Next Step Leadership

Pastor Steve Ely continues as the guest in this episode of Next Step Leadership with Tracy Reynolds and Chris Maxwell. As mentioned last week, Steve serves as the Director of Clergy Development for the International Pentecostal Holiness Church. He’s also the author of Climate Change, a book about the climate of today’s Christianity. In this conversation Steve tells the story of his own healing process from the stress, tension, and pressure of life in leadership and ministry. His heart attack almost ended his life. He lived, but it forced him to take a sabbatical, see a counselor, and make major decisions. He had been internalizing perfectionism and the pressure of ministry. He had to come out of his isolation and pursue healthy relationships. Isolation is the number one factor causing ministers to seek leaving the ministry. Listen to Steve’s honesty. Read his book. Seek help. Now is the time to seek help. Climate Change book - https://www.amazon.com/Climate-Change-Calming-Lifes-Storms/dp/1960024345/ IPHC Clergy Development - http://phpastor.org/

Chris Maxwell and Tracy Reynolds enjoyed their conversation with Steve Ely. Steve is the Director of Clergy Development for the International Pentecostal Holiness Church. He has pastored a local congregation and served in various roles of ministry through the years. In his present position, Steve hopes to offer care and encouragement to clergy across the IPHC fellowship. Steve is also an author. His new book is titled Climate Change. Steve hopes to change today’s life climate by caring for ministers and helping them become better in their vocation. What about you? Do you need a climate change? Do you feel like you’ve done all you can do? Are you unsure about how you can make a difference? Listen to Steve Ely’s heart as he tells his story revealing what God has done in his life and why his present role is so vital in these days of leadership stress and pressure. Climate Change book - https://www.amazon.com/Climate-Change-Calming-Lifes-Storms/dp/1960024345/ IPHC Clergy Development - http://phpastor.org/

This is the second episode of Chris and Tracy’s conversation with Steve Spillman of True Potential. What has God called you to say? How does He want you to tell others your story? How can you help others discover God’s love? Steve offers great wisdom for how to get stories to others. He talks about the latest books by Chris and Tracy, “Equilibrium” and “Second Chair Leadership.” He believes we can take time to read books which can make our lives much better. He also believes our words can make the lives of many others much better. What are ways we can work in today’s media to reach today’s audiences? Steve helps answer that question and many others. Listen and be a good steward of telling your story. Be a true steward of God’s story. Share your message with the world. https://www.truepotentialmedia.com/about/

Have you ever wanted to write a book? Is your story important? Will anyone want to read your story? How can you write and publish a book? Many of today’s leaders are asking those questions and thinking about those possibilities. Tracy Reynolds wrote his first book last year. Chris Maxwell‘s 12th book will be coming out later this year. Their publisher Steve Spillman is this week’s guest on Next Step Leadership. He has learned much through the years about ways to get stories out to others. In this episode, he tells his story. Listen and learn why Steve does what he does helping leaders write and publish their stories. Realize more about what God wants you to do as you serve in leadership. https://www.truepotentialmedia.com/about/

Beth Erwin is again the guest for Tracy and Chris in the Next Step Leadership podcast. In this episode, they talk more about the amazing message of Beth’s book Wander No More: Stepping Out of the Wilderness Into Abundant Life. Bad things do happen. Life isn’t always easy. People often distance themselves from God’s love and joy. But we all have a purpose. God does have huge plans. The abundant life is for us. Where are you in your story? Think about those you lead. Where are they in their stories? Take steps. Take the right steps. Believe and live and share the gospel. Many Beths will be changed by your servant leadership. https://www.amazon.com/Wander-No-More-Stepping-Wilderness/dp/B0CN5TSCG5

In this episode of Next Step Leadership, Chris and Tracy talk with Beth Erwin. Beth’s book is Wander No More: Stepping Out of the Wilderness Into Abundant Life. She tells her story of a life with many seasons. Coming from a background of pain and sadness to now leading a ministry of healing, Beth offers assurance for those who face difficulties. Her battles and uncertainty seemed impossible. But God did His work in her life. Beth is now serving the Lord who rescued her. Think about those who are around you, living lives similar to what Beth endured. Offer them hope. Show them the love of Jesus. Inspire them to step out of the wilderness and into abundant life. Encourage them to wander no more. https://www.amazon.com/Wander-No-More-Stepping-Wilderness/dp/B0CN5TSCG5

This episode of Next Step Leadership Podcast continues the conversation Tracy Reynolds and Chris Maxwell have with Eddie and Beth Taylor. The Taylors are spending time pouring into the leadership of churches during these difficult seasons. Instead of being defeated by church conflict and division or an anti-church culture, they believe we can walk in joy globally. Through the books and resources they’ve written, the Taylors help people study God’s word. Rather than settling with church entertainment, it is time for followers of Christ to be disciples who study, learn, pray, grow, and develop. Let this episode inspire you to go deeper in your own spiritual growth. Ask yourself important questions. Who are you helping train and develop? What are you providing so young followers of Christ can learn? Are you living with the joy of the Lord as your strength? These difficult days are wonderful opportunities for each of us to serve toward the building of the kingdom. https://www.taylorministry.com/

