Next Step Leadership

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 ...

Chris and Tracy continue their conversation with Pastor Randy Hill. Randy served in production and business for many years, and he now continues working in pastoral ministry. Through his seasons of mourning and grieving, joy and pain in ministry, seeking God and obeying the Father, Randy knows about death and sadness while also knowing the miracles of God. His story is so needed in today's world of leadership. Hear his desire ...

Randy Hill serves as a pastor, seeking to make a positive difference in the lives of other people. Randy also serves in denominational leadership. Through his years of pastoring, Randy has learned many lessons. Tracy and Chris enjoyed hearing Randy's story of growing up in church and seeing many miracles. Do we still believe in miracles? If so, why? If not, why? As a young child Randy traveled with his father who was leading r...

Tracy Reynolds and Chris Maxwell hope this second episode in their interview with Jeff McCoy continues guiding you through his journey from pain to healing. It is not just a few steps to success type of process. It is not just a learn-this-lesson-quickly-and-all-will-be-simple. No, our stories include conflict. They include terrible decisions. They include times of asking God questions we never thought we would ask Him. And, they c...

Interview with Jeff McCoy, Part 1 - Season 5, Episode 10

This week and next week Pastor Chris and Pastor Tracy invite you to listen to a story of both deep sadness and true joy. As they engage in a conversation with their dear friend Jeff McCoy, they believe we all can learn important life lessons from his testimony. Jeff tells of his early years—life with God and family and friends and music. God and music have been, and continue t...

Welcome to the second episode of Chris and Tracy’s conversation with the amazing staff from Living Hope Church in Lenoir, NC. Pastor Keith Gilliam and his servant leaders invite you to listen in as they continue their dialogue is this installation that lasts a little longer than the normal weekly Next Step Leadership Podcasts. They discuss key topics related to leading a congregation together rather than apart, applying biblical pr...

Each one of the Next Step Leadership Podcasts for the last few years lasts only a little over twenty minutes. Tracy Reynolds and Chris Maxwell know listeners are in a hurry, so they try to provide important information in a brief segment of time. But today’s episode is the first in a two-part conversation with a church staff—and both chats will be about twice the length of time the podcasts normally last. Why? Not just doing someth...

In this episode of Next Step Leadership, Tracy Reynolds and Chris Maxwell continue their conversation with Pastor Michael Ainsworth. Michael has served in ministry for many years—pastoring local churches and leading in a variety of areas with the International Pentecostal Holiness Church. As you listen to this second conversation for the podcast, you will be able to hear his motives. Those goals and desires are just what is needed ...

Chris and Tracy invite you to listen in—and to tell your friends to listen also—to their conversation with Pastor Michael Ainsworth. Michael’s story is one that brings a wonderful blend of information and inspiration. He is a true servant leader. Through his years of ministry, he has guided many people toward the love of God. You will be able to hear that love in Michael’s voice and through his story. You will be reminded of God’s ...

In this episode of Next Step Leadership, Tracy Reynolds and Chris Maxwell continue their conversation with Mary Rathbone and Christina Carter. In last week’s episode we heard of Christina looking for love in dangerous and damaging places. Hearing her story of mistakes made and family addiction, then a Savior’s love accepted, today’s leaders can learn more about the reality of modern culture. But Mary sets an example of the refusal ...

Chris and Tracy know you will enjoy their conversation with Mary Rathbone and Christina Carter. Mary and Christina work for Moms Adopting Moms. They hope to offer ministry and care for moms and their children. The ministry sets an example of what leaders can do in today’s culture. Rather than just knowing about problems and needs, leaders take action. Mary felt drawn to adopt—even though she and her husband were accused of being to...

This is the second episode of Tracy and Chris interviewing Pastor Jonathan Altman. Pastor Jonathan has learned many lessons through his years of ministry. He offers wisdom, ideas, and stories. His heart of kindness will be heard by all those who listen. He loves reading, listening, learning, studying, and caring for people. Churches formerly had pastoral studies; now they have offices. That is one example of how today’s ministers f...

In this week’s episode of Next Step Leadership, Chris and Tracy loved their conversation with Pastor Jonathan Altman. You will love it also. Take time to listen in. Think of what parts of Jonathan’s story remind you about your story and the lives of people you know. What thoughts come to your mind as you hear about his parents’ divorce? About him drifting away from God? About dealing with sadness and grief? About surrendering his h...

Season five is now beginning. Four seasons finished? That is hard to believe. This collection of podcasts includes many episodes of Next Step Leadership. And a fifth season will bring more. Take time to think about what you have learned from Tracy and Chris through their conversations and their interviews with a wide variety of leaders. If you could go back and pick your favorite interviews and episodes, what would you select? Why?...

This week’s Next Step Leadership Podcast includes the second conversation Chris and Tracy enjoy with Jared Anderson and Kelly Wilkerson. Think of the lessons they have learned through years of ministry. Write a list of how you can serve wherever God guides you. Also take time to understand the value and importance of worship for today’s culture. What thoughts from Jared and Kelly speak to you personally? How can you apply their wis...

Tracy and Chris were honored to have a conversation with Kelly Wilkerson and Jared Anderson. In this episode you will learn from the stories of Kelly and Jared. They both have made a positive difference in today’s culture. Listening to their history and how they have gone to where they are now, audiences can remember portions of their own stories. God guides each personal differently, but we can all learn from one another. Decades ...

In this episode of Next Step Leadership, Chris and Tracy continue their conversation with their friend Kristi Cain. She talks about the importance of books in spiritual discipleship and relational development. As you listen, think about what books have impacted your life. What did you learn from those books? How did those books challenge you, educate you, inspire you, transform you? What are some books you started reading but never...

Tracy and Chris interviewed Jamie Cain for a previous podcast episode. This week and next week, they offer their fantastic conversations with Jamie’s wife, Kristi Cain. As you hear her story of life and spiritual formation, think about your narrative. Let her journey remind you of key parts of your own adventure. Kristi has been involved academically, pastorally, and in writing and editing. She, Tracy, and Chris have all served in ...

Chris Maxwell and Tracy Reynolds continue their conversation with filmmaker, media consultant, speaker, and author Phil Cooke. In this episode, they continue focusing on Cooke’s new book, Church on Trial: How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission, and Reputation During a Crisis. Listen to Phil’s main points and his stories. This is not a simple, easy, humorous novel. He writes from experience about the word most people do not enjoy...