AFFIRMING FAITH
ABOUT
LORI WAGNER
That's me
(lori wagneR,
aka Loretta K. Wagner,
and My wonderful
husband, bill)
Raised in Paducah, Kentucky, the second of four girls, I grew up with my nose in a book and a desire in my heart to write. As far too many children discover, I learned first-hand how childhood brokenness and trauma can lead a girl down a painful path. I’m so thankful that in my early twenties I turned to Jesus and everything changed. The deep inner healing and peace I experienced more than three decades ago still motivates me today to share God’s love and hope with others.
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Thankfully, by His grace, I overcame the obstacles of my past, but with new years came new challenges. After only six years of marriage, I walked with my husband through his year-long battle with cancer, and at 32, found myself widowed with two young children. The Lord blessed me a second time with a wonderful husband, Bill Wagner, and together we faced the myriad challenges of raising a blended family. (Someday if we meet I’ll give you my theory on why "they" call them “blended families.”)
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I once heard a minister say, “First you get a mess, then you get a message, and then you get to be the messenger.” It’s so true!
Through the ups and downs, I’ve learned that life isn’t always easy, nor what we expected. It doesn't usually turn out to be what we thought we were signing up for, but it can still be good because God is good and He has good plans for His children. It’s our choice to make the most of the life we have.
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In my thirties, I faced some harsh opposition to the public expression of faith as I organized community prayer events. The encounters stirred up a strong desire in me to provide resources that affirm Christians and Christianity. God reignited my girlhood dream to write, and in 2006, Affirming Faith released its first work, Gates & Fences: Straight Talk in a Crooked World.
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I was thrilled!
I thought I was finished. I had done what God asked me to do, but it was only the beginning.
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Over the years, I continued writing, and a door opened to launch out in a new area, public speaking. This led to greater teaching and preaching opportunities and ultimately to ordination. I walked through the door to ministry with reservations and questions, but when God orders your steps, you just pray, hold your head up, and keep walking on the path He lights before you.
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That path caused ours to intersect here in cyberspace today.
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I’m glad.
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I want to encourage you! Let’s look to God together. Let’s dive into His beautiful, inexhaustible Word that’s so rich with all we need to navigate this life and into the next with joy, dignity, and purpose.
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Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to read more about my journey and how Affirming Faith can help you thrive in your walk with God.
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BIO
Lori Wagner, an ordained minister and recognized international evangelist, holds a Master's degree in Theological Studies from Urshan Graduate School of Theology.
A best-selling author of 25 books, she writes in genres including discipleship and Christian growth, topical Bible study, devotional, biography, and Christian historical fiction. She has written curriculum for Word Aflame Press, the Preach Like a Lady Online Training Center, and contributed articles to several periodicals and newspapers including the Pentecostal Herald and Reflections.
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The founding director of Affirming Faith since 2006, she is also a member of the Women in Ministry Network Committee (UPCI) and the Executive Planning Committee for the World Network of Prayer. Previously, she served as the Michigan District Coordinator for the World Network of Prayer, State Coordinator for the National Day of Prayer, and Administrator for the Purpose Institute Troy Campus. Additionally, she served five terms as an elected representative in her community.
Lori is pursuing her Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies at Amridge University. She and her husband Bill are active in their local church and community. They have four children and make their home in Clarkston, Michigan.​​
PRESENTATIONS
Society for Pentecostal Studies Meeting at the Society of Biblical Literature Annual Conference, November 2023:
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"Examining the Soteriological Implications of Acts 19:1–20 Through a Narrative-Critical Lens."
Urshan Graduate School of Theology Symposium of Apostolic Scholars, February 2022: As it is in Heaven: Restoring the Apostolic Vision for Humanity.
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"Maria Woodworth-Etter, Out of the Shadows: Articulating Kingdom Restoration through Biographical Analysis."
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"Examining Soteriological Implications within Acts 19 Through a Narrative-Critical Lens."
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Urshan Graduate School of Theology Symposium of Apostolic Scholars, February 2021: Advancing the Church’s Mission in an Ever-Changing World.
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"Empowering the Church to Demonstration: The Vital Role of Spiritual Gifts in Fulfilling the Great Commission."​​