Next Step Leadership

Ben Crisp’s story is a reminder of God’s presence through every season of life. From experiencing God’s touch as a young boy, to his years as a student at Emmanuel University, to graduate school, marriage, parenting, and now pastoring a church in Oklahoma—Ben has seen God’s faithfulness at every step. In this first part of the conversation, Tracy Reynolds and Chris Maxwell listen as Ben shares how God has shaped his calling and sus...

In the second half of their interview with G. Richard Hoard, Tracy and Chris draw out even more depth and wisdom. Richard’s storytelling gifts shine as he talks about faith, creativity, and the power of words to shape lives. This episode feels both reflective and motivating, reminding us how powerful a well-lived story can be. As you listen, ask yourself: What can I take from Richard’s journey? How might his principles apply to my ...

Author and storyteller G. Richard Hoard joins Tracy and Chris for a fascinating conversation. In this first half of their dialogue, Richard shares glimpses of his background, his passion for writing, and his perspective on life. It feels like sitting across the table from a seasoned friend—listening, learning, and laughing together. This is the kind of conversation that Next Step Leadership loves to share: stories that encourage, c...

The conversation with Brandon McDaniel continues as Tracy and Chris move deeper into his reflections—lessons learned, people who influenced him, his obedience to God’s call into ministry, the adjustments he’s had to make, and the rhythms he’s discovered for leading well. Brandon’s words are honest, practical, and encouraging. If Part 1 stirred your curiosity, Part 2 will speak even more clearly to where you live today. We need more...

Brandon McDaniel brings a story worth hearing. From his younger years, through his time at Emmanuel University, to life with his wife and children, to serving on a church staff, and now leading as a pastor—everyone can learn from his journey. In this conversation, Tracy Reynolds and Chris Maxwell begin unpacking the experiences that have shaped Brandon—his faith, his calling, and his desire to invest in others. You’ll hear not just...

In this second conversation, Chris and Tracy talk with Brianna Edwards—a licensed child therapist, mom, and author of the children’s book The Little Roo Who Stuffed Her Stuff. Designed as a tool for parents, counselors, and educators, the book encourages self-awareness and healthy conversations on difficult topics, with resources to help adults guide children well. Brianna shares lessons from her years as a caregiver, her work as a...

When Brianna Edwards was almost 5 years old, life changed drastically. Her family welcomed the birth of her brother Nathaniel, but he was born with special needs—and her mother nearly died giving birth. From ages 5 to 9½, Brianna’s “normal” became hospital visits, medical procedures, and nonstop caregiving. For many families, this is everyday life, though it’s often forgotten by others. In this conversation, Brianna reflects on how...

In this second conversation with Terry Ross, you’ll hear even more of his heart—not just his past, but his hurts and hopes. He speaks with honesty about weakness and wounds, his mission endeavors, and his decades in ministry. His story reminds us how God works uniquely in each of our lives. Tracy and Chris invite you to listen closely, learn from Terry’s experiences, and take away truths you can apply to your own journey.

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Tracy and Chris invite you to sit back and hear the remarkable story of Terry Ross. His journey weaves through years of business ventures, risky decisions, music, mission work, ministry, family, and miracles—each with lessons for all of us. Terry was climbing the ladder of business success while his deeper life was falling apart. But then, God intervened. Terry and Tracy share a long history in music, ministry, and friendship. They...

In Part 2 of their conversation with Peter Rosenberger, Chris and Tracy continue to be inspired—and believe you will be, too. Peter’s deep love and care for his wife Gracie serve as a powerful reminder of Christ’s love for us all, and of how each of us can grow in caring for those in need.

Peter does whatever he can—whatever she needs—with steady, selfless commitment. The life of a caregiver carries a unique mix of sorrow, strength,...

Few conversations on Next Step Leadership have been as honest, funny, serious, and inspiring as this week’s episode. Chris and Tracy cherished both of their conversations with Peter Rosenberger—and they believe you will too. Peter has a remarkable ability to be both hilarious and convicting in the same moment. As the longtime caregiver for his wife Gracie—who has endured nearly one hundred surgeries—Peter knows the deep realities o...

In the second episode of their conversation with Hal Donaldson, Chris Maxwell and Tracy Reynolds believe the message is just what so many in today's world need to hear. Hal knows about wounds and scars. He knows about death and poverty. He knows about health issues and overworking. He knows about busyness as a drug of choice in this modern culture. But Hal also knows God. He knows God's love deeply and he hopes to share t...

Hal Donaldson is the president and CEO of Convoy of Hope, a global, faith-based, nonprofit organization that works with communities to address root causes of poverty and hunger. According to Forbes, Convoy of Hope is among the 50 largest charities in the United States. Through its disaster responses and community development programs, Convoy has distributed more than $3 billion worth of food and supplies, helped more than 300 milli...

In this second conversation, Pastor Greg Dixon picks up where last week's episode ended. Chris and Tracy want you to hear these types of stories. We might pretend to be strong while deep inside wounds are impacting us. We might present powerful messages and vision and teaching sessions and songs, while our inner worlds carry the pain from past encounters. True leaders seek to be in the job that is best for them and for the peo...

Tracy and Chris invite you to join their time with Pastor Greg Dixon. Like each episode in Next Step Leadership, this week's words are valuable for all who listen. Greg serves as executive pastor at Upward Christian Fellowship in Flat Rock, NC.  Years ago, Greg's lead Pastor died unexpectedly. Greg began to serve as lead pastor during a very difficult season of life and ministry.  In this conversation, Greg tells his test...

Chris Maxwell and Tracy Reynolds are glad you decided to join them in this week's episode of Next Step Leadership. As you listen to Pastor Brandon Goff's words, think about where you are in your personal journey and in your ministry. What lessons can you learn from Brandon's guidance? What beliefs do you often neglect? What statements of faith should be more a part of your everyday life? Through teaching, pastoring, ...

This week and next week you will hear the conversation Tracy and Chris enjoyed with Pastor Brandon Goff. Brandon is the lead pastor at Radiate Church in Columbia, SC. Their church emphasizes the importance of loving God, loving others, and loving life. They believe life doesn't end when a church service concludes. They seek to build relationships which show God's love throughout the week and throughout every season. Throu...

Revived and Kickin' (Survival to Revival: A Forty Day Journey Through the Wilderness), an amazing book by Joel de Jesus, is ideal literature for today's leaders. Hear his story in this week's Next Step Leadership podcast with Tracy and Chris. Pick up his book and read about what his wilderness experiences were--and are—like. Have you ever felt God was silent? Have you ever obeyed God, and the outcomes of your decisio...

Author and business leader Joel de Jesus tells a story you don't want to miss. Listen to his testimony of difficulties, potential success, obedience to God, conflict, rejection, disaster, and hope. Yes, God places hope in the middle of life's storms. Leaders—and everyone in any role—often assume healing comes when all the external circumstances are resolved, when conflict concludes, when healing comes, when all the needs ...