In this episode, Dr. Sarita Lyons joins Christine Caine on the Propel Women podcast to talk about what it means to be a “church girl” as a black woman. In this episode you will be encouraged that God’s word is relevant in any and every corner of discovering your purpose, identity and calling. Dr. Sarita will empower you to face the particular spiritual challenges and opportunities you face in the culture and context God has placed you.

Show Notes:

Loving the Local Church

“We should love what Christ loves and we should hate what Christ hates. And one of the things Christ does not hate is the local church.”

Context Matters

This focus is needed for black believers to understand their calling and for all believers to acknowledge that cultural context follows God’s biblical pattern. “Black segments of the world are saying Christianity is a white man’s religion. You need someone like me who has walked a mile in a black woman’s shoes to say no, Jesus came to die for everyone.”

Unexpected Idols and Unidentified Prophets

Over time, God used faithful witnesses to chip away at Dr. Sarita’s idolatry. She encourages us not to underestimate the impact that our small moments of witness might have. “We accomplish more in prayer than we think. God is not weak. God is not slow. And, God is not late.”

Follow @drsaritalyons on Instagram and get your own copy of Church Girl.

Follow Christine @ChristineCaine

Get your FREE reflection guide for journaling prompts or use it as a discussion guide with your community at PropelWomen.org/Podcast.

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!

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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.

In this episode, Christine Caine welcomes Katie Modrau, country manager for A21 South Africa. Katie’s story is one of needing to lead and pilot in areas where she was young and underqualified. “Don’t fake it ‘til you make it,” advises Katie, “but learn where your limitations are.” Christine and Katie encourage us to trust that God has put us in the places he has, while remembering it’s our responsibility to learn, grow, and improve our skills in order to steward those opportunities well. Listen in as Katie shares the sobering reality of A21’s work in South Africa and be reminded that God has you where you are for a reason and that no matter how underqualified you feel, you can learn and grow as you lead.

Show Notes:

Remain flexible

Katie had plans to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy, but her life was irrevocably changed when she heard about human trafficking. Even when you feel underqualified and inexperienced, you can move forward and steward God’s opportunities.

Learn Your Limits

Leaders often have to pioneer new things, which means needing to grow and learn on the job, knowing our limits and being honest about them. God uses life experiences to equip us so we can equip others and be patient as they are learning.

Learn as You Go

Katie encourages us to put in the work to develop skills to steward our opportunities well. Faith doesn’t just mean “winging it.” We need to commit to developing strengths and skills for the tasks God has given us.

Leading a Tired Team

To ensure her workers can go the distance, Katie puts practices in place like vacation time and counseling opportunities, but reminds us that each person is responsible to implement those. We are responsible for implementing our own boundaries in the ebb and flow of life’s challenges.

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Follow Katie on Instagram @KatieModrau. Katie Modrau has her honours in Occupational Therapy (BSc OT) from University of Cape Town and has been working for A21 for the past 13 years as South Africa's Country Manager.

Follow Christine @ChristineCaine

Get your FREE reflection guide for journaling prompts or use it as a discussion guide with your community at PropelWomen.org/Podcast.

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!

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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.

In this episode, our host, Christine Caine, welcomes Rev. Dr. Nicole Martin, Chief Impact Officer with Christianity Today. Nicole shares how God has used her education, experiences (both successes and disappointments), and the direction of the Spirit to equip her to live and lead with discernment at home and in the workplace. It’s not just one part of us that God calls to follow him, rather it’s our whole person. Nicole will encourage you today to bring your whole self into every space and place God leads you.

Show Notes:

God’s Detours

In many of the disappointing “side” routes she has faced, Nicole says God has been actively detouring her so that He could sharpen her skills or show her new things He had for her. What divine detours might God be leading you on?

A Seat at the Table

Nicole recalls, “when you get to the table, it’s your job to speak up for who’s not there.” We all have a role in creating pathways for other leaders and voices that are noticeably not present.

Bring Your Whole Self

“Code-switching” and having to adapt yourself to new environments is exhausting. Nicole shares how discernment is learning to “listen to the Holy Spirit to know when it’s time to pull back or push forward,” not because you’re too much or not enough, “but because you’re waiting for the appointed time.”

Do What Only you can do

Our bodies are one way God signals to us that we have limits. If we’re overwhelmed, Nicole suggests it may be time for us to be discerning about what needs to change. Christine shares that none of us can do it all, and we can practice accepting help from others where it’s available, so that we are able to prioritize the relationships and tasks that only we can do.

Follow Nicole @DrNicoleMMartin and Soulfire International Ministries. She is the author of Made to Lead: Empowering Women for Ministry, and her forthcoming book Nailing It: Why Successful Leadership Demands Suffering and Surrender will be found wherever books are sold.

Follow Christine @ChristineCaine

Get your FREE reflection guide for journaling prompts or use it as a discussion guide with your community at PropelWomen.org/Podcast.

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.

Today on the podcast, Lisa Harper is back and, amidst so many laughs – of course, she and Christine Caine give a behind-the-scenes exclusive look at the creation and purpose of their new 4-week Bible Study and video series The Marvel and Miracle of Advent. For many of us, we’ve heard all about Christmas and the birth of Jesus, but not about Advent. As Christine and Lisa share, you will be encouraged to explore Advent and recapture the wonder of Jesus living among us during the approaching holiday season.

SHOW NOTES:

What is Advent?

Advent is the oldest and best story of God’s arrival and its implicit rescue: as J.I. Packer wrote: “Nothing in fiction is more fantastic than the incarnation.”

Why focus on Advent?

Advent rekindles our awe and wonder, and gets us ready to reengage a hurting world with hope. As Christine explains, Advent activates us: “Activation is an inherent part of preparation.”

