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, and on the leadership team for IPHC youth. This episode offers both encouragement and perspective on how God shapes leaders through story, family, and faithful service.

https://www.ccrdc.org/meet-the-team

https://iphc.org/discipleship/our-team/

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 Christian leaders to interpret the cultural landscape with wisdom, compassion, and biblical truth—so they can guide others toward spiritual formation in Christ. This episode offers both practical insight and hope for navigating ministry in a complex world.

https://www.americanbible.org/the-mission/leadership/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnplake/

https://x.com/johnfplake

https://www.amazon.com/Missionary-Expatriate-Effectiveness-Competencies-Missionaries/dp/9004313818/ref=sr_1_1?crid=20J9341IW9URP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.f_KlDuBrPkFNli_9v3VeQg.Y9EkCgabou2X_lvJXm64CM1eljM3LExYbic6yOX-JgA&dib_tag=se&keywords=john+plake&qid=1759573391&s=books&sprefix=john+plake%2Cstripbooks%2C96&sr=1-1

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 closes with a crucial turn: John unpacks current cultural realities and what people today actually believe about life, faith, and Scripture. His insights as editor-in-chief of the annual State of the Bible research offers a wake-up call for leaders seeking to shepherd well in a rapidly changing world.

https://www.americanbible.org/the-mission/leadership/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnplake/

https://x.com/johnfplake

https://www.amazon.com/Missionary-Expatriate-Effectiveness-Competencies-Missionaries/dp/9004313818/ref=sr_1_1?crid=20J9341IW9URP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.f_KlDuBrPkFNli_9v3VeQg.Y9EkCgabou2X_lvJXm64CM1eljM3LExYbic6yOX-JgA&dib_tag=se&keywords=john+plake&qid=1759573391&s=books&sprefix=john+plake%2Cstripbooks%2C96&sr=1-1

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

Sacred Space book - https://www.mtccounseling.com/thescaredspace

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 greater.

https://www.mtccounseling.com/about-us

Sacred Space book - https://www.mtccounseling.com/thescaredspace

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 faithfully, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone.

https://chrismaxwell.me/

Second Chair Leadership - Tracy Reynolds' book

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, even in the chapters that feel unfinished.

https://reflection.church/leadership

Sermons - https://reflection.church/sermons

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 invite us to reflect on our own journeys and remember: God is with us, too.

https://reflection.church/leadership

Sermons - https://reflection.church/sermons

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 today?

https://grichardhoard.com/

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—your story matters too.

https://grichardhoard.com/