Next Step Leadership-logo

Next Step Leadership

Religion & Spirituality Podcas

Next Step Leadership is a podcast dedicated to helping you make your next step your best step. Your next step could very well determine the trajectory or direction of your life. Where we step, how we step, and when we step are all vital considerations for your next step. Chris Maxwell and Tracy Reynolds combine decades of experience in ministry, higher education, writing, music, leading organizations, and developing teams to inspire you to aspire in life one step at a time. We desire to assist you in making your next step your very best step.

Location:

United States

Description:

Next Step Leadership is a podcast dedicated to helping you make your next step your best step. Your next step could very well determine the trajectory or direction of your life. Where we step, how we step, and when we step are all vital considerations for your next step. Chris Maxwell and Tracy Reynolds combine decades of experience in ministry, higher education, writing, music, leading organizations, and developing teams to inspire you to aspire in life one step at a time. We desire to assist you in making your next step your very best step.

Language:

English

Contact:

6782273314


Episodes

Interview with Beth and Eddie Taylor, Part 1 - Season 4, Episode 3

3/14/2024
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/

Duration:00:23:34

Interview with Peter Greer, Part 2 - Season 4, Episode 2

3/7/2024
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/

Duration:00:24:07

Interview with Peter Greer, Part 1 - Season 4, Episode 1

2/29/2024
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/

Duration:00:22:23

Interview with Jon Shabaglian, Part 2 - Season 3, Episode 52

2/22/2024
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/

Duration:00:23:27

Interview with Jon Shabaglian, Part 1 - Season 3, Episode 51

2/15/2024
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/

Duration:00:23:19

Interview with Seana Scott, Part 2 - Season 3, Episode 50

2/8/2024
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

Duration:00:21:29

Interview with Seana Scott, Part 1 - Season 3, Episode 49

2/1/2024
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

Duration:00:24:04

Interview with Bill Schwartz, Part 2 - Season 3, Episode 48

1/25/2024
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.

Duration:00:24:08

Interview with Bill Schwartz, Part 1 - Season 3, Episode 47

1/18/2024
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.

Duration:00:23:22

Interview with Sergio Castro, Part 2 - Season 3, Episode 46

1/11/2024
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

Duration:00:23:25

Interview with Sergio Castro, Part 1 - Season 3, Episode 45

1/4/2024
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

Duration:00:23:12

Interview with David Cooper, Part 2 - Season 3, Episode 44

12/28/2023
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/

Duration:00:22:16

Interview with David Cooper, Part 1 - Season 3, Episode 43

12/21/2023
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/

Duration:00:22:33

Interview with Terry A. Smith, Part 2 - Season 3, Episode 42

12/14/2023
In their second conversation with pastor and author Terry A. Smith, Tracy and Chris continue a fascinating dialogue. Pastor Smith offers deep insight from his years of leadership and his creative mind. Smith’s book, The Hospitable Leader, provides practical ways for today’s leaders to set biblical examples in this modern culture. Yes, every pastor and teacher and follower of Jesus needs to read that book. His latest book, The Lord Bless You: A 28-Day Journey to Experience God’s Extravagant Blessings, is another wonderful fit for every believer. We often lead controlled by worry. We often rush ahead to achieve goals while overwhelmed by negatives. As Terry reminds us, God has sent His blessings our way. Let us not forget them. Let us receive them. Listen to the podcast, read Pastor Smith’s books, share his message, be a hospitable leader, and live in the blessings of God. https://www.terryasmith.com/ Terry's books: The Lord Bless You - https://www.amazon.com/Lord-Bless-You-Experience-Extravagant/dp/0800762827/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= The Hospitable Leader - https://www.amazon.com/Hospitable-Leader-Create-Environments-Flourish/dp/B07KPPRH8R/ref=sr_1_3?crid=78A3SED3ZM3K&keywords=Terry+A+SMith&qid=1701951609&s=books&sprefix=terry+a+smit%2Cstripbooks%2C250&sr=1-3 Live Ten - https://www.amazon.com/Live-Ten-Jump-Start-Best-Version-ebook/dp/B00C5QA5TI/ref=sr_1_5?crid=78A3SED3ZM3K&keywords=Terry+A+SMith&qid=1701951609&s=books&sprefix=terry+a+smit%2Cstripbooks%2C250&sr=1-5