People love to listen to stories. Don’t you? As leaders, we all understand the power of narratives. In this episode of Next Step Leadership, Eddie and Beth Taylor tell us their stories. Listen to how God has guided their journeys related to becoming followers of Jesus, marriage, family, their calling into ministry, years of pastoring a local church, and obeying God to start a new ministry. Learn how they have worked together to serve as true followers of Jesus. Think about where you are in your journey. Are you willing to go wherever God directs you? If not, what is stopping you? Not every church planting is successful. Risks aren’t simple. Failure can be a friend. Ambitions must shift in total surrender to God. Ministry shouldn’t be all we do — it should be a part of life. Have faith but don’t deny facts. Seek help. Seeing qualified counselors can help leaders work through their hurts. Remember that He who has called you will guide you. He will not leave you. Eddie and Beth Taylor set an example of how a couple can serve together. Let us learn from their example. https://www.taylorministry.com/

This week’s episode of Next Step Leadership continues the conversation with Peter Greer. Tracy and Chris were honored to listen to Peter and learn from his story. Mission work doesn’t always need to be done the same way it has always been done. New opportunities are all around us. What is microbusiness? Why is it important? How can we do more than has been done in the past? How does God want to move us from arguments and division to unity and partnerships? How do our decisions follow through on what our God of abundance is instructing us to do? Peter Greer and his ministry are making a global difference. His books offer insight every follower of Christ should learn from. He challenges leaders toward collaboration, partnership, teamwork, practical service, deep learning, and biblical compassion. We need those in these times. Listen and learn from Peter Greer. https://www.peterkgreer.com/ https://www.peterkgreer.com/books/

It is time for Season Four of Next Step Leadership Podcast with Tracy Reynolds and Chris Maxwell. Isn’t that hard to believe? Each episode offers audiences a chance to gain information and inspiration. And this week’s podcast is one of the best in all the previous three seasons. Peter Greer, author and President & CEO of Hope International, is the Next Step Leadership guest you do not want to miss. Peter’s wisdom and compassion offer the example fitting in today’s culture. His heart cares deeply for those often forgotten. His intellect brings a perspective desperately needed. Listen to Peter’s story – his life as a preacher’s kid, his personal spiritual journey, and why he does what he does. Think about ways you can learn from Hope International and carry that type of leadership through your own life. https://www.peterkgreer.com/ https://www.peterkgreer.com/books/

Jon Shabaglian continues telling his story to Tracy and Chris in this episode of Next Step Leadership. Jon knows about pain, about difficulty, about reconciliation, about praise, about intercession. He offers his insight to us, believing God is calling us all deeper into His presence and into healthy relationships with many others from many places. Jon's music needs to be heard. His ministry needs to be noticed. His training needs to be welcomed. God is calling today’s leaders to join the world of psalmists. Listen to his stories of international conflict and relational restoration. Listen to his stories about prayer vigils and supernatural impact. Listen to his stories about warfare and forgiveness. God cooks slowly, but we should welcome His pace. Look at the biblical characters God used to change the world and remember how God truly works. Learn how you can raise an army to push back darkness and join the victory. Celebrate with the team where God has placed you. https://www.jonshabaglian.com/ https://www.psalmistmission.org/

In this week’s episode of Next Step Leadership, Chris Maxwell and Tracy Reynolds interview Jon Shabaglian. Jon is a recording artist, singer, songwriter, and minister seeking to bring God’s hands and people’s hands together. God continues creating psalmists, Jon believes. He tells his story of international influence, family trauma, musical styles, historical genocide, loving enemies, and the deep calling to guide every nation toward worship. In our limited views of leadership, we need to learn from story tellers and leaders like Jon. He cares. He prays. He trains others. Whatever the role as pastor or leader, remember your history. Remember God’s story in the middle of your narrative. How can you learn from other tribes in worship, in intercession, in teamwork, and in forgiveness? How can you go deeper into a life of intercession? Jon’s honesty helps you answer those questions. https://www.jonshabaglian.com/ https://www.psalmistmission.org/

Seana Scott continues her conversation with Tracy Reynolds and Chris Maxwell in this episode of Next Step Leadership. She talks about those people who helped her come to know Jesus and also the need for people to mentor her in that spiritual journey. She is now seeking to be there for those needing the right type of spiritual mentors. Through her writing and teaching, Seana encourages her audience to connect with a local church. As audiences learn from her online, she emphasizes the need they each have for relational discipleship. In cultural Christianity, discipleship is missing. She seeks to change that. She hopes all of us can emphasize that better. The example is for those who make disciples to make disciples who will make disciples—the ongoing journey where followers grow and bring others with them. Hear her wisdom. Apply that to your life. Know what Jesus wants you to do. Finish the work. You can make a difference. One disciple at a time. https://shereadstruth.com/author/seanascott

Tracy and Chris loved their conversation with Seana Scott. They believe you will also. Seana is a biblical teacher and writer. She brings a wonderful perspective on spiritual growth and development. As in most of the first episodes with their guests, Tracy and Chris ask Seana to tell her story. Though she did not grow up in a Christian home, she was always attracted to spiritual issues. Her journey has revealed her a reality beyond her reality, as her curiosity lured her toward God’s love. Now as a follower of Jesus, Seana seeks to refresh the souls of others. You can hear that in her voice and her stories. She values education and community, inviting all of today’s leaders to join her in this journey. Listen to her story. Think about your story and the stories of those you lead. https://shereadstruth.com/author/seanascott

Tracy and Chris are honored to continue their dialogue with missionary, pastor, and leader Bill Schwartz. As Bill reminds us, there will be distractions in life. But he encourages us to have a life statement reminding us that we should “live to make a difference.” He and his family seek to do that. He invites us all to say yes to that invitation. So, how does Bill and his ministry reach that goal? He builds people and organizations to help people define who they are. If we don’t define ourselves, others will define us. Because of that, evaluate your giftings and your desires, consult with spiritual leaders, and remember that intimacy with God needs to be intentional. It helps to write those things down and focus on who you are. Bill senses the importance of these three things: making disciples, training leaders, and planting churches. Listen in and define success correctly. Allow your definition of success to be obedience to God.

Chris Maxwell and Tracy Reynolds hope you take time to listen to each podcast. But they want to be sure you do not miss their conversations with missionary, pastor, and leader Bill Schwartz. In this episode you will learn from Bill’s life story. His narrative reminds the audience that there can be deep pain in our stories and clouds over our lives. Jesus, however, brings hope in the middle of difficulty. Bill and his family have received God’s hope and they now serve globally to share that hope with multitudes of people. Like Bill, you have a reason to be here. And like Bill, you can make a great difference as you lead through mentoring, consulting wise counsel, and refusing to do life alone. He believes isolation is a dangerous place, but God and others can help us through grief, uncertainty, and living in obedience to our callings. Enjoy his story. Receive God’s invitation for this next chapter of your own story.

In this episode of Next Step Leadership, Tracy Reynolds and Chris Maxwell continue their inspiring chat with Sergio Castro. Sergio, his wife and children now live in North Carolina, after years in the nation of Columbia. Sergio displays authentic, humble, caring leadership. Serving now at Living Hope Church, Sergio still helps lead a network of churches he pastors in Columbia. Listen to the influence others have had in his life. Hear his heart for God and people. Welcome the same invitation in your own life Sergio has received in his life. God is taking you right where He wants you to serve. Are you willing to say yes? Are you welcoming His invitation? People are waiting for you. Let Sergio Castro’s story and his wisdom challenge you to notice God’s stepping stones. Do not miss the opportunities. Your gifts are important. They are needed. Do not get so enslaved by the processes that you miss the importance of caring for people. https://livinghopelenoir.com/media/wc5qkgw/good-soil-abundant-harvest

Chris and Tracy loved their conversation with Sergio Castro. They spent time with Sergio as he moved from the nation of Columbia as a preacher’s kid and attended college at Emmanuel University. Sergio and his wife have served in ministry in Columbia since graduating from Emmanuel, and they now live in North Carolina where Sergio is on staff at Living Hope Church. This episode offers a wonderful example of how dedication, commitment, and faith allow God to help His children become people they never expected to go. “How did I get here?” is a question Sergio often asks. He has learned that it is only through God’s grace. He worked through initial reluctance to pursue ministry, and his obedience and faith have opened many doors. He received God’s challenge to study deeply. As you listen, think of those areas God has gifted you and is calling you. Work through your reluctance. Welcome the right people to walk with you. Study deeply. Learn well. Love people. And believe God will do the impossible. https://livinghopelenoir.com/media/wc5qkgw/good-soil-abundant-harvest

Chris and Tracy continue their conversation with Pastor David Cooper. As you listen to Pastor Cooper’s decades of wisdom and insight, take notes. His ideas are thoughts needed for today’s leaders. Pastor Cooper loves and lives the values of preaching God’s word, having a deep walk with Jesus, working to reach people for the Kingdom, and guiding the church toward the cross. David has written worship songs and reminds us all that God is a musician. Writing worship songs was therapy to Pastor Cooper during a difficult season. His songs and stories can become therapy to each of us. He hopes to continue drawing nearer to Jesus—and inviting others to go with him. He would rather have Jesus than anything else or anyone else. Lead by letting Jesus be your deep desire. https://www.pastordavidcooper.com/

David Cooper is a true leader. Through his years of pastoring, playing music, writing, and speaking, many followers have learned how to take the right steps through Pastor Cooper’s guidance. Tracy Reynolds and Chris Maxwell were honored to spend time with him. Pastor Cooper is the lead pastor of Mount Paran Church near Atlanta, which has over 13,000 excited and passionate members committed to the cause of Christ. Tracy and David have played music together, and loved talking about how teamwork is crucial for today’s leaders. Pastor Cooper is known as an excellent preacher—a gift so often forgotten when we push so hard for other leadership skills. His fascinating memory, his artistic skills, and his deep heart for Jesus bring the information we need. Listen to David’s wisdom and seek ways to learn from him. https://www.pastordavidcooper.com/