Next Step Leadership

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...

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 s...

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 th...

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 thi...

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...

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...

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 G...

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...

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 wo...

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 travele...

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 th...

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...

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 rath...

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 normal...

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 a...

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 st...

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 M...

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 h...

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...

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...

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 ep...

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 pers...

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 a...

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...

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, T...