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 LastsHolly 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 SeasonsFrom 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 FriendshipChristine 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 CultureThey discuss the dangers of performance-driven ministry and why real transformation begins with humility, not hype. Leadership Rooted in Jesus, Not ComparisonHolly explains how a global upbringing and grace-filled parenting helped her lead without jealousy, competition, or compromise. Find Holly on Instagram at @hollywagnerlaConnect with her ministry at sherises.com Follow Christine, @ChristineCaine Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode, and don’t forget to leave a review! See you next week on the Propel Women Life & Leadership Podcast.  You can connect with us further at PropelWomen.org or on Instagram, Facebook, X, and Threads @PropelWomen. We can’t wait to hang out with you in your car, during your workout, or wherever you listen to podcasts!  —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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices