Next Step Leadership

Episode 2 — Todd Korpi / AI Goes to Church: Wisdom for a Digital Age  In this insightful and highly practical episode, Tracy Reynolds and Chris Maxwell dive with Todd Korpi into the central ideas of his book, AI Goes to Church: Pastoral Wisdom for Artificial Intelligence . Todd unpacks the opportunities, challenges, and ethical considerations facing today’s church leaders as AI becomes part of eve...

Episode 1 — Todd Korpi / AI Goes to Church: Wisdom for a Digital Age  Learn in this episode about a leader’s journey and why the church must talk about artificial intelligence. Chris and Tracy begin their two-part series with Todd Korpi by exploring his story—his spiritual journey, his ministry path, and the moments that drew him into the world of technology, culture, and pastoral leadership. Todd...

Episode 2 — Wisdom for the Next Generation with David Richardson In this second conversation with David Richardson, Tracy and Chris turn toward the lessons learned over a lifetime of faithful ministry. David speaks candidly about endurance, emotional health, humility, and the evolving landscape of pastoral leadership. He offers guidance for young pastors, encouragement for weary leaders, and insig...

Episode 1 — The Story Behind the Leader with David Richardson In the first of two episodes with Pastor David Richardson, Chris and Tracy guide listeners through an intimate and heartfelt conversation about David’s life story. David reflects on the people, places, and experiences that shaped his calling; the joys and heartbreaks of ministry; and how God has used seasons of struggle to form depth, c...

The dialogue continues in Part 2 as Chris and Tracy go deeper with Mary DeMuth into the heart of her work. Together they explore specific themes from her books, each one offering wisdom for today’s leaders—regardless of age, background, or personal story. Mary not only shares lessons from her life and writing, but also highlights the central role of prayer in everything she does. As a writer, lite...

In this inspiring first conversation, hosts Chris Maxwell and Tracy Reynolds welcome Mary DeMuth—author, literary agent, podcaster, and storyteller. Chris shares how he first heard Mary speak at a conference, began reading her books, and eventually started communicating with her. Those conversations, along with the impact of her writing, led him to invite Mary to Next Step Leadership. In this epis...

The conversation with Stephen Jones continues as he and the hosts turn their attention more fully to ministry itself. Stephen reflects on his years of leading and mentoring young people, offering practical wisdom for anyone serving the next generation. His insights go beyond strategies, reminding leaders of the importance of caring for themselves spiritually and emotionally while they pour into ot...

In this heartfelt episode, Tracy Reynolds and Chris Maxwell sit down with their longtime friend Stephen Jones, a leader who has dedicated his life to showing God’s love to the younger generation. Stephen shares his personal testimony, weaving in stories about his family and the faithfulness of God through their journey. The conversation highlights how his calling has unfolded over the years, leadi...

In the second part of the conversation, Tracy Reynolds and Chris Maxwell dive deeper with Dr. John Plake into the urgent cultural questions raised at the end of Part 1. As editor-in-chief of the annual State of the Bible research, John brings clarity to what people really believe in today’s society and how those beliefs are shaping the church. More than statistics, his reflections highlight the im...

In this first conversation, Tracy Reynolds and Chris Maxwell welcome Dr. John Farquhar Plake, Chief Innovation Officer at the American Bible Society. John begins by sharing his personal journey—more than three decades of ministry as a pastor, missionary, professor, and researcher—and how those experiences shaped his calling to connect research with ministry. Listeners hear about his heart for inno...

In the second part of their conversation with Monte Drenner, Tracy and Chris continue exploring the practical ways faith brings strength and resilience. Monte offers wisdom for leaders, pastors, and anyone walking through hard times. His words are gentle but direct—acknowledging the struggles of life while pointing toward God’s peace. This episode is more than an interview; it’s an invitation to p...

Counselor, life coach, and author Monte Drenner joins Tracy and Chris for a meaningful discussion about hope and healing. In this first episode, Monte shares his story and his calling to walk alongside people in their struggles. He talks about the realities pastors and leaders face today—the long journeys, the deep pain, the hidden disappointments—and how faith offers peace in the midst of it all....

Most weeks, Next Step Leadership features a guest. But this time, it’s just Tracy Reynolds and Chris Maxwell talking together. Their conversation is refreshingly honest—about vocational ministry, about writing books, and about the ongoing purpose behind serving God and people. They share lessons learned and lessons still being learned. Listening to them feels like sitting with two friends who care...

The conversation with Ben Crisp continues as he talks more openly about the challenges he and his wife have faced—especially walking through a season of deep disappointment. Tracy and Chris draw out his honest reflections on trusting God when life doesn’t go as planned, and on learning how faith holds us steady through the unknown. Ben’s story is not just about ministry; it’s about living with res...

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...

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? Ho...

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...

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...

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 inv...

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...

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 co...

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 a...

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 mu...

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 carri...

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 surgeri...