Duration:00:24:20

Interview with Terry A. Smith, Part 1 - Season 3, Episode 41

12/7/2023
Tracy and Chris were honored to have a wonderful conversation with pastor and author Terry A. Smith. Terry offers insight for leaders in church, business, and community. Through his years of pastoral leadership, Terry has guided his congregation and his culture to deep care and genuine service. Listen to this episode of Next Step Leadership. Invite your team, your church, and your friends to hear his thoughts and to read Terry’s books. As you hear and read his words, apply what you learn. His heart is genuine. His wisdom is deep. His leadership can guide us all toward making a positive difference in today’s world. His latest book is The Lord Bless You: A 28-Day Journey to Experience God's Extravagant Blessings. https://www.terryasmith.com/ Terry's books: The Lord Bless You - https://www.amazon.com/Lord-Bless-You-Experience-Extravagant/dp/0800762827/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= The Hospitable Leader - https://www.amazon.com/Hospitable-Leader-Create-Environments-Flourish/dp/B07KPPRH8R/ref=sr_1_3?crid=78A3SED3ZM3K&keywords=Terry+A+SMith&qid=1701951609&s=books&sprefix=terry+a+smit%2Cstripbooks%2C250&sr=1-3 Live Ten - https://www.amazon.com/Live-Ten-Jump-Start-Best-Version-ebook/dp/B00C5QA5TI/ref=sr_1_5?crid=78A3SED3ZM3K&keywords=Terry+A+SMith&qid=1701951609&s=books&sprefix=terry+a+smit%2Cstripbooks%2C250&sr=1-5

Duration:00:22:02

Interview with Brian Burgess, Part 2 - Season 3, Episode 40

11/30/2023
This episode of Next Step Leadership continues the story of Pastor Brian Burgess. Chris Maxwell and Tracy Reynolds could have chosen to just focus on vision and mission, letting Brian offer his insight. He could have told success stories and offered guidance for today’s leaders. But life isn’t easy. Ministry is hard. Leadership carries deep wounds. Brian tells his story about that weight. How has it affected him? What has he learned? Why has he resigned from pastoring? How can he pursue health? How should other leaders learn from him? Are you tired? Is it okay for a dream to die? Is it time for a sabbatical? Who should you talk to?

Duration:00:29:58

Interview with Brian Burgess, Part 1 - Season 3, Episode 39

11/23/2023
Pastor Brian Burgess brings another timely story to Next Step Leadership. Tracy and Chris invite you to listen to Brian’s story and to learn lessons from his narrative. Brian knows about leading and pastoring. He knows about family and modern trends. He knows about stress and burnout. Brian brings his authentic heart as he talks about how much he has learned through his life—his days of playing music, of falling in love with Jesus, of attending college, of serving in ministry. Let his story speak to you and your team. How can you be a genuine leader like the one who led Brian? How can you encounter Jesus in a real way? How can you take the right steps for your own life of leading and serving?

Duration:00:22:51

Interview with Shell Osbon, Part 2 - Season 3, Episode 38

11/16/2023
This episode of Next Step Leadership continues the conversation with Tracy Reynolds, Chris Maxwell, and their guest Pastor Shell Osbon. He tells more stories from his book “It’s Not Good for Leaders to Lead Alone.” The title of his book is a perfect fit for what Chris and Tracy want each listener to always remember. We need one another. We aren’t to lead in isolation. We must grasp the value of leading together. Pastor Osbon‘s book applies to many settings—churches and businesses and communities. Secondary leaders can learn better principles for serving their primary leaders. Any organization would benefit from this book. Welcome this episode’s words from Pastor Osbon. https://lifechurchsmyrna.com/ourpastor Twitter - @shellosbon Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1940197694/ref=cm_sw_r_api_i_9PNMSWVAKDDQZP1STY3T_0

Duration:00:24:07

Interview with Shell Osbon, Part 1 - Season 3, Episode 37

11/9/2023
Pastor Shell Osbon is this week’s guest in Next Step Leadership. Chris and Tracy believe all the listeners will love hearing Shell’s story. He is a lead pastor and has recently written a leadership book which is the perfect fit for this podcast’s audience, “It’s Not Good for Leaders to Lead Alone.” As Pastor Osbon tells his story, listen and think about what lessons you can learn in your role. Pastor Osbon’s testimony should encourage each of us. God met him and called him to serve in ministry. Through family and sports and church, he has learned endurance. What about you? What can we do to help others? How can we make a positive difference? https://lifechurchsmyrna.com/ourpastor Twitter - @shellosbon Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1940197694/ref=cm_sw_r_api_i_9PNMSWVAKDDQZP1STY3T_0

Duration:00:23:37

Interview with Dan Reiland, Part 2 - Season 3, Episode 36

11/2/2023
In this episode, Chris and Tracy continue a great conversation with Dan Reiland. Through his writing and mentoring, Dan brings a variety of practices to guide new and established leaders. Dan offers Scripture and experience, providing wisdom so needed in this season. Prayer is another area Dan discusses. How can today’s leaders pursue the life of a child of God? Relationships must be placed over routine. Spiritual growth comes from time spent with our True Leader. Receive Dan’s dedication and his guidance. Read his books. Lead like Jesus. https://danreiland.com/ Joshua's Men Resources - FREE! https://resources.12stone.church/resource/15117

Duration:00:24:01