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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.
252 Episodes
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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, compassion, and resilience in his leadership. This episode is warm, personal, and rich with authen...
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, literary agent, and gifted storyteller, she invites listeners to engage with her words, join her in p...
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 episode, Mary tells her story—what shaped her life, how she began writing, and the ways God has guide...
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 others. With a balance of passion and humility, Stephen provides a clear picture of what effective ...
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, leading him into ministry with youth at the local church level, in denominational conference settings,...
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 importance of leaders listening closely to the people they serve. He challenges pastors and Christi...
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 innovation, discipleship, and equipping leaders to understand how people grow in Christ. The episode ...
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 pause, to breathe, and to believe that healing is possible. https://www.mtccounseling.com/about-us...
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. Listening to Monte reminds us that even when the weight feels heavy, God’s hope and presence are...
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 enough to speak the truth in love. If you’ve ever needed encouragement to keep serving faithfull...
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 resilience, grace, and hope. As you listen, you’ll be encouraged to see God’s hand in your own story...
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 God has shaped his calling and sustained him through both joys and disappointments. His words in...
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? How might his principles apply to my own? And what new steps of faith is God calling me to take tod...
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 to share: stories that encourage, challenge, and inspire. So, listen. Pass it along. And remember...
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 where you live today. We need more young leaders like Brandon—caring for people, walking by true...
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 invest in others. You’ll hear not just information, but inspiration. This first part of the intervie...
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 years as a caregiver, her work as a therapist, and her role as a mom. Together, they explore how ...
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 conversation, Brianna reflects on how those years shaped her, how she learned to lead and care well...
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 apply to your own journey. https://www.facebook.com/terry.ross.712
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 music, ministry, and friendship. They’ve learned how true, enduring relationships help us navigate ...
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