MOBILIZE women by providing hands-on leadership opportunities.

No matter where a woman has influence – in an office, in her community, at home with her family, or in ministry – Propel is driven by a calling to equip and mobilize women to become effective co-laborers with Christ and make a difference within their unique spheres of influence.