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 heart to God? About his calling into the ministry, his time of reluctance to obey that invitation to ministry and his eventual willingness to say yes? About his heart for missions and his obedience into local church leadership? About working through his deep wounds and feeling alone? As you process his story, think about where God has guided you in the past and where He is taking you in the present. Remember God’s love and refuse to attempt to endure life alone.

https://www.spphc.com/staff

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? What are you doing differently now because of what you heard? Chris and Tracy appreciate you listening and learning, and also you telling others about the podcast. Listen to this episode. Go back and hear some of the old ones again. Or listen for the first time to those you forgot to hear. Learn a few lessons, hear a few stories, take a few notes, and read a few books. Thanks for being a part of the Next Step Leadership family.

https://chrismaxwell.me/

https://www.ctracyreynolds.com/

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 wisdom? What can you help bring to today’s church as it relates to ministry, worship, discipleship, and global outreach? How can we live in the now and the not yet? How can we live in authenticity, not relying on the past or waiting for the future? How can we welcome heaven to earth? How can we be sure our motives are to glorify God? Remember you are invited to worship God and to bring your love for Him to the world. Enjoy your daily bread. Celebrate communion with your Creator.

https://www.1121worship.com/

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 of experience in worship, in ministry, and now serving at 11:21 Worship give Kelly and Jared many years of knowledge. A worship ministry of World Challenge, 11:21 Worship offers a wonderful opportunity to see how God is changing the world. Do not let yourself get in the way. Trust God. Believe He knows what He is calling you to do. Realize what tends to block you. Move forward and say yes to God's invitation.

https://www.1121worship.com/

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 finished? Should you dive back into those books? Put together a list of books from the past which made your life better and a list of books you should read this year. Make the decision to welcome a lifetime of learning as you lead.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bring-me-my-books/id1722072162

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 spiritual life at Emmanuel University. Kristi offers positive stories from church upbringing, raising children, personal growth, and finding hope in a world of questions and wounds. She learned much from her parents and from others who have mentored her. Take time to gain truth from Kristi’s story.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bring-me-my-books/id1722072162

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—crisis. That word “crisis” is not on a leader’s list of goals and dreams. But it can become a reality for all leaders. And, all leaders should learn from Phil to protect a congregation, a mission, and a reputation during difficult circumstances.

https://www.philcooke.com/

Tracy and Chris enjoyed having Phil Cooke in two previous episodes of Next Step Leadership, so they invited him back for more conversations. Phil continues helping churches, ministries, and businesses gain a better grasp of marketing and care in today’s culture. As a filmmaker, media consultant, speaker, and author, Phil brings a vast array of research to guide leaders in planning and application. Phil’s latest book—Church on Trial: How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission, and Reputation During a Crisis—is the perfect fit for this podcast. Listen and learn from Phil’s honesty. Read his book. Apply the guidelines, putting yourself and your team in safer places.

https://www.philcooke.com/