Hope for a Hurting World

Our world is hurting, and needs those who love Jesus to shepherd people through pain well. As Lisa says, “Jesus doesn’t say he’ll take the pain away; he says He’ll be present with us in it.” The message of Advent grounds us in real hope as we face the future.

Follow Lisa Harper @lisadharper and get your own copy of The Marvel and Miracle of Advent: Recapturing the Wonder of Jesus Living With Us.

Have you ever had your plans completely derailed by God? Today on the podcast, Christine Caine’s dear friend, Rachel Aguirre, discusses her call to Wall Street and how she uses her position to point others to Christ. If you’re in a difficult season of balancing marriage, motherhood, and career, or struggling to find Kingdom purpose in a marketplace position, Rachel has some wisdom and experience for you to glean from today.

SHOW NOTES:

Life Ministry

Rachel views every commitment and responsibility as ministry and lives out the gospel with everyone she encounters.

Marketplace Ministry

Rachel remarks that Jesus:

1. Spent time with people,

2. Was continually moved with compassion,

3. Met people’s needs.

She encourages us to follow his example in our areas of life.

Treasures Through Trails

When walking through difficult situations, God walked Rachel through the trial rather than rescuing her from it. She encourages us that there is always something on the other side of our trials that is of great value.

Follow Rachel on LinkedIn

Follow Christine @ChristineCaine

Get your FREE reflection guide for journaling prompts or use it as a discussion guide with your community at PropelWomen.org/Podcast.

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.

In this episode, host Christine Caine is joined by Faith Mdhluli from South Africa. Faith holds degrees in Agricultural Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Business Administration, and runs the Faithful Heart, Helpful Hands organization that provides opportunities for young girls from underperforming schools to learn and thrive. Faith encourages us today to live generously with what God has given us and lead with excellence in every space. Listen in as she shares how stepping out of your comfort zone makes space for God to move in big ways!

SHOW NOTES:

Living with Generosity

Faith learned generosity from her mother – what do others learn about generosity from you? “In every way I’ve shown you that it is necessary to help the weak by laboring like this and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, because he said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35

Blessing Others

Leadership is not about us, but about the people we are leading. Faith challenges us to steward the opportunities we are given and remarks that leadership is about serving others, how Jesus modeled.

Eyes Fixed on Jesus

If we know why God has placed us in our position, we can work with confidence that we are fulfilling his purpose. We are never tempted to cut corners or compromise when our eyes are fixed on Jesus.

Selfless Leadership

When leadership becomes self-serving it will hurt others rather than help them. We lead with excellence when we nurture those in our care with selflessness and love.

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Follow Faith on https://www.linkedin.com/in/faith-mdhluli-pmp-mba-07885780/LinkedIn

Follow Christine @ChristineCaine

Get your FREE reflection guide for journaling prompts or use it as a discussion guide with your community at PropelWomen.org/Podcast.

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.

Today on the podcast, British author, speaker, and apologist, Amy Orr-Ewing, joins Christine Caine to discuss her leadership journey, and all the twists and turns that have come with it. While Amy’s journey is one filled with great challenges and disappointment in leaders, this conversation will encourage you to keep moving forward, not give up, and to keep your hope in Jesus when your trust in leadership is broken.

SHOW NOTES:

Leading with Courage

As Christians, Amy encourages us that we can live confidently knowing that God is going before us, he is who he says he is, and even when leaders fail us, he does not.

Opening Doors for Women

Amy says we’ve come a long way from the hostility she experienced starting out, but we still have a long way to go. She stands confident that the Word of God releases and empowers women to be witnesses, evangelists, and leaders.

Anchored in Christ

Amy’s newest book, Lead Like the Real You, unpacks her painful season in 2020 when disappointment in a leader shook her to the core. The Holy Spirit was faithful to rebuild her and used a dear friend to remind her that even Jesus was betrayed by Judas. Our faith and hope remain anchored in Jesus, not people.

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Follow Amy @amyorrewing on Instagram and visit her website amyorr-ewing.com to find a list of her books, including her newest book: Lead Like the Real You.

Follow Christine @ChristineCaine

Get your FREE reflection guide for journaling prompts or use it as a discussion guide with your community at PropelWomen.org/Podcast.

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.

Do you need God’s divine activity and power in your life? Today on the podcast, Christine Caine is joined by her good friend, Tara Beth Leach. Tara Beth is the senior pastor at Good Shepherd in Naperville, IL., co-founder of Propel Women Cohorts, an author, and a boy mom. In the midst of a packed schedule, Tara Beth stays passionate about life and ministry by remaining connected to the Lord and encourages us to do the same. Listen in to discover the importance of staying connected to the Source, as well as practical ways to do so. Christine and Tara Beth bring some great tips in today’s episode – you don’t want to miss it!

SHOW NOTES:

The Main Thing

Our culture is full of distractions that can fill our minds with divisions, competition, comparison, and immorality. We need to remain connected to God, allowing his voice to be the loudest in our lives.

Listening to God

Tara Beth encourages us to hold a holy reverence that motivates obedience to God. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Proverbs 9:10.

Remaining Steadfast

Tara Beth shares 5 things that she’s doing to ensure she’s reaping a harvest later in life:

1. Connect with the Lord every morning and aim to abide in him all day.

2. Invest in your marriage.

3. Make friendships a priority.

4. Take care of your body through exercise.

5. Discover a meaningful hobby.

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Follow Tara Beth on Instagram @Tarabeth82 and visit her website: TaraBethLeach.com for information on her speaking, writing, and podcast.

Follow Christine @ChristineCaine

Get your FREE reflection guide for journaling prompts or use it as a discussion guide with your community at PropelWomen.org/Podcast.

